ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

I’m looking at Macro lenses for my Fuji XT-1. I’m comparing the fuji 60 & 80 mm Macros.
The Fuji 60mm lists a max magnification of 0.5x https://www.dpreview.com/products/fujifilm/lenses/fujifilm_xf_60mm
Can anyone tell me what that means. I’m accustomed to 1:15 etc.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

Magnification, in the case of macro lenses, means the size of the image on the sensor as compared to the actual size of the subject.
0.5X means the image on the sensor, at minimum focus distance, will be 1/2 life size.
Regarding the 60 & 80mm lenses, generally speaking the longer the focal length the better, in my opinion.
Shorter focal lengths have shorter working distances which make for difficulty with lighting and scaring off insects you are trying to photograph.
If the 80mm does 1:1, that is the way I would go.
Good luck in your macro adventures.

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

Thank you for your quick response. The 80 mm is 1:1, but comes in at ~ $1,100. Currently I’m using a Tokinon 100 mm adapted Nikon mount. I’m probably staying it’s this set up.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I know what you mean, Sony has a 90mm f2.8 macro that I would like to have but it's $1100 too.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

In favoring the longer (but more expensive) macro lenses, I would suggest looking into an off-brand macro for your camera. I don't know your brand, but hopefully Tamron or some of the other quality lens makers have one for it. If that is the case, don't worry about the image quality. All of the macro lenses by the major manufacturers are excellent, with differences that won't be noticed by the human eye. Another option is a used lens, or an old model that is discontinued. They too will still be superb.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I agree with Mark. Third-Party Macro Lenses Compared at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-213504-1.html

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Same conundrum with me regarding the price. Love to have that 80mm but just cannot justify the price. I compromised and use the 60mm + the MCEX-16. Not quite 1:1. Here’s a SOOC Fuji jpeg.

(Download)

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Take a look at the Laowa 60mm f2.8 Super Macro which goes to 2:1. It also works at infinity so you can use it as a regular lens as well. I use it on my Fujifilm X-T20 and it works very well. I got mine in a Nikon F-mount and I bought a Fujifilm to Nikon mount adapter so that I can use it on both cameras. It retails for $399.00 so it's a bargain as far as true macro lenses go.

It is a metal lens and it is very well built and the focus ring is buttery smooth to dial in focus and so is the apterature ring. It is a manual lens which is really what is recommended for macro photography. When I use it with 68mm of extension tubes, I can get about a 4:1 ratio however the glass of the lens is extremely close to the subject at that point so lighting is challenge.