I'm afraid I can't speak to Panasonic lenses, however I can tell you this much. I'd prefer a prime lens for macro work; the quality is generally better and aperture is wider. Also, the longer the lens, the easier to get the macro shot of your subject. Most macros have a pretty close focusing range, so the longer the lens, the closer you can get to your subject.
I have the 105mm micro for my Nikon. It has close-enough focusing and long-enough zoom. My daughter has the 50mm macro for her Canon; she has to get closer to get the 1:1, but she can get equally close and the quality for both is great.
I would go on what Robert said. I saved my money and bought a macro lens. I'm not a Panasonic user, so I don't know what the costs are on the macro lens market (probably aren't cheap) As far as zoom lenses go, they usually only do 1/4 magnification, which means that the object will only be 1/4 its actual size on your sensor (35mm). A true macro lens will be 1:1, which means it will be its same size as it is in real life on your camera's sensor (35mm.) This is huge, you can see things that are very small in real life, and they will fill your frame.
The other thing is light is a big issue when you get that close.
I would also recommend a long prime because if you are thinking about photographing small animals like butterflies, you want a large working space. 100mm is a good start, anything shorter and you'll probably lose your prize shot of a butterfly.
hi dawn, so it looks like you're shooting with a micro four/thirds camera right? neither of those lenses you posted links to are macro lenses. what lens(es) do you have now? you can always add a close up filter if you want a cheap way to test the waters. Panasonic does make a dedicated macro lens, but it runs around $700 USD ( http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-45mm-2-8-OIS-Interchangeable/dp/B002NKM29C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1296106329&sr=1-1 ).
Another idea is to get a macro in a different mount (nikon, canon, etc) and get a cheap adapter to use on your camera. Autofocus will not work, but for macro work you manually focus anyway. If I can help you at all, just let me know.
I use a 100mm prime and love it - I paid a lot for it but it's worth every cent. I have a 24-70L walkaround lens and I often use it for macro type shots and I get good shots but it's not a true macro and I can see the difference.
If you really want to do macro I honestly suggest saving and getting a good macro lens at least 80mm - I tried a 50mm one and returned it because it didn't have the reach I needed (well, wanted).
In the meantime get some macro extender rings - they're fun to play with and cheap. Don't get a lens until you know it's the one - they're expensive and usually you can't return them.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090202panasonic45mmmacro.asp
I have the 105mm micro for my Nikon. It has close-enough focusing and long-enough zoom. My daughter has the 50mm macro for her Canon; she has to get closer to get the 1:1, but she can get equally close and the quality for both is great.
The other thing is light is a big issue when you get that close.
I would also recommend a long prime because if you are thinking about photographing small animals like butterflies, you want a large working space. 100mm is a good start, anything shorter and you'll probably lose your prize shot of a butterfly.
Another idea is to get a macro in a different mount (nikon, canon, etc) and get a cheap adapter to use on your camera. Autofocus will not work, but for macro work you manually focus anyway. If I can help you at all, just let me know.
If you really want to do macro I honestly suggest saving and getting a good macro lens at least 80mm - I tried a 50mm one and returned it because it didn't have the reach I needed (well, wanted).
In the meantime get some macro extender rings - they're fun to play with and cheap. Don't get a lens until you know it's the one - they're expensive and usually you can't return them.