Macro vs Telephoto Lens - is one better than the other?

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

this was very well explained

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@irvanwiranata6972]

Many thanks!!!

[@Dstonephoto]

Interesting. I’ve been considering purchasing a macro lens for non-macro use, but for both the sharpness and flat field effects. Could you expand a bit on the part about lacking sharpness if you stop down?

[@constancemierphotography]

David, thank you for the comments. I think this is referring to aperture. Awhile back, I tested the sharpness in each of my lenses having read that camera & lens have a "sweet spot" aperture range for sharpness. F8-f11 seemed to work best for my set up. I also find stopping down to f16 & even more so to F22 on my older Sony model had unacceptably soft results. Not finding that so much with the newer Sony mirrorless A7RII. Long story short, aperture seems to affect sharpness and its good practice to test it on your lens.

[@geekbuy82]

Choose a tele semi macro lens, problem solve! 😊

[@broifyouaskme1448]

Love that experiment. So a long telephoto (or a super zoom) will not magnify even half as much as a macro that is at the minimum focal distance. Thanks!

[@reimundhou]

Thank you for the thorough clarification by bothering the test with the ruler! Also, combining the differences without dry theories but real life shots did tell the difference in depth of field and composition well enough. Thanks!

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you for the feedback and glad it was helpful to you!

[@Triplebuc50]

Should I use a diffused Flash on my DSLR Crop sensor camera using CONTACT EXTENSION TUBES?

[@keenanburkepitts]

Very well done and useful clarifications! Tyvm 🙂

[@LucaOliviero]

Thanks! Great video. This really helped me decide and I am now excited to be getting a macro lens and exploring new possibilities 😁

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@TurboNorm]

Super helpful comparison. Thanks.

[@gtoyadhatagyab8013]

Wait, macro lens is a prime lens?, Never knew that, thank you.

[@heatherwhy3075]

I am so thankful for this video. I’ve had my “zoom” lens for 20 years and never knew why I couldn’t get the insect pictures I wanted. My friend said it’s a telephoto lens. Then I watched this video and understand.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you & I am so glad the video was helpful to you.

[@pinto_ukes8406]

Thank you, I was in doubt and this video helped me decide to opt for a macro lens instead of a telezoom

[@constancemierphotography]

Glad I could help!

[@eight7sixjoe]

I would love to see the experiment repeated using the extension tube on the telephoto using the ruler and thistle to see the magnification differences as well as the new minimum working distance of the telephoto lens.

[@constancemierphotography]

That would be useful!

[@kristianvrum8979]

I'd say that your test with the tripod and the ruler is irrelevant. To compare the two lenses you would fiirst need to find the MFD for your telezoom at 180 mm, and then place the camera (ie sensor) at the same distance from the subject (in this case the ruler) with the macro lens mounted. Then we can compare the results 🙂

[@constancemierphotography]

Watch again & you’ll see that’s exactly what I did

[@50shadesofgayy]

It’s a matter of perspective. You can imagine zooming a lens as changing the size of your eyeball and telephoto/macro dictates from what perspective in space in relation to an object that eyeball can focus on it. The magnification can be the same from a telephoto lens but the perspective cannot.

[@broifyouaskme1448]

No. She showed us that the magnification is NOT the same. The zoom lens could only capture 3 inches of the ruler. Whereas the macro lens could capture 1 inch..

[@WaynJul]

Thank for the instructions. Those type of spiders have taken over my porch.

[@constancemierphotography]

Your welcome! Now you have your own macro studio. 👍

[@rianna2514]

Thank you - this video was super helpful! What kind of tripod and tripod head do you have? Thanks in advance!

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you, glad it was helpful. I use Induro carbon fiber stealth tripod. the ballhead is a Manfrotto.

[@JayMacroPhotos]

Great explanation and examples. I always wondered about the difference between the two.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you, so glad you found it useful. sorry for the late reply!

[@carlesblas]

Excelent explanation. Big thank you for this video.

[@constancemierphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Really enjoyed the video, but link to website not working in YT app.

[@constancemierphotography]

Try now and thank you

[@tru0007]

Thank you for such an informative video! Absolutely great content!

[@constancemierphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dimitarpenkov4377]

Great video! A big, big THANK YOU for it!

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you too!

[@ccovington016]

May I ask the brand of tripod you are using?

[@constancemierphotography]

Hi Chris, I think we communicated via email, and if not my apologies for such a late reply. I use an Induro Stealth.

[@AprilClayton]

Thanks for explaining. I don’t have a macro lens yet, but considering it. I did get some nice insect photos with my 100-300 telephoto lens, but want to be able to focus closer.

[@constancemierphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eight7sixjoe]

Nice video. I have been trying to get the answer to the macro vs telephoto lenses. The experiment done with the ruler was very appropriate and clearly explained the difference. What tripod are you using? I like the mounting of the macro lens.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you and glad you got some useful info from the video. The tripod is an Induro, carbon fiber. I use a Gimbal head for the long lenses, including the macro.

[@cannotthinkofoneatth]

well made.. too less subscribers for the quality

[@francoisdugois3634]

Thank you for this very clear and inspiring overview!

[@wlacalle]

Thanks for an amazing video 👍

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@hovigalahaidoyan4080]

Hi Constance - thank you for the video - just to make sure - If I would like to photograph products that are relatively small WITH printed type on it (e.g. package of bar of soap, cigarettes etc..) with no distortion AND deep focus, would I then HAVE to go with one of the higher focal length Macros? Thank you. -H

[@constancemierphotography]

Greater focal length will lower DOF, but I think your issue is magnification, meaning 1:1 may not cut it for your purpose. Check out this link on ways you can increase magnification, aside from buying another lens. www.macrophotobug.com/how-to-get-super-insect-macro-photography-magnification/

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

I have to agree with most of what you say, but it is possible to get insect shots even with a 50mm on an APSC, some are more tolerant than others even flighty (no pun intended) insects like dragon/damsel flies are possible, but my Tamron 90mm gives a higher success rate. I even wear camouflage gear, which seems to help if you move very slowly. I prefer natural light, but I often use a DIY twin flash setup on a flash rail with my Leica 45mm / Pan GX9 and a cloudy grey diffuser in front of both flashes attached to the lens with a filter thread adapter. On top of the diffuser sheet I have taped mirror film, which reflects the environment back to the wee beasty. To my mind it is much better than one of those white diffusers that most people use. Also I am experimenting with a 100-300 zoom on my Panasonic G9 and extension tubes for video, which is giving me a 1:3 ratio (ish). Its all mounted on a Benro geared head and a macro cross rail to aid framing. Lots of dissappointment, but extremly satisfying when it all works and the animal is still for long enough. Sorry for the loqaicousness.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thanks Paul, you are much more patient than me when it comes to photographing insects! But I bet it has paid off for you in many ways.The macro cross rail is a nice addition for someone starting out here, good set up. The mirror film is brilliant. Personally I stopped using flash many moons ago, but of course if one is serious about their macro, it’s will add much.

[@qazxsw21000]

This video isn’t *quite* what I was looking for, though it was still informative. From my understanding, a macro lens is used primarily for taking shots of small things whereas a telephoto lens is for “adding more zoom” to the camera; it’s used to get shots of things much farther away, like a telescope helps people see farther away. I was expecting this video to get more into that rather than using both for the same task (taking shots of small things), though that was a curiosity I had too

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you! Here’s the reason for this video: I began photography with a telephoto lens for wildlife and discovered that I enjoyed photographing “small” animals such as lizards and insects. I eventually invested in a macro lens and I soon discovered that it would not work for some of those animals because, dang them, they wouldn’t let me get close enough! So at least for wildlife, telephoto vs macro is a relevant topic.

[@markmyworlds1259]

I was looking for a straight forward explanation. Thanks

[@ahmedhammad2167]

This video is very underrated, thank you for this great info

[@rmclark339]

Excellent presentation. Thanks

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Frank-ox3np]

super helpful, thank you!

[@constancemierphotography]

You're welcome!

[@jonathanm9436]

Thanks for this - your video provides a lovely and clear explanation of the two lenses' characteristics. I am well informed now - thank you!!

[@constancemierphotography]

You're very welcome!

[@byronalpers4972]

Thanks for the lucid explanation. I have a non-macro/telephoto question. What tripod are you using? It looks very well-made.

[@constancemierphotography]

thank you! it is an Induro stealth, sorry for late reply.

[@kevinbouley]

Now this is quality.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@ticoruizsuarez]

What tripod is that

[@constancemierphotography]

induro carbon fiber

[@sarahgardner8856]

Great video, thank you so much. Been wondering what the 1:1 meant, I couldn't visualize it till now.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you Sarah, so glad you found it useful!

[@seanmann8732]

The sony 100-400 GM is my dream lens that i have been saving up for. Due to recent events with Corona, I have been really interested in trying Macro photography as it could be fun to shoot stuff around the house, which is where we spend most of our time these days. Thanks this is the video i have been looking for!

[@constancemierphotography]

Hey thanks Sean, you're welcome. I love the 70-400mm, I probably use it half the time just for landscapes (check out my previous video on using it for landscape panos).

[@lRlMlGl]

Oh Thank You, Thank You Thank You Thank You!

[@constancemierphotography]

You're welcome!

[@lRlMlGl]

Yeah!

[@mgasperoni]

Super helpful - thank you. I was always wondering what I was missing and it was the 1:1 aspect. I have a Sigma 18-300 that I use as my main workhorse walkaround lens, and it came with an Macro Lens "adapter" ... however after your video I was able to test some things and then go back to the specs and see that while it certainly is not a "bad" free adapter, it just steps up my lens from 1:3 to 1:2 ... so not a true macro lens, and makes sense why I wasn't seeing the huge advantage to it. I still may play with it from time to time, but after your video I think I may need to consider a true macro for my collection.

[@constancemierphotography]

Glad the video helped you decide to buy a macro lens! You won’t regret it.

[@blivieriphoto]

Great video Connie! I've always wondered about macros. I've used one a couple of times but didn't understand the difference between that and long focal length zooms. And it's funny, Thomas Heaton just put out a video yesterday where he's been practicing macro photography in his house. I didn't realize there were extension tubes for macro. Of course I ordered a set. LOL It might not be as good as a great macro lens, but it's a start. For $40. Thanks!

[@constancemierphotography]

Thanks Barb!

[@kd8782]

Beautiful comparison video!! Thank you.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@UHFStation1]

I have had a macro lens but wanted to take photos of more distant things like the moon or birds in the trees. I assume telephoto lens are built for those things? They magnify less than macro lenses even at much greater distances?

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you for your questions! Although a macro lens will surely magnify more than a telephoto, what makes a telephoto lens better for moon shots is the available focal length. With a teleconverter attached, 1000mm or greater can be achieved, necessary for filling the frame with the moon.

[@UHFStation1]

Hopefully my new telephoto lens will make the moon look ok. Doesn't need to fill entire frame like a $5k lens. I don't know. We'll see what happens. Lol.

[@UHFStation1]

Looked pretty good. More moon and less sky would have been better. Will keep experimenting.

[@owen9997]

看看

[@vimalneha]

Excellent description, helpful in seeing the difference clearly.

[@constancemierphotography]

Great to hear!

[@angryanimaldoc]

I didn't know big cypress was still open. The state parks near me are all closed.

[@constancemierphotography]

Go to the source online, the park is open, though not the visitor centers.

[@tulokapiklo]

How about attaching raynox macro lens to the telephoto lens?

[@constancemierphotography]

Yes, good tip, thank you. I should have added that in. Nice alternative to the extension tubes.

[@daveyjonestravel4355]

Great explanation, straight to the point. And love the shots at the end with the insects, amazing!

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@andysouidhou9710]

Thanks for that, you're a great teacher! Not overly complicated and able to explain things in easy terms. I was thinking of getting extension tubes but now thinking the Sigma 105 for my Nikon D7500. I want to be able to photograph insects without getting right on top of them and disturbing them. Thanks again, I've subbed!

[@constancemierphotography]

Hi Andy, sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the fine complement, I appreciate it! And so glad you found the video useful. Did you get your lens?

[@andysouidhou9710]

@@constancemierphotography hi, that Sigma 105 is out of stock everywhere! Must be very popular.

[@constancemierphotography]

😬😔

[@yusriplanner4666]

Good info im just learning photography

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you and good luck with your photography!

[@alanolander9983]

Sorry, misconstrued some of what you said.

[@constancemierphotography]

Yes, thank you for repeating most of what was presented in the video.

[@ashishkshahane]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you! And your welcome.

[@anupshrestha1116]

Very nice Video. Thank you

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@sameermehta5811]

Very nice video

[@constancemierphotography]

Thank you!

[@fredkrieger278]

Thank you.

[@constancemierphotography]

You are welcome!