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What is the magnification on a true macro lens?
A true macro lens is judged on the distance between the subject and the viewfinder. Macro lenses have a magnification ratio of 1:1. This means that the size of the subject in each frame is the same size of the subject in real life. And depending on the focal length, the lens can have a focusing distance of 20cm, give or take, between the subject and the camera sensor.
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With macro lenses, the tiny details become obvious features. You don’t need to get too close.
What is a macro lens used for?
One question that beginner videographers often ask is, ‘what is a macro lens used for?’ And rightly so. In this section, we highlight some common uses of macro lenses in videography;
- Magnification
Macro lenses compress the subject and environment to make the subject pop (1). Videographers use magnification to direct the viewer’s attention when filming.
- Tiniest details
With great depth of field, nice blurry background effect, sharp foreground and good compression, macro lenses are suitable for capturing the minute details of subjects.
- Focus
Not all lenses can maintain focus at such a close distance. Imagine recording the movement of a worm and how each layer moves on to the next? With a macro lens, each layer becomes more visible.
What is a macro lens good for?
Now that you know ‘what is a macro lens’ and why videographers use it, the next question is what is a macro lens good for?
- Extreme close-up shots
The foremost use case for a macro lens is for extreme close-ups and close-up shots in movies. Video directors use extreme close-up shots to put the audience’s attention on specific and important details that they might otherwise miss.
- Wedding shoots
Wedding shoots and pre-wedding shoots can always use a touch of macro shots to add color and spice to the film. Details like the wedding ring, the bride and groom’s face, details of the bride’s gown, and so on.
- Food documentary
A macro lens allows videographers to venture into new avenues like food documentaries. Food videography is one way to start if you haven’t tried shooting with macro lenses before.
- Portrait video shoot
With a macro lens on a camera, videographers can take portrait recordings. It also helps you get close to certain body features in your video; the eyes, nose etc. (2).
- Entomology
Insect videography is one of the major uses of macro lenses. A record of dragonflies, spiders, and mantises preying on other insects can be seen with a macro lens.
Also read: What is a Telephoto Lens?
Videographers can use a macro lens to take close-up portrait videos, even in the studio.
Macro lenses can be any of; wide-angle lens, telephoto lens, or standard lens, depending on the focal length. The only difference is that macro lenses have higher magnification and can capture images at very close focusing distance.
Conclusion
Every videographer needs to know ‘what is a macro lens’ and why it is important in your camera kit. Without a doubt, this post has dealt with these subjects.
What do you think about macro lenses? Let’s get talking in the comment section below.
References:
- Cox, Spencer (2021). What is Magnification in Photography? Photography Life. Retrieved from https://photographylife.com/what-is-magnification.
- Comeau, Michael (2019). Why I Use Macro Lens for Portraits. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/eogLqpKogxk