Considerations for Selection a Close-up/Macro Lens
What follows necessarily is somewhat of an exercise in futility as
the variables in assessing fine lenses for close work are many
and their permutations seemingly infinite. Still we can’t own them
all and in the end must make some attempt to compare lenses,
one to another, in order to decide what lens might be most useful
to us for a particular kind of work. There are several types of
information presented here and the various specifications for each
lens, a photo of the lens.
The specifications and lens photo I am sure you will find useful
because they are seldom gathered in one place and this should
save you searching for this information. By reviewing this
material I see that almost all of the lenses included here are
sharp and are worthy of taking very fine photos if we know their
limitations. I am certain that if you pick through the data you will
come up with opinions of your own that will elevate one lens
relative to another, and so on.
To repeat, after doing all of this, I found that most of the lenses
listed here are plenty sharp enough to own and use. For me that is
my own take away from this material.
I also include a quick shot of the lens itself and any comments I
have about the lens. By all means take my comments with a
grain of salt. They are impression from my use of the lens and
since in day-to-day use I have my favorites, many of these
lenses got only cursory use. Still, some of my observations may
be helpful. At least that is my hope. I will say just a few words
about what in my opinion makes a good lens for close-up, macro
work, and also for focus stacking.
How to Pick a Lens
There are a number of key factors that figure into what makes a
good close-up or macro lens. Not all lenses have all the desired
factors and some of it depends on the particular kind of
photography you want to do. No lens (or very few anyway) seem to
have everything. Some lenses will have better sharpness, some
better color, and so on. As you read about the factors and qualities
of various lenses, you will want to keep your eye on the qualities
that are most important to your work.