Almost every manufacturer has a macro lens with a classic 100 millimeter focal length in their portfolio. Especially in the macro range, the slightly longer focal length has many advantages. Due to the narrow angle of view, the beam path from the object to the sensor is straight and does not require any complex corrections using special lenses. The lenses also draw a sharp and distortion-free image in the peripheral areas. In addition, the telephoto focal length allows a large distance to the subject, so that many animals and insects are outside the escape distance.
Tele macro lenses can be used far more flexibly than the name suggests.
These two advantages alone have an advantageous effect on subjects that are not close-up. In portrait photography, for example, a distortion-free image flatters the model. If the picture is sharp right up to the edges, the subject can move into the corners of the picture without having to put up with lens errors. Both model and photographer benefit from the greater distance. You can better focus on the photo task when the uncomfortable feeling of unwanted intimacy is gone.
There are many models of macro focal lengths on the market and the choice is large. The item in the current issue of c’t photography shows you what the manufacturers have on offer, what the different models cost and also gives an assessment of the quality.
With “Not only for small things big” our author Katja Seidel explains for which disciplines the 100 macros are also excellently suited in addition to close-up photography. This ranges from the mentioned portraits to landscapes and astrophotography to product photography.
Finally, Alexander Mett takes you on a journey into the secret macro world and shows you that dead trees in the forest are a real treasure trove for spectacular motifs.
Portfolio Sandra Bartocha
Other issues in the issue
Blurred! Nothing is worse than coarse grain? A blurred eye? Lack of depth of field? Anyone who thinks this way prevents creative ideas that photography can only use to grow. Blur fires the imagination and allows for the mental journey in a photo. It leads away from the hard, clear truth towards something contemplative, playful, free. Actively taking blurred pictures is the perfect playground for photographers, cameras and technology.
In review: Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Sony A7R V. There are two directions with new cameras: More details through ever higher sensor resolutions or ever faster recording technology. We present the two current representatives of these two forms.
Do-it-yourself project large format camera. All you need is an old lens, a lightproof box and instant film. It’s a lot of fun to build your own large format camera.
Color-accurate photo workflow in PS and LRC. Maike Jarsetz explains how to set up a color-accurate workflow and which tools help – with four practical workshops.
All topics of c’t photography 2/2023 at a glance
You can get the current issue of c’t photography (2/2023) for EUR 12.90 in the hot shop. There you will also see a complete table of contents and information about the exclusive online additional material that we offer via a clearly designed user interface, as well as thumbnails and the editorial. You can order the issue free of shipping costs up to and including February 27, 2023. The ePaper and the edition for Amazon Kindle each cost 12.49 euros.
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