I can't seem to get an actual definition of what a "Macro" shot is. Can someone explain?? How is it different to any other photographic shot?

mac·ro lens (plural mac·ro lens·es) noun

Definition:

photographic lens for close-ups: a lens used for close-up photography that produces a life-size or larger image on film, with a minimum of 1:1 object-to-image ratio

MAC Row .. area of the store where Apple Computers are sold


wait! .. I think I misunderstood .. I thought he just misspelled the word ..

never mind

Keith, are you channeling your inner Noah (again)?

lol so there is a different type of lens you get to make a macro shot?

yes, one that allows short focus distances, and high image magnification. This will give you a very shallow depth of field, and feature very minute details.

depends - you can get multi purpose lenses that can take macro shots to a fashion or you can get a dedicated macro lens that will render detail so sharp it will make your eyes water.

I'll take door #2, please ;-)

For how much does a decent one of these usually run?

the tamrons are probably the cheapest 'decent' ones

holy crapola, I don't have money for that! lol, I guess it's something to look forward to :)

ahh, grasshoppah .. somebody told you that photography was a cheap hobby .. you must find that somebody and thump them upside the head

You have your whole life ahead of you .. to save .. dinner out? .. uh uh .. not if it means postponing "detail so sharp it will make your eyes water."


one of my many EX's used to begrudge me the money I spent BEFORE I KNEW HER .. apparently she could have lived so much better if I hadn't squandered it on stuff

teach us more sensei...

I've never shot Macro, how close must you be? Is it as simple as a 200mm Macro = the same zoom as a regular 200mm with the exception of capturing amazing detail?

Lol! Yeah I'm finding it very, very, expensive. At least it's making me pace myself so I don't buy all of this sweet gear and not know how to use any of it. Now, answer jason's question!

Oh! .. my microphone is unplugged .. (*steps away from the podium*)


I said I squandered it on stuff .. I didn't list a Macro Lens among the fallen

:o) .. I'd have REALLY caught Hell if I'd bought a Macro Lens

I think Keith is ignoring us sir mojave, we both ask for his advice yet he answers and adds to his own statements...we must have a lot to learn before we have the "hon-ar' to 'cap-char' his attention.

I think so too...but if he keeps posting links, we don't have to read what he says :P just click the blue text! hahah just messin' w/ ya K dawg

If you are working with a dSLR, you can find good entry level macro lenses for $300 to $400. Example
If you are working with a compact or a bridge, only the best ones have a decent macro function. Example

How close?? Get real close and when you think you're too close...then get a little closer. 8~D

I have a P&S Canon SD450 that I use for all my macro stuff, it does a fair job. You don't have to have a BIG dSLR with a super macro lens, it would be cool, but if monies don't allow well ya know. Canon is releasing a new elph, the SD850 IS...8 MP, 4x optical zoom and IMAGE STABILIZATION...sign me up!!

If your looking for a cheap way to get into MACRO , try using extension tubes . It will even get you to bigger magnification then 1;1 .
linky
example from kenko , you can also buy them separate .

Very cool, thanks for all the info guys :)