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FAQ: What is a MACRO lens?
 
A true MACRO lens is a prime lens (non-zoom) that is designed to focus much closer to front of lens than a standard prime lens or zoom lens. A true MACRO lens can focus close enough to a subject to allow image capture the exact same size as subject. This is known as 1:1 magnification, or life-size. A MACRO lens can usually focus to infinity as well.

Another characteristic of a true MACRO lens is a flat-field of focus. Where standard and zoom lenses have fields of focus that curve similar to their front lens element, a MACRO lens is designed to focus on a flat tabletop (as an example) keeping focus on center of table (closest to lens) as well as keeping the corners in focus (farthest from lens).

Extension tubes are designed to increase the magnification factor of a MACRO lens, by allowing closer focus to front element of lens. Standard extension tube lengths are 12-mm, 20-mm, and 36-mm. Tubes can be used singly or in combination.

True macro is 1:1 or life-size, up to 10:1 or 10x life-size, usually with a macro lens. Viewing is called macroscopy. Image capture is properly called macrography.
True micro is 10:1 or 10x life-size, and higher, usually with a microscope or specialty lens. Viewing is called microscopy. Image capture is micrography.
Close-up is 1:4 or 1/4 life-size up to near 1:1 or near life-size, with a standard, zoom, or macro lens.
 
Last updated: Nov 29, 2011 17:18:59
 
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