Rf 85mm macro lens: I see this lens is about to be released. This is only 1:2 not 1:1. I’ve not had a macro lens before, is this an issue?

margaretnewell

I see this lens is about to be released. This is only 1:2 not 1:1. I’ve not had a macro lens before, is this an issue?

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Just add an extension tube for 1:2 to 1:1

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

kymarto wrote:

Just add an extension tube for 1:2 to 1:1

That, and 1:2 doesn't have the narrow DOF issues of 1:1.

With gazillion MP cameras it is so easy to crop down to an effective 1:1.

That's not a purist's POV, but I much prefer using a 1:2 MICRO lens myself.

margaretnewell

Thanks for your response.

margaretnewell

Thanks for that.

bleirer

margaretnewell wrote:

I see this lens is about to be released. This is only 1:2 not 1:1. I’ve not had a macro lens before, is this an issue?

It will be good for flowers, but not for tiny things like insects. Something that is one inch in the world will be .5 inch on your sensor. Extension tubes can increase it a little but even 25mm of extension will only get you from the .5x you have to about .8x. A 1:1 macro will be 1x. Mostly just think of it as a short telephoto with a bit of close up capability.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I don't know anything about the RF 85mm macro, but based on the 1:2 size it is not actually what many would consider a Macro lens, it would make a great closeup lens and that is a really popular focal length for portrait lenses, and with the f/2 aperture that is wide enough to get those creamy backgrounds that make portraits nice.

bleirer

LWW wrote:

That, and 1:2 doesn't have the narrow DOF issues of 1:1.

With gazillion MP cameras it is so easy to crop down to an effective 1:1.

That's not a purist's POV, but I much prefer using a 1:2 MICRO lens myself.

I learned here recently that there is no free lunch as far as depth of field when it comes to shooting at 1:2 and cropping to make it look like 1:1. Apparently you take the same hit on depth of field either way.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

kymarto wrote:

Just add an extension tube for 1:2 to 1:1

Then you are saying no.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

margaretnewell wrote:

Thanks for your response.

Hey Maggie, when you are responding to a particular person, click on "quote reply" to answer that post. that way we will all know to whom you are responding.

margaretnewell

bleirer wrote:

It will be good for flowers, but not for tiny things like insects. Something that is one inch in the world will be .5 inch on your sensor. Extension tubes can increase it a little but even 25mm of extension will only get you from the .5x you have to about .8x. A 1:1 macro will be 1x. Mostly just think of it as a short telephoto with a bit of close up capability.

Thank you for your input. I will look for a 1:1 as I want the full macro effect.

margaretnewell

bleirer wrote:

I learned here recently that there is no free lunch as far as depth of field when it comes to shooting at 1:2 and cropping to make it look like 1:1. Apparently you take the same hit on depth of field either way.

Thank you for your input. I’ll look into getting a 1:1.

margaretnewell

Blurryeyed wrote:

I don't know anything about the RF 85mm macro, but based on the 1:2 size it is not actually what many would consider a Macro lens, it would make a great closeup lens and that is a really popular focal length for portrait lenses, and with the f/2 aperture that is wide enough to get those creamy backgrounds that make portraits nice.

Thank you for your input. I will look at getting a 1:1.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

margaretnewell wrote:

Thank you for your input. I will look for a 1:1 as I want the full macro effect.

That is, of course, your option ... but put zero value on autofocus on a 1:1 macro.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

margaretnewell wrote:

I see this lens is about to be released. This is only 1:2 not 1:1. I’ve not had a macro lens before, is this an issue?

Nice "short telephoto" lens, which may work well for you if you are not using it for small insects, bees but larger subjects like flowering plants. Nothing replaces a true 1:1 Macro, not even extension tubes. However, the price is usually quite a bit less as expected. Always a trade-off...

Cheers!