I'm lens stupid !

Iron Lion · 08-21-2007, 09:29 AM

Question...? What would be the difference between a telephoto Macro lens and standard lens of the same focal length when taking say, Surfing shots and closer range macro shots with the same lens? I'm looking for a reasonable priced 70-200 or 300mm range that will do a good job at both.

matiki · 08-21-2007, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by Iron Lion

Question...? What would be the difference between a telephoto Macro lens and standard lens of the same focal length when taking say, Surfing shots and closer range macro shots with the same lens? I'm looking for a reasonable priced 70-200 or 300mm range that will do a good job at both.

By standard I assume you mean a non-macro telephoto, rather than an actual (say 35mm) standard lens.

A macro lens allows you to focus at very close distances, providing additional magnification (by virtue of the close focus). The non-macro lens will not focus from as close a distance, preventing you from achieving the same level of magnification.

If you want to do macro work and have the $$$ you should get a macro lens so you can achieve both of your stated goals.

Chako · 08-21-2007, 09:49 AM

The telephoto macro will allow you to focus closer then a regular telephoto lens. However, unless it is a dedicated macro lens that will allow you to take 1:1 magnification (life size as in 10mm in real life will record 10mm on the image sensor), macro on other type of lenses only means close focusing (you see this with zoom lenses that are labeled macro). Some will only do from 1:5 (1/5 life size) to 1:2 (half life size). True macro starts at 1:1 and can go as high as 5:1 (5x life size) using special equipment like a Canon Mp65 lens. Anything greater then that and you go into the realm of microscopy.

Another thing, dedicated macro lenses tend to have a long focus throw because they can focus more accurately at closer distances. Because of this longer throw, focus speeds are slower then a regular lens. Macro lenses also tend to be the sharpest of their species out there. Dedicated macro lenses are always primes and range from 50mm to 200mm, 180mm being the popular standard on new lenses right now.

Both lenses will give you good results for every day shooting. A standard lens will focus faster, but won’t be as sharp as a Macro (Maybe as all lenses are different in this aspect..some are sharper then others). The Macro will focus slower, but will allow you to focus closer without the aid of extension tubes and other macro photography add ons.

Iron Lion · 08-21-2007, 10:07 AM

Thanks ! I appreciate the help !
Very informative.

*keithlester* · 08-21-2007, 10:44 AM

You might also like to consider that a dedicated macro lens is optimised for close-up working and may not be quite as sharp at distance as the non-macro prime lens of a similar price and quality.

You will get a much better bang for your buck with a non-macro telephoto lens, since they are generally cheaper than macro lenses too.

pentaxshooter · 08-21-2007, 08:06 PM

And if you are able to get a hold of a PENTAX 300mm or 600mm lens, GO FOR IT, they take an awesome photo.....as Mark 'Dominic' can attest to...

http://www.pbase.com/mark_dominic/north_shore_stories

SpecialK · 08-21-2007, 09:26 PM

The Sigma 70-300 DG Macro APO is a popular inexpensive lens that has a quasi-macro mode (in the 200-300mm range only) that allows you to get to 1/2 size.

I have to bump up the contrast a bunch, and it is not the sharpest at 250mm or more, but for $225 there are not many better options, though some people praise the Tamron equivalent.

There might be a bit of a Sigma quality control issue as some people think their Sigma is "super" (and I have seen some great shots) while mine is not quite as good as the Pentax 50-200 over the same range.