Happy Macro Monday! Don't forget to post your Macro Images on our Facebook page or Twitter (@MLCActions) to win prizes and get featured tomorrow on the blog!If you are just getting started in photography or you are hoping to not blow your budget on a dedicated Macro Lens then you need to read this article. We explain the 1:1 magnification ratio and how you can achieve it without a dedicated Macro lens. We are hoping to take some of the mystery out of Macro.Let's just start by saying, you will likely get the best results from a dedicated Macro Lens. This is known. But all of that aside, what we want to talk about today is how to shoot Macro on a budget. Specifically, by using Macro Extension Tubes. By definition, Macro photography is photography that produces photographs of small items, larger than life size. This means that in order to capture a close-up Macro image your magnification ratio must be at least 1:1. What does 1:1 magnification mean? Do I have to get close?1:1 magnification means that you can capture a life sized image on your image sensor when focused as close as possible. One of the greatest challenges in Macro Photography is magnification and one of the greatest technical issues is minimum focusing distance. You might ask "why can't I just use my 50mm 1.8 and get really close"? The answer is that your 50mm 1.8 (generally) has a minimum focusing distance of around 18 inches. This means that you have to stand 18 inches away from your subject in order to focus your lens. For Macro purposes, the lens does not allow you to get close enough to your subject. You can however, stack Macro Extension tubes on your 50mm lens to change the minimum focusing distance and achieve 1:1 magnification. Achieve 1:1 Magnification With A Macro Extension Tube!
The reason your 50mm 1.8 will not focus to a 1:1 magnification is because the front element is too far back. Through extension, you are able to move the front element forward and therefore move closer to your subject while retaining focus. An extension tube fits between your lens and the camera mount, moving your lens away from the camera and allowing you to focus closer. Closer = more magnification. Extension can be achieved with Macro Extension Tubes. These are widely available at a relatively low cost. Note that I have only provided links to Extension Tubes with electronic connections. There are tubes out there for even less than the ones below but they do not electronically connect to your camera and therefore give you little control. It is better to spend a couple of more dollars than to have less control. Trust me. Where Can I Find Macro Extension Tubes that will achieve 1:1 Magnification? |
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Let Macro Photography Inspire You To Get Outside This Winter.
Is anyone else feeling uninspired this winter? I am. Clients aren't requesting as many outdoor sessions, and personally, I am not a studio photographer. I need to be:
Outside.
In the dirt.
Flailing in the sand.
To get a picture.
How is that for a little photography faux haiku. That's me though. Studio = nightmare to me. Does anyone else reading this feel this way? In December, I climbed straight up a mountain in Germany with two cameras around my neck, one being a Mark III with a wide angle lens. It was heavy. I was sweating on the edge of hypothermia by the time I got to the the top and I was loving every minute of it.
Outside.
In the dirt.
Flailing in the sand.
To get a picture.
How is that for a little photography faux haiku. That's me though. Studio = nightmare to me. Does anyone else reading this feel this way? In December, I climbed straight up a mountain in Germany with two cameras around my neck, one being a Mark III with a wide angle lens. It was heavy. I was sweating on the edge of hypothermia by the time I got to the the top and I was loving every minute of it.
I haven't had much time in the last 2 months to work on my personal portfolio and I have been kind of down about it. Winter has definitely had a hand in that. It occurred to me this morning that I need to just get outside and take some pictures. Macro is the perfect excuse to get out there and start snapping away.
Sources:
Purple Flower | Leaf | Winter Flower | Spider Web | Fly | Flowers in field
You may be new to MLC but several years ago we had a contest every Monday, called "Macro Monday" on the MLC Facebook page. It petered out over the course of a year until finally we decided to replace it with another contest. I am thinking that winter is the perfect time to bring back Macro Monday!
"We're bringing Macro back!"
Every Monday, post your Macro images on the MLC Facebook page and on Tuesday we will announce a winner! The winner will receive their choice of any of our 5 for $5.00 products for FREE!
Next week we will be posting on the best equipment to use for Macro Photography and trying to take a little bit of the mystery out of Macro. Make sure you subscribe or follow us on social media to find out when we post.
Right now, I have to go...so I can order a new dedicated Macro lens! I'm so inspired! Whoop! I'll let you know on Monday which lens I decide to go with.
Not on Facebook? Join us on Twitter. Post your Macro photography and mention us @MLCActions, to join in!
Any suggestions? Do you love your Macro lens? Please let me know!
Next week we will be posting on the best equipment to use for Macro Photography and trying to take a little bit of the mystery out of Macro. Make sure you subscribe or follow us on social media to find out when we post.
Right now, I have to go...so I can order a new dedicated Macro lens! I'm so inspired! Whoop! I'll let you know on Monday which lens I decide to go with.
Not on Facebook? Join us on Twitter. Post your Macro photography and mention us @MLCActions, to join in!
Any suggestions? Do you love your Macro lens? Please let me know!
Hi! I'm Amy,
a former commercial photographer turned Mom-tographer. I started Magic And Light Collection 8 years ago and have loved watching it grow over the years! I am currently working hard on raising those littles, and sharing all the Photoshop shortcuts that help me work smarter, and not harder!
a former commercial photographer turned Mom-tographer. I started Magic And Light Collection 8 years ago and have loved watching it grow over the years! I am currently working hard on raising those littles, and sharing all the Photoshop shortcuts that help me work smarter, and not harder!
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