Macro?

[rhoraq]

I'm new & have a huge passion for photography, but I've finally had the guts to act on this and now I'm becoming pretty hard core with it, but there is the technical side that I'm really lacking in. So sorry for any annoying questions, but here's my first one. What exactly is macro shooting for? What is it basically and when should I use it? I'm into portrait photography. Thank you for any replys and your patience

[CJWilkes]

Macro is so you can get in there really close to the subject. Like with raindrops...

Here is an example:

It helps you to be able to see the fine details. You can't get that with just any lens. It is like focusing with your eye - you can only get so close before a subject gets blurry. If you get a magnifying lens to assist then you can get closer and see more details. I hope that makes sense.

Here is another example:

[daft_biker]

What's the bets neither of those images are macros? Either you've got really small fingers or have a really big sensor

This isn't macro:


This is macro:


This is extreme macro:


I guess the simple anwer is - if your current lenses don't get you close enough you might want a macro lens (or a setup used for macro photography as often things like bellows and extension tubes are used aswell as a lens).

See here for more info on the different options depending on how close you want to go.

[CJWilkes]

Yes... your 2 are macro. I still consider my two macro also - because I would not have been able to get it that clear and close without my macro lens. It is not micro macro but is macro.

Here are some other examples:

When you cannot get as close and as clear on one specific item. It brings out the fine details.

[rhoraq]

Thank you both so much for your help. And these macro images are incredible! I want a macro lense now