Animal Macro Photography

• Using a lens specifically designed for close work and with a long barrel for close focusing, called a macro lens. Some manufacturers call it a micro, which might actually be scientifically more accurate, but can be confusing, since it goes against the established convention. These lenses provide consistently high optical quality when taking macrophotographs since they continuously change their optical formula as the lens focuses closer. They can also (generally) focus to infinity as well, and in most cases provide excellent optical quality when used for normal photography, although a macro lens might be optimized to provide its best performance at a magnification of 1:1. Some macro lenses, such as the Canon MP-E 65 mm f/2.8, can achieve higher magnification – up to 5:1 macro, enabling photography of the structure of small insect eyes, snowflakes, and other minuscule but detailed objects. However, "standard" (1:1) macro lenses are more common, and many of these find frequent use for general photography because of their excellent optics. There are different categories of macro lenses, depending on the focal length:
- 50–60 mm range typically used for product photography and small objects
- 90–105 mm range the standard focal range used for insects, flowers, small objects
- 150–200 mm range gives more working distance — typically used for insects and other small animals