Been doing some research into macro photography but not sure what type of lens to get. For beginners and hobbyists, is it better to buy a fixed macro lens or a zoom macro? What type do you macro owners use or prefer?
By zoom macro, I think you are referring to a tele-zoom that has a reasonably close minimum focus? If so, they aren't usually true macro. You can't get really really close and get the 1:1 magnification. Which is fine for flowers and you can use the lens for normal photography too. Not so good if you want to get really close, for bugs and things.
You can use almost any tele zoom at say 200mm and get as close to the subject as it will allow you to focus, and get pretty good close up shots, but it won't let you get your nose right up into the subject if you want a true macro shot.
To explain further. 1:1 magnification means, essentially, the subject is "life size" on the SENSOR. Not the print. True macro, 1:2 or 1:1, are not inexpensive.
This site explains a bit better. link
@mikew@lilbudhha@bobfoto
That makes a lot of sense. I'm looking for a true macro and a fixed lens looks like the way to go. Thanks guys! and thanks lil budda for the really helpful link!!
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You can use almost any tele zoom at say 200mm and get as close to the subject as it will allow you to focus, and get pretty good close up shots, but it won't let you get your nose right up into the subject if you want a true macro shot.
This site explains a bit better.
link
That makes a lot of sense. I'm looking for a true macro and a fixed lens looks like the way to go. Thanks guys! and thanks lil budda for the really helpful link!!