35ml f2.8 macro lens? I was given today by my husband a 35ml f2.8 macro 1:1 lens, at least that is what it says on the box. However i have ventured into this part of UHH to read on how...

alycrom Loc: Aberdeen Scotland

I was given today by my husband a 35ml f2.8 macro 1:1 lens, at least that is what it says on the box. However i have ventured into this part of UHH to read on how i use this and i quickly discovered that a macro lens should be at least 100ml. Am i understanding this correct and is the brand spanking new birthday lens prending to be something that it is not?

I have never shot macro before and on trying out this lens i was able to get very close to the flower i was photographing but there is such a small areas of it in focus, i did try different aperatures, used a tripod, different shitter speeds etc or is it something to do with the 35ml?

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Macro lens come in many different focal lengths the only thing about the 35mm is at 1:1 the working distance is very close. Your 35mm Macro is a true macro as long as it goes to 1:1 they also have 60mm Macro,70mm Macro,90mm Macro,100mm and 105mm Macro,150mm and 180mm Macro and a 200mm Macro they all are true Macro just different working distance. The shorter the focal length the closer you will be to the subject at 1:1.

alycrom Loc: Aberdeen Scotland

Thank you Hangman, it is actually 30mm not 35ml like i said in a recent post my brain seems to be in a permanent blond moment with occasional flashes of clarity. So i shall carry on with my reading of macro photography and practise.

hangman45 wrote:

Macro lens come in many different focal lengths the only thing about the 35mm is at 1:1 the working distance is very close. Your 35mm Macro is a true macro as long as it goes to 1:1 they also have 60mm Macro,70mm Macro,90mm Macro,100mm and 105mm Macro,150mm and 180mm Macro and a 200mm Macro they all are true Macro just different working distance. The shorter the focal length the closer you will be to the subject at 1:1.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

alycrom wrote:

Thank you Hangman, it is actually 30mm not 35ml like i said in a recent post my brain seems to be in a permanent blond moment with occasional flashes of clarity. So i shall carry on with my reading of macro photography and practise.

Here are some pics with that lens

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=13096

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

FAQ: Why are there macro lenses of different focal lengths?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83141-1.html

alycrom Loc: Aberdeen Scotland

Thank you Nikonian, i had read that one but upon reading it agin it makes more sense, or they say around here 'the penny dropped'

Nikonian72 wrote:

FAQ: Why are there macro lenses of different focal lengths?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83141-1.html

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You should select a macro lens based on your intended subject. Small static subjects indoors can be nicely handled by a short macro lens. Outdoor, small living subjects need a bit more, medium length lens. Outdoor, active larger subjects require even more reach, which we call long macro lenses.

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

Thanks Nikonian. Your camera education truly was not wasted in your case.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Since you just got this lens today, I would check if you can return it if not pleased. Many photo stores, both online will do this. Then look at lenses with longer bodies. I think you would be better off with at least a 90mm to 105mm, I would also look into IS, VR or some type of stabilization. You can always turn it off when on a tripod. I use a Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM lens. It will focus at 11 inches, and can be used with extension tubes if I want to get closer.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Bill Emmett wrote:

Since you just got this lens today, I would check if you can return it if not pleased.

Not a bad suggestion. See if you can upgrade to a longer macro lens.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Bill Emmett wrote:

Since you just got this lens today, I would check if you can return it if not pleased. Many photo stores, both online will do this. Then look at lenses with longer bodies. I think you would be better off with at least a 90mm to 105mm, I would also look into IS, VR or some type of stabilization. You can always turn it off when on a tripod. I use a Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM lens. It will focus at 11 inches, and can be used with extension tubes if I want to get closer.

Since the lens listed is a Sony lens then IS is in body so any lens will be stabilized

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

hangman45 wrote:

Macro lens come in many different focal lengths the only thing about the 35mm is at 1:1 the working distance is very close. Your 35mm Macro is a true macro as long as it goes to 1:1 they also have 60mm Macro,70mm Macro,90mm Macro,100mm and 105mm Macro,150mm and 180mm Macro and a 200mm Macro they all are true Macro just different working distance. The shorter the focal length the closer you will be to the subject at 1:1.

You'll be pretty darn close @ 1:1. A lot depends on subject matter. My feeling is that it would be difficult to sneak up on a flying insect @ that working distance.

alycrom Loc: Aberdeen Scotland

yes you are all correct, i do have to get really close but so far i am avoiding insects as i do hate them but i am quite pleased with the results i have had with the lens so far. I might get some extension tubes and see how i get on with them.

thank you all for your replies :-)

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

alycrom wrote:

yes you are all correct, i do have to get really close but so far i am avoiding insects as i do hate them but i am quite pleased with the results i have had with the lens so far. I might get some extension tubes and see how i get on with them.

Insects or not, the problem with short macro lenses is the close Minimum Working Distance (MWD) required for 1:1 mag, which can cast a shadow on subject. With tubes, even closer MWD.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

You must be shooting Sony or Minolta, interesting lens, I will double as a great walk around prime... If I had a strong interest in Macro work I would consider the longer lens, not only do you get a much improved working distance, but you will also get better background blur, the shorter focal length the lens the more in focus the background will be.