Macro - Quick Guide

Besides general photography, SLR camera can equip with Macro accessories. The simplest kind is Close Up filters in diopt unit, +1, +2, +3, +10. +10 is the highest, with a magnification of 1X (life size, that means the image on film is the same size as the object). These filters need no exposure compensation, but the image quality is low and the image is blur all around the center. Therefore Close Up filter is suitable for bigger size flowers. Another simple equipment is the reverse ring, which makes the lens reversely mount on the camera body, changing the lens into a macro mode. Image quailty is good, but the range is limited to 1X only.

Macro lens can be used like normal lens but has a very close distance. Its use is versatile, though at normal range, it is not as good as general lens with the same standard. It is great for allowing the same automatic foucsing and exposure.

Some zoom lenses have 'macro' function by internal positioning of lens. Its magnification is limited. The 'macro' is overstated but it is very useful to take picture of general size flowers and butterflies.

Extension tube is another kind of accessories. It can be used on normal lens and macro lens. For automatic camera, original extension tube is the only choice which is designed to match the various controls. For macro, we may have to use manual focusing because the center area will often lack of different colors or pattern which the automatic focusing required.