Stupid Noob Macro Question

[BLBJBranch]

OK folks, I've researched a lot and I can't overcome the confusion. I think folks keep regurgitating the same technojargon on the topic. So please forgive the ignorance, but I like to understand things fully.

What I understand so far is that a macro lens is designed to give you a 1:1 ratio. I think this means that if the object is 1 inch, then the resulting size on the film (or sensor) will be 1 inch.

I keep reading that a macro gives you life size prints of the objects. But here's what keeps confusing me: I've never seen an ant 8 x 10 inches long

So the whole 1:1 ratio, lifesize thing is throwing me off. Can someone explain to me how you can fill a picture with a bug? Is this still 1:1, or are you adding tubes and bellows to get something like 1:12?

Thanks.

[RichardTaylor]

The 1:1 is historically as it appears on the sensor/film.

The size of the print or displayed image has nothing to do with it.

[BLBJBranch]

So whether you're choosing to print small or print big, it doesn't require anything different?

I thought I saw something that said you did in order to get 1:5 or bigger, and I thought that was related to the print size when you're doing macro.

[Chip]

1:1, etc, is the magnification of the lens, which bears directly on the size of image on the sensor or film - that is, how much of the sensor is filled up by the image.

But, what size print you decide to make has nothing to do with the magnification of the lens. It's apples and oranges.

[BLBJBranch]

I'm tracking now. I think it was on kenrockwell.com, where he said you use tubes or bellows to get "bigger than lifesize". I guess he meant on the sensor, and I mistakingly concluded that's how you got the bigger than lifesizeprints.

Thanks for the responses.