CHOOSING THE PERFECT MACRO LENS

A macro lens is essential for shots like this

If you want to take macro and close up photos you need to get yourself a specific macro lens. You may have read about alternative macro photography equipment, such as reversing rings, close up filters and extension tubes but forget about these since they are no good. If you want to capture true macro photos you need a proper macro lens.

There are several different types of macro lenses available, and the best one will depend on the subject you want to shoot. For example, a 50mm macro lens is fine for still life subjects but no use for moving subjects, such as insects, whereas a 180mm macro lens is suitable for still and moving subjects.

If you only want to take macro photos of flowers, and nothing else, a 50mm or 60mm macro lens is all you need. 

With short focal length macro lenses you have to get real close and personal to the subject to get the shot, which means there is little working distance. The problem with shorter working distances is the lack of light, so you are going to need to deal with this as necessary. Short focal length macro lenses are super cheap, and are the best budget option.

If you want to take macro photos of moving subjects, such as insects you are going to need a macro lens with a longer focal length. The longer the focal length the greater the working distance, which means you don’t have to get so close to the subject. Keeping further away from a living subject reduces the chances of spooking it and it flying off or scurrying away, and increases the chance of getting the shot.

Basically, the longer the focal length the greater the working distance, which is good but there is a problem. Long focal length macro lenses are big and heavy, and controlling them, i.e. keeping them still for a sharp shot, can be tricky. The best compromise is the mid length macro lens, such as a 100mm macro lens since this provides a  nice working distance and is also manageable.

If you are like me, and shoot a Canon camera “the best macro lens for Canon cameras” may be an article of interest, especially if you are thinking of getting a macro lens in the future. 

The macro lens I use is the Canon 100mm f2.8L IS and I highly recommend it. Take a look at the pros and cons of the Canon 100mm f2.8L IS lens to see just how good this lens is.