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**Bruce Clark** · 02-12-2016, 02:49 PM

Good information on macro here. Definitions of macro and equipment options explained

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf1woH6JOxY

**shardulm** · 02-12-2016, 03:48 PM

Magnification and MFD (Minimum Focusing Distance). That is it.

bar_foo · 02-12-2016, 04:13 PM

Another difference, not part of the definition of a macro lens but important nonetheless, is that lensmakers usually design macro lens (good ones, at least) to have a flat field of focus, whereas other lenses typically have a more curved field of focus.

**darylk** · 02-12-2016, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by stein

Apologies for asking something that for experienced might be "oh, so obvious"... but... what is the difference between lenses labeled as "macro" and others that are not? Pentax SMC D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro is a Macro lens, while Pentax SMC DA 50mm f1.8 is not, and I could make a longish list of lenses that are "similar", but in fact, completely different... I need some explanation to cure my curiosity (and if possible, without killing any cats in the process)

If you visit the Pentax Lenses Database of this site ( Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database ), you can check the table under each lens to find the "Maximum Magnification" specification. Anything less than 1x is not a macro lens. 1x or greater is a macro lens.

stein · 02-12-2016, 10:48 PM

I went through all the lenses on the second hand market (for Pentax) and the closest hit is this Tamron with magnification factor of 1:2

That means that I'll have to look on ebay... (no other way to get a lens for Pentax in Serbia)

Edit: Found a 50mm Sigma macro (magnification 1:1) on ebay for 199€. The same lens for Nikon/Canon on offer for half of that money...

**Kerrowdown** · 02-14-2016, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by commongrounder

besides close focusing is their optical design is optimized for flat field imaging. This is to say they have excellent edge to edge, as well as overall, sharpness

+1 beaten me to it.

02-12-2016, 10:48 PM	#20
stein Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Subotica Photos: Gallery Posts: 235 Original Poster	I went through all the lenses on the second hand market (for Pentax) and the closest hit is this Tamron with magnification factor of 1:2 That means that I'll have to look on ebay... (no other way to get a lens for Pentax in Serbia) Edit: Found a 50mm Sigma macro (magnification 1:1) on ebay for 199€. The same lens for Nikon/Canon on offer for half of that money... Last edited by stein; 02-13-2016 at 12:43 AM.

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02-12-2016, 02:49 PM	#16
Bruce Clark Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ocean Grove, Victoria Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,458	Good information on macro here. Definitions of macro and equipment options explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf1woH6JOxY

02-12-2016, 03:48 PM	#17
shardulm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 793	Magnification and MFD (Minimum Focusing Distance). That is it.

02-12-2016, 04:13 PM	#18
bar_foo Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 108	Another difference, not part of the definition of a macro lens but important nonetheless, is that lensmakers usually design macro lens (good ones, at least) to have a flat field of focus, whereas other lenses typically have a more curved field of focus.

02-12-2016, 06:08 PM	#19
darylk Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Blue Hill, Nebraska Photos: Gallery Posts: 494	Originally posted by stein Apologies for asking something that for experienced might be "oh, so obvious"... but... what is the difference between lenses labeled as "macro" and others that are not? Pentax SMC D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro is a Macro lens, while Pentax SMC DA 50mm f1.8 is not, and I could make a longish list of lenses that are "similar", but in fact, completely different... I need some explanation to cure my curiosity (and if possible, without killing any cats in the process) If you visit the Pentax Lenses Database of this site ( Pentax Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database ), you can check the table under each lens to find the "Maximum Magnification" specification. Anything less than 1x is not a macro lens. 1x or greater is a macro lens.

02-14-2016, 11:41 AM	#21
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	Originally posted by commongrounder besides close focusing is their optical design is optimized for flat field imaging. This is to say they have excellent edge to edge, as well as overall, sharpness +1 beaten me to it.

Macro Macro or not

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