What is a macro lens?
The macro lens is an object that incorporates small objects in the same or a larger dimension than the object itself. This makes this lens the ideal product for macro photography, particularly suitable for the accurate registration of insects, people and flowers. With a large focal length, some models are also suitable for photographing animals from a little further away.
Minimum focusing distance
Because of the large number of settings of the macro lenses, these can capture very small objects in real life. With many other lenses this is not possible, because the minimum distance at which the lens can focus is far above the correct tens of centimeters. Therefore, the macro lenses are also ideal for registering insects, flowers, stamps, but also documents and drawings of high quality.
Fixed focal point
The maximum focal length of macro lenses is between 35 mm and 200 mm, but the lenses themselves always work with a fixed focal length (no zoom lens). This has the advantage that the recordings are of good quality and that you can always opt for a lens with a higher focal length to increase the distance to the subject. Always think carefully about what you want to do with the macro lens, because for moving animals a lens with a larger focal length is more suitable. There is a lot of choice, so the lenses from Tamron, Sigma and Canon are well represented in this category.
Image stabilization
Because small objects are captured with a macro lens, it is important that vibrations do not influence the final quality of the photo. To achieve this, some lenses are equipped with technologies to stabilize the image and correct it where necessary. However, this does not apply to all models and it may be useful to buy a suitable tripod, such as the monopod.
autofocus
An important aspect of macro photography is the autofocus and the precision that focuses. In addition, the speed of this system is of great importance, because when photographing moving objects the moment can fly by quickly. Different lenses therefore offer systems that take into account speed, precision and quality.
