E 30mm F3.5 Macro (SEL30M35): I've just taken a punt on ordering this Macro lens for my new NEX 5N: E 30mm F3.5 Macro (SEL30M35) I wont be getting it for a week or so, but would be...

Macfid Loc: Sydney

I've just taken a punt on ordering this Macro lens for my new NEX 5N: E 30mm F3.5 Macro (SEL30M35)

I wont be getting it for a week or so, but would be interested to get some knowledgable feedback on what I should expect capability-wise with this lens. Have I chosen wisely? Is it a true Macro lens? Is it a good foot in the door to entering this world?

I'm not really technically minded at this point so responses worded simply and succinctly would be great :)

Thinking about it... if anyone has any pics shot with this combination I'd be excited to seem them posted so's I can see what I could be aiming for.

Thanks for you help with this.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

The downside to a wide angle macro lens is the very short working distance to obtain 1:1 magnification (life-size). I expect the WD on a 30-mm macro lens is about 45-mm (1.8-inches) for true macro.

Macfid Loc: Sydney

That's exactly the kind of response I was looking for. Would you mind explaining the 'life-size' reference for me please. Given I'm new to this I don't quite understand in photography terms how that's defined. I suppose I'm wondering how that tranlates into a hugely magnified image given that it's described as 1:1 magnification.

Nikonian72 wrote:

The downside to a wide angle macro lens is the very short working distance to obtain 1:1 magnification (life-size). I expect the WD on a 30-mm macro lens is about 45-mm (1.8-inches) for true macro.

snowbear

1:1 (true macro) is when the image of an object on the sensor (or film frame) is the same size as the object in real life. Think of a photocopy without enlarging, or tracing the outline of a quarter onto paper.

Macfid Loc: Sydney

Thanks snowbear. So I'd be correct in thinking that while the image on the sensor is the same size as the object... the end shot would show great detail due to the end images dimensions being greatly expanded on he actual end photo produced? Sorry if I'm stating/checking the obvious... just getting the basics under my belt.

snowbear wrote:

1:1 (true macro) is when the image of an object on the sensor (or film frame) is the same size as the object in real life. Think of a photocopy without enlarging, or tracing the outline of a quarter onto paper.

snowbear

Yes, a print (or viewing the image on screen) will be much larger than the sensor so details should be good. I have been looking at some fantastic macro/close ups of jumping spiders and all of their eyes.

edit: Sorry for hijack, Douglass - I just got up a lot earlier than usual.

Macfid Loc: Sydney

Thanks snobear!

snowbear wrote:

Yes, a print (or viewing the image on screen) will be much larger than the sensor so details should be good. I have been looking at some fantastic macro/close ups of jumping spiders and all of their eyes.

edit: Sorry for hijack, Douglass - I just got up a lot earlier than usual.

Macfid Loc: Sydney

I suppose my next question should be: With my only other lens at this point being an SEL 18-200... should I have any expectation of real close up work with that. How close to Macro could I get with a lens like that. Is it possibel to do good close up work with a lens of that size. I apologize again if this is all a bit basic.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Macfid wrote:

Would you mind explaining the 'life-size' reference for me please.

Read this thread on UHH, especially my last 2 or 3 posts: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-34853-1.html

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here is our Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Forum. Four FAQs directly relate to macro-photography:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

Macfid Loc: Sydney

Thanks Nikonian72... I'll let you know how I go with the links.