Frequently Asked Questions About Macro Lenses

In recognition of B&H Photo Macro Week, this week's FAQ topic is—you guessed it—macro lenses.

What is a macro lens?

Macro lenses are generally defined as lenses that can photograph an object at life-size (1:1) or half life-size (1:2) magnification.

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD Lens

Are macro lenses available in different focal lengths?

Yes. For full-frame 35mm cameras, macro lenses that focus down to life-size or greater are available in focal lengths ranging from 15mm ultra-wide-angle lenses with 110° angles-of-view to 200mm telephotos.

If I own a 50mm macro lens that focuses down to life-size, why would I need a wide-angle or telephoto macro lens that also focuses down to life-size? What are the advantages?

The reasoning behind owning wide-angle, normal, and telephoto macro lenses is the same reasoning behind our decisions to purchase conventional wide-angle, normal, and telephoto lenses.
Wide-angle lenses take in a wider field of view, enabling you to photograph group portraits in tight quarters, sweeping photographs of interiors, landscapes, and dramatically dynamic close-ups. They also exaggerate special relationships within the frame lines, which can be used effectively if you have a sharp eye. Wide-angle macros can be used similarly, though in the case of life-size portraits of spiders, bees, and other creepy-crawlies, the end results can be frightening if not downright terrifying.
A key advantage of telephoto macro lenses is that they enable you to get in closer from a greater (and safer) distance to insects, birds, and other skittish animals compared to normal or wider-angle macro lenses. Longer focal length lenses also compress perspective and enable you to isolate your subject from the foreground and background more easily than with normal or wide-angle lenses.