![\"Improve](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/ap-with-mpb-improve-your-photography.jpg\")
\nEach week you\u2019ll find a new article so make sure to come back to continue your journey. The start may seem basic to some photographers, but it\u2019s an important step in making sure you\u2019re comfortable with your equipment and the basics of photography, as it\u2019s part of the foundations that help build into great photographs, and once you know these, you\u2019ll be able to play with them, and understand further articles in this series<\/a>.<\/p>\n A \u201ctrue\u201d macro lens is a lens that can offer 1:1 reproduction of the subject on the camera\u2019s sensor. This is sometimes, but not always, referred to as 1x magnification. Some offer further magnification such as 1.25x magnification with the Olympus 30mm f\/3.5 Macro, 1.4x with the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens<\/a>, or 2x with the Laowa 65mm f\/2.8 2x Ultra Macro lens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t Macro image captured with a dedicated macro lens, the Canon RF 100mm<\/a>. Canon EOS R6, 1\/1000sec at f\/11, ISO 25,600. Photo: Andy Westlake<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Did you know?<\/strong> Beyond the standard macro lens, there are specialist macro lenses available, which can offer 1-5x magnification such as the Canon MP-E 65mm f\/2.8 1-5x Macro<\/a>, and Yasuhara Nanoha x5 (Micro Four Thirds). However these are not for the faint-hearted, as they can only be used for extreme macro photography and can\u2019t be used for general photography.<\/p>\n\t\t A dedicated macro lens should offer 1:1 reproduction, but some offer even closer magnification, with this Olympus 30mm Macro offering 1.25x magnification.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n You\u2019ll find the close-focus distance on the side of most lenses. If it’s not close enough, then you’ll need to look at the options available, whether that’s an extention tube or other accessory, or for the best results, have a look at a dedicated macro lens.<\/p>\n\n You may come across this term on the internet, and this is simply to help guide you in the different focus lengths of macro lenses. Here we run through the benefits, and potential disadvantages of each type.<\/p>\n The short answer is yes you can, but…<\/strong> you might not be able to get close enough to your subject without additional accessories. If you\u2019re looking to start macro photography, but on a limited budget, then there are a number of options available that can help improve your lens\u2019 ability to focus on close subjects including extension tubes, close-up filters, and reversing rings.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve used your current lens(es) and can\u2019t get close enough to your subject, then there are a number of relatively wallet friendly options for those on a budget, letting you use your existing lens for close-up and macro photography, and whilst these options may not get you as bitingly sharp images as a dedicated lens, they may be enough for you, depending on your needs.<\/p>\n\t\t Canon EF 18-55mm lens shows the close-focus distance on the side, 0.28m or 28cm.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Some zoom or kit lenses are better than others, and some do offer a reasonable close-up focus distance, but some simply don\u2019t have the ability needed. You should be able to see the close-up focus distance on the side of your lens, but if not, you can look it up on the manufacturer’s website.<\/p>\n Meike MK-P-AF3A 10mm + 16mm extension tube set – read our review of this extension tube set<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Ensure you get ones with electrical contacts (and AF support) as this will enable auto-focus as well as lens settings to be controlled by the camera.\u00a0Beware that the expense of these could be put towards a budget macro lens. However, you can get a set of budget extension tubes from as little as \u00a322.<\/p>\n Find out the filter size for your lens, buy a close-up filter (sometimes called a close-up dioptre), and add this to the front of your lens, and you\u2019ll be able to take photos closer to the subject.<\/p>\n\t\t NC Macro Close-Up Lens 58-52-49mm – NiSi UK – NiSi Optics, NiSi Filters<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n These are available for around \u00a310, or you can spend up to \u00a365 on a high-quality filter from NiSi, and can be a fun way to get closer to a subject, but don\u2019t expect perfect image quality from the cheaper filters. Even buying a budget macro lens will give better results, and a dedicated 1:1 macro lens will get you much closer to true macro photography.<\/p>\n A reversing ring is designed to allow you to completely reverse your lens, so that you’re shooting through it backwards. You lose all electrical connection (with most reversing rings), and therefore this works best with manual focus lenses, and those that have a manual aperture ring. Or there\u2019s the option of a reversing ring with electrical contacts, but these are much more expensive (around \u00a380), and with macro lenses being available from around \u00a3269 (Panasonic 30mm macro, M43) we\u2019d be tempted to suggest you put your money towards a macro lens.<\/p>\n Read about the success of reverse ring use in the AP forums: Lens Reversal Rings – Who knew?!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n Olympus 30mm f\/3.5 Macro lens – one of the cheaper macro lenses available.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n If you\u2019re on a budget, have a look at the options available in our round-up of budget macro lenses<\/a>, as there are various options available, with Micro Four Thirds users often having a wide choice of budget options, or for other systems, Sigma and Tamron often offer excellent value, and high-quality macro lenses. There\u2019s also the option of buying second hand to save even more, with MPB offering a vast range.<\/p>\n\n We\u2019ll give some quick tips for macro photography, including some of the most important aspects, including the subject, lighting, focus, and how to stabilise the camera. Plus the photography settings you need to pay attention to when taking macro photos.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve made sure your camera lens is capable of giving you the close-up performance you\u2019re looking for, you can then start shooting photos! Here are 5 quick tips for taking great macro photos:<\/p>\n More macro tips here: Top 12 Macro Photography Tips<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n Note how the depth of field or the amount that is in focus changes as the aperture is changed<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Aperture<\/strong> – With close-up photography the depth-of-field, that is, the area that is in focus, is considerably smaller than when taking general photos, and in this makes it important to use a smaller aperture, for example f\/8 or f\/11, rather than f\/1.8.<\/p>\n However diffraction<\/strong> can set in, resulting in a softer image if you close your aperture too much, so there is always a balance to be made between sharpness in the image, and the amount of the subject that is in focus. This matter much more with a subject that has depth, compared to a flat subject, such as a stamp or bank note.<\/p>\n Shutter speed<\/strong> \u2013 with still subjects you can use a slower shutter speed, than for example, a moving subject, but with slower shutter speeds, make sure you use the self-timer or remote release to avoid any camera shake. This is where a tripod (or solid support) becomes essential.<\/p>\n ISO speed<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re using a tripod, or have good light, you can use a lower ISO speed and this will help you get a more detailed and crisper image, than if you were to use a higher ISO speed. If you\u2019ve got a newer camera, then using higher ISO speeds isn\u2019t as terrible as it used to be.<\/p>\n\n Adaptalux<\/a> offer unique LED lights that can be used to light small objects with different coloured lighting, photo Joshua Waller<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Without enough light<\/strong> to illuminate your chosen subject, it\u2019s going to be difficult to get a good shot. It certainly makes it more difficult with low levels of light, and with macro photography this can also be particularly difficult as your camera and lens can also block light from getting to the subject if you\u2019re really close to the subject.<\/p>\n This is where additional lighting comes into play, a neatly positioned reflector, LED light, or other light source can transform a dull photo lacking colour, into a photo that pops.<\/p>\n There are multiple different light options available, such as a reflector, LED lights, flashguns, and even dedicated macro ring lights that can attach to the front of your macro lens. We\u2019d start off with something simple, like a reflector, and some LED lights if needed, and as you progress, if you find you need more lighting, then you can invest later.<\/p>\n\n Now you\u2019ve learnt all the key things you need to know to successfully take macro photographs, you might need some additional inspiration on what to photograph! Here are some great ideas to try. You don\u2019t have to try them all but have a look at what looks like fun to you.<\/p>\n A high ISO speed has helped here, with a smaller aperture, and fast shutter speed – Canon EOS R6, 1\/1000sec at f\/9, ISO 12,800, hand-held, photo: Andy Westlake. Read our in-depth tips on macro insect photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Kiwi Fruit – Laowa 65mm f\/2.8 2x Ultra Macro<\/a>, Fujifilm X-T3, 1\/40sec at f\/5.6, ISO 160. Photo: Andy Westlake. You’ll find some macro food photography tips here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Anemone Macro – Credit: Sue Bishop – If you’re close enough, you can create beautiful images like this one. You’ll find more in Sue Bishop’s Top macro flower photography tips<\/a>!<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Photo: Guy Edwardes – this slime mold looks like something from another planet. Fungi can make for an impressive macro subject! Read Guy Edwardes guide to Fungi photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n The lens elements on this lens looking very clean. Shoot what you have around you, and if you want more guidance on shooting products have a look at our guide to shooting products for eBay<\/a>. Photo: Joshua Waller<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Find more inspiration here:<\/strong><\/p>\n What is diffraction?<\/strong> Diffraction is to do with the laws of physics, when it comes to light travelling through a lens, and can result in a softer image when smaller apertures are used. This is particularly noticeable when using smaller apertures for macro photography, as smaller apertures give you a greater depth-of-field, giving you an image with more of the subject in focus. Some camera systems, such as Fujifilm\u2019s X-series offering diffraction compensation to help maintain a sharper image even when using small apertures. It\u2019s also worth noting that when this starts to become an issue is different with different camera systems with different sensor sizes, whether that\u2019s Micro Four Thirds, APS-C, or full-frame.<\/p>\n What is focus stacking?\u00a0<\/strong>Focus stacking is a great solution to the problem of diffraction. Using this technique, it’s possible to shoot a sequence of images at different focus distances and then use software (on a computer) to blend the sharp areas together into a single file with greater depth of field and improved image quality. Read our complete guide to focus stacking<\/a> if you want to know more.<\/p>\n Tune in next week, for the next article in the series of the\u00a0AP Improve Your Photography Series<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 in partnership with\u00a0MPB<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nMacro photography lens \u2013 what is a macro lens?<\/h2>\n
![\"Macro](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1P4A3416-CR3_DxO_DeepPRIME-acr-600x400.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t\t![\"A](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/macro-close-up-photo-of-olympus-macro-lens-P1035242-1000.jpg\")
\t\t\tHow close can your lens focus?<\/h3>\n
What are “Short”, “Mid”, and “Long” macro lenses?<\/h3>\n
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Can I use my existing lens as a macro lens?<\/h2>\n
![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/close-up-photo-of-canon-ef-18-55mm-lens-with-close-focus-distance-P4200248-1000.jpg\")
\t\t\tOption 1 – Extension tubes<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Meike](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Meike-MK-P-AF3A-10mm-16mm-extension-tube-set-2.jpg\")
\t\t\tOption 2 – Close-up filter<\/h3>\n
![\"NC](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/nisi-close-up-filter-58mm-1000px.jpg\")
\t\t\tOption 3 – Reversing ring<\/h3>\n
Macro lens for beginners<\/h2>\n\t\t
![\"A](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/a-macro-lens-olympus-30mm-macro-lens-P1035203.jpg\")
\t\t\tMacro photography tips, tricks, and technique<\/h2>\n
Quick Tips for Macro Photography<\/h3>\n
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Macro photography settings…<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Note](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aperture-change-depth-of-field-area-in-focus-macro-plant.jpg\")
\t\t\tLight – Macro photography lighting<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Adaptalux](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/adaptalux-macro-lighting-for-close-up-macro-photography-tps2021-JW-1000px.jpg\")
\t\t\tMacro photography ideas and inspiration – Insects<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Canon](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1P4A3346-CR3_DxO_DeepPRIME-acr-600x400.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t\tFood and fruit gives creative results:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Kiwi](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/DSCF0363-acr-f56-600x400.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t\tRead Sue Bishop’s guide to Macro Flowers photography<\/a>:<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Anemone](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Anemone-599x400.jpg\")
\t\t\tRead Guy Edwardes guide to Fantastic Fungi photography<\/a>:<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"Fungi](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Tip-2-600x400.jpg\")
\t\t\tProducts including cameras, lenses, and watches<\/h3>\n\t\t
![\"The](\"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/front-lens-element-looking-clean-P9310012-600x400.jpg\")
\t\t\t\n
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):<\/h3>\n
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