About Macro Photography
Get closer with a Macro Lens. Macro photography utilises macro lenses to take fascinating photos of tiny specimens, commonly insects, flora and fauna, organisms and other small hobby items. This ultra-close lens and photography style is the most advanced way to capture your subjects up close and see intimate details the human eye can’t. A macro lens has the ability to focus from infinity to 1:1 magnification which allows you to focus on objects closer than normal lenses would allow.
What is a Macro Lens Used For?
Macro Lenses make the art of close up photography possible with its magnifications ability to render tiny objects or details with outstanding detail. Think of capturing leaf patterns, raindrops or even tiny insects where the smallest of details become surreal landscapes.
Macro lenses are incredible for close up photography but are also very useful in portrait photography. With a moderately wide aperture and moderately long focal length, a macro lens can capture sharp and intimate portraits.
A wide-angle macro lens used for capturing really small subjects up close while still capturing the background. A wide-angle macro lens can create some interesting and vibrant shots unimaginable on other wide-angle lenses.
How to use a Macro Lens
Macro photography takes practice to get right. We’ve noted below several helpful tips and tricks to make sure you’re getting the most out of your macro lens.
Ensure Your Working Distance is Optimal
With macro photography, it’s important to get the working distance right. This is the distance between the front of the lens and the subject. Ideally, for close up macro photography, shooting 15cm away from the subject is ideal. Macro lens’ with the largest possible working distance is helpful to capture subjects like insects or small animals so they aren’t scared away. For this consider a lens with a focal length around 180mm or 200mm.
Staying Focussed
To capture crisp and vibrant macro photos, ensure the subject is clearly focused on. It can be difficult to focus with a macro lens as the slightest movements of hand or heartbeat can shift the subject from focus. For this reason, it can be useful to use a tripod or monopod. If you need to remain handheld, try keeping your macro lens fixed at a certain magnification. Then move the camera forwards and backwards until the image is sharp in the viewfinder and take the shot.
Light it Up!
Often macro lenses can struggle to get enough light. Use a strong flash and a diffuser to soften the light if possible. Also, play around with the exposure setting to ensure enough light comes through to capture a balanced shot.
Macro Lenses for Everyone
Pentax D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro
Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR Lens
The Pentax D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro has ultra-close focusing abilities with a telephoto lens. Boasting a weather-resistant construction, this high-quality lens delivers crisp, clear images from both macro and telephoto view. This lens is ideal for photographers wanting to capture full-size subject magnification and incredible depth of field control for small subjects. 100mm macro lenses as excellent for macro photography and can be also used for general purposes and portraits, making them a multi-purpose investment.
Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens
The Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM lens is designed for Canon mirrorless cameras. Built for travel, this lens is ideal to capture street, travel and food photography. With a fast aperture and 5-stop image stabilization, the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 lens will create crisp shots even in low light conditions.
Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens
Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens - GFX Series
For the professionals looking to advance their Macro Lens photography, the Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens is an easy choice. This premium lens offers macro-suited characteristics with the closest focus of 45cm and 1:2 maximum magnification. Perfect for on-the-go photography the lens is weather-sealed.
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a powerful macro lens that offers an unusually wide focal length of 50mm. Featuring a quick and reliable focus lock, this lens can quickly and accurately capture close up images. With a sturdy and compact build, the Sony FE 50mm is perfect to take on the go.
Ready to Invest in a Quality Macro Lens?
Macro lens photography is a great way to expand your photography skill set and take unique images. There is a macro lens suitable for everyone, from amateurs to professionals!
Take advantage of Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online and ask them which Macro Lens is right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy flat-rate delivery Australia wide, or check out our store locator to visit Camera House store near you.
If you're keen to learn more about macro photography, talk to our in house staff of learn more from the experts from our video below:
