Macro

Macro photography refers to close-up photography, the classical definition that the image projected on the film or a digital sensor is almost the same size as the subject. On 35 mm film (for example), the lens is typically optimised to focus sharply on a small area approaching the size of the film frame. Most 35mm format macro lenses achieve at least 1:2, that is to say, the image on the film is 1/2 the size of the object being photographed.

Limited depth of field is an important consideration in macro photography. This makes it essential to focus on the most important part of the subject, as elements that are even a millimetre closer or farther might be noticeably blurry. The problem of sufficiently lighting the subject can be difficult to overcome in macro photography. To avoid this problem, many photographers use telephoto macro lenses, typically with focal lengths from about 100 to 200 mm. These are popular as they permit sufficient distance for lighting between the camera and the subject.

Today stores have several kinds of equipment for making the image the required size. A macro lens might be optimized to provide its best performance at a magnification of 1:1. Some macro lenses can achieve even better magnification ñ up to 5:1 macro, bringing the structure of small insect eyes, snowflakes and other minuscule objects into striking focus. However, it is more common for a photographer to use a "standard" ( 1:1 ) macro lens.