Macro Lenses: Definition, Functions and Types

In the world of photography, camera lenses have several types. There are kit lenses, macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, fixed / prime lenses, and others.

Each lens has its own character and function. Apart from that, the price is also different. Each lens brand also has products in each type. This time what we will discuss is Macro Lenses. Maybe someone has heard of it.

This macro lens is not like the fixed / prime lens that photographers must have. Because those who have macro lenses are usually photographers who like the world of macro photography. But actually, macro lenses can't only be used for macro photography, you know. For more details, continue reading the information below.

What is a Macro Lens?

Macro lenses are lenses that are specifically made to focus very close to the subject so that they appear large in the viewfinder and in the final result.

The macro lens is capable of projecting the subject onto the camera sensor in its original size at a reproduction ratio of 1:1. Which produces 1.0 x MM ( Maximum Magnification ) or Maximum Magnification on MFD ( Minimum Focus Display ) lenses. This is measured from the subject to the sensor.

So, for example, a subject that is 20mm long will be projected 20mm long onto the sensor. Maybe later in the viewfinder of a DSLR ( Full Frame ) camera it will look full, but when it is opened on a big screen (PC monitor for example) small details on the subject will appear clearly.

A lens can be said to be a macro lens if it has an MM ( Maximum Magnification ) of 1-5x or it could also be between 0.50x and 1.0x.

Macro lenses have focal lengths ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. What you need to know is that the focal length of the lens will determine the user's field of view, shooting distance, and the ability to blur the background of the subject when shooting.

Let's take the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens as an example. This lens has a focal length of 35mm and produces 1.0x magnification on its 5.1″ 130mm MFD. Meanwhile, the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens will produce the same magnification as a subject placed at a distance of 480mm from the sensor.

This means that when users use a macro lens with a longer focal length, it will be very useful when photographing moving subjects such as insects. Apart from that, a macro lens with a long focal length will also produce a blurrier background and will make the subject more isolated.

Macro Lens Function

After knowing the definition of a macro lens above, of course, you already understand a little about the main function of this macro lens. As the name suggests, a macro lens has the function of getting macro or detailed photos of the photo subject. Details in this photo cannot even be seen with the human eye because the subject is too small.

With a macro lens, photographers will be able to take photos of small subjects and details of a subject without having to lose resolution (not cropped ).

But macro lenses are not only used for macro photography needs.

Macro Lens for Portrait

The Macro Lens can also be used for portrait photos. If you use a macro lens with a long focal length (telephoto), it is possible to use it as an impressive portrait lens. Interestingly, even though the macro lens does not have a large aperture, it can actually produce portrait photos with maximum bokeh (blur in the background).

Macro Lenses for Landscapes

Why not photograph landscapes with a macro lens? Macro lenses have general sharpness and a flat field which is actually an advantage for photographers regardless of the focal length.

The sharpness of this lens is key for a landscape photographer. A flat area will produce sharpness from an angle which is of course very good for landscape photos.

So if a macro lens can only be used to photograph close-up photos or macro details, it is wrong. In fact, with a macro telephoto lens, it will be possible to take pictures of various subjects. Just imagine, with a macro lens you can photograph small insects, then continue photographing landscapes, and don't forget to photograph portraits such as animals or humans.

With ordinary lenses, maybe you won't be able to get all of that.

Macro Lens Type

Macro lenses have 3 types which are divided based on focal length, starting from 35mm to 200mm.

Short macro lens (35mm-60mm). This macro lens is light in weight and the price is quite cheap. However, when using this lens, you have to be very close to the subject. The weakness is that sometimes it will create shadows and what is even scarier is that it can make the subject uncomfortable or disturbed.
Medium macro lens (90 mm-105 mm). A mid-range macro lens has a longer shooting distance, but the lens is still light enough to use without having to use a tripod.
Long macro lens (150 mm-200 mm). This macro lens has a longer focal length and will produce good-quality photos at long distances. This is ideal for macro photography with subjects that are 'shy' or that might be disturbed when you approach. Unfortunately, these lenses are heavy and expensive.

For beginner photographers, it is recommended to use a macro lens with a focal length between 100mm and 150mm.