RE: "Super" macro...Andy?

[Mark Lent <mlent@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A macro lens is a hybrid… It has the ability to focus more flatly than a conventional lens, but less than say, an enlarging lens. In fact, most people who are really, really serious about macro and micro work use an enlarging lens and a bellows.

 

Mark Lent

 

From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2010 4:12 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: "Super" macro...Andy?

 

Isn't a true "macro" lens also a "flat field lens"?  I was taught that a true macro was capable of maintaining focus across a flat object like a postage stamp or a photograph or anything  else that is flat.   So a macro lens is different than a macro focusing lens.  At least that what I was taught.....

Bob

On 9/13/2010 6:25 AM, Mark Lent wrote:

Hello all,

I am just kinda jumping into this conversation, but was reading what Dan

wrote below and am wondering if there's an operational definition of what

"macro" truly is in this thread... True "macro" isn't measured by the

distance from subject to lens, but rather how large the object is produced

on the film or sensor in comparison to real life. So, if the lens maker

states that the macro is 1:4, it means that the object is 1/4 life sized on

the sensor. So, 1:1 is life-sized (where the object is as big on the sensor

as it is in real-life...)and is "true" macro. If the object is larger than

real-life ("super" macro, I suppose...), say 2:1, it becomes micro.

If you want a greater magnification, a good macro lens (such as Nikon's

105mm "Micro") will do a great job and allows true 1:1 imaging. Beyond this,

a good set of extension tubes will work nicely to give you even greater

magnification.

Hope this helps a bit and that all of you have a great day!

Mark Len