Digital Photography Technology

A macro lens is used for close up photography, although is can be used for any type of photography. The macro lens is basically the same as any other lens, except is has a longer barrel for extending the camera focusing range. The only other difference is that some correction is added to the macro lens for maximum sharpness and flatness of field for close up work.

Many of the newer lenses have a 1:1 or life size magnification ratio. This means that the image on the film or sensor plane is the same size as the object being photographed. A 1:2 ratio would be ½ size at the camera and 2:1 would be two times the size of the object being photographed. There is one manufacturer that makes a special macro with a 5:1 ratio.

To get the best results when using a high magnification lenses, do not hand hold the camera, use a heavy duty tripod, and use a fast shutter speed, or flash. Everything must be rock solid.

Once you understand all the problems, start looking for small subjects to photograph, The results will be fascinating, as there is no end of small or miniature things to take a picture of.