Get the knowledge
What’s macro and what isn’t?
The traditional meaning of a macro lens is one that focuses close enough to give a magnification of at least 1:1 or life-size. If you are shooting a subject that’s 10mm across, at 1:1 it will occupy 10mm of the image format. If a lens gives 1:2 or half life-size, our theoretical 10mm subject will occupy just 5mm of the sensor. If you happen to own a specialist lens that gives 2:1 or twice life-size, 20mm of the image format will be filled by our subject.
With manufacturers needing to make their products as attractive as possible, many sail close to the wind and market lenses with the macro tag without – according to the classic macro lens definition – being able to deliver the magic 1:1 magnification. If you’re looking to buy a macro lens, this is a point to check.