The best macro lenses
Macro lenses allow very small subjects to be accurately photographed, showing the subject in detail and clarity, be it a plant, an insect or a small object, and capturing details that normally go unnoticed by our eyes.
We can do it with the comfort with optics like this Sigma DG Macro HSM, one of the objectives analyzed by our experts.
Macro photography lenses have the ability to shoot at a 1: 1 scale, that is, they can reproduce an object in real size (the object photographed has the same size in real life as in the reproduction of the sensor), since Opjee.com the closeness of the optics to the camera, they occupy a large space in the sensor offering complete and detailed information on the subject.
Some lenses offer larger magnifications in scale, of 1: 5, for example, which means that the photographed subject is five times larger on the sensor than in real life. So we are talking about microscopic photography.
In addition, to use for macro photography, these lenses are perfect for portrait photography due to the construction of their lenses, offering great quality and sharpness in your images.
To consider
We must take into account some considerations when choosing a good macro lens:
The actual aspect ratio of a subject and the size it occupies on the sensor is 1: 1. So if we talk about a higher aspect ratio (1: 5, for example), the lens can further increase the size of the photographed object.
Minimum focus distance. Keep in mind that these lenses must get close enough to the subjects to be photographed, so if we want to photograph small insects or animals, or the light source is very close, obtaining a perfect image can be a laborious task. Therefore, it is very important to know the minimum focus distance of our lens to know how far we must be to photograph correctly.
Focal length and focal length. Each optic has a different focal length. If we want to photograph small subjects, it is important to know what focal point we have, since it will help us (or not) to zoom in or out of the scene in order to photograph correctly. In this way, for 50mm macro lenses, we must be close to the subject, but for 180mm macro lenses we can comfortably photograph at a greater distance.
On the other hand, the focal length will also change the background of our scene, zooming it in or out, thus changing the appearance of the image.
Image stabilizer. It is important to take this factor into account, since it will help us to correct the movements prior to shooting, offering clear and non-jittery images. The use of a tripod is always recommended, but sometimes it is complicated (especially if the subject moves).
Crop factor. We must not forget that if we do not have a camera with a full-size sensor (full-frame), we must apply a multiplying factor to the lens to know exactly which focal point we are working on.
These are our chosen objectives for macro photography:
Firstly, Zhongyi 20mm f / 2 4.5X
This economical 20mm macro lens. It can be mounted on Canon M, Canon EOS, Fuji X, Nikon, Pentax, Sony A, Sony Nex, and Micro 4/3 devices.
It allows up to 4.5X magnification and is light, compact and robust. It offers the only focus option in manual mode, although in this discipline we will rarely use autofocus.
It has a minimum focus distance of approximately 3 cm. so we must be careful to be able to correctly illuminate the stage and avoid the appearance of shadows, and be very careful if we photograph animals since we will be very close to them when shooting.
It is a fairly bright lens and has an aperture range of f: 2 to f: 16. As a weak point, we will indicate that it is not a lens that has a stabilizer, so we recommend its use with a tripod.
This lens is quite small (62mm x 60mm) and light (weighing 240 grams). A perfect optic to start in the macro photography world with a good lens, and at an economical price.
In second position: Tokina 100mm f / 2.8 ATX M PRO D Macro
This powerful Tokina fixed lens offers a short 100mm telephoto lens, with a good aperture of f: 2.8, allowing us to photograph in difficult light conditions.
It is offered for Nikon and can boast light. It has no built-in focus motor and is very smooth in manual mode. It allows a minimum focus distance of 0.30 meters.
It does not have an image stabilizer and offers a very competitive quality if we also use it in portrait.
This lens is somewhat heavy, weighing 570 grams, and is not excessively large, with dimensions of 7.3 x 7.3 x 9.51 cm.
Its finish is robust and reliable, with good build quality. This optics is very competitive in terms of value for money.
Third: Samyang 100mm F2.8 ED UMC
This 100mm TV is compatible for Canon EF, Canon M, Fuji X, Micro 4/3, Nikon AE, Olympues 4/3, Pentax, Sony A, Samsung NX and Sony E cameras, and allows 1: 1 magnification with great precision.
It has a minimum focus distance of 0.307m. and works in manual mode with smoothness and great precision.
It offers an enviable optical quality, thanks to the construction of its lenses to avoid the refraction of light in the center of the image and corners. It is a perfect lens to also use as a telephoto lens in landscape or portrait.
It is quite robust, but also heavy, with 735 grams.
In fourth position: Sigma DG Macro HSM
This full telephoto lens is also quite bright, with an aperture of f: 2.8. It is offered for Canon cameras, although it is also available for Nikon, Sony and Sigma. It is perfect for taking 1: 1 macro shots.
The construction of the lenses will help us avoid image dispersion, also correcting the chromatic and spherical aberration. The result will be sharp, contrasting, high-quality images.
Allows focus in automatic and manual mode. And one point in its favor is that it has an image stabilizer, which will help us correct camera movements before shooting and the ability to shoot silently without a tripod.
It has a minimum focus distance of 31 cm, which will help us to photograph in macro mode at a certain distance, allowing us to illuminate comfortably.
A factor to take into account in this view is its weight: 1.13 kgs. So we should think of a tripod and a carry bag to carry it with us easily.
Fifth: Tamron A17E - Lens for Canon (70-300mm, f / 4-5.6, Macro, AF, 62mm)
This variable focus telephoto lens from Tamron allows us to shoot in a 70-300mm focal length with ease, as well as helping us to take pictures in macro mode.
The weak point of this lens is that it is not very bright, with an aperture of f: 4 / 5.6. However, its strong point is above all the price. It is difficult to find cheaper optics, with this focal length and also macro.
This optic is prepared for mounting on Canon equipment, although it is also offered for Nikon. The lens construction prevents dispersion and chromatic aberration.
It allows a minimum focus distance of 0.95 meters, so we can comfortably photograph at a certain distance in macro mode. Well finished, reliable in construction, it is not too heavy, weighing 570 grams. In addition, it includes a parasol.