What is the difference between macro, micro and closeup photography?
For example, Nikons top macro lens is called AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens. Notice the term micro in that name.
Now for comparisons sake, Canon's top macro lens is called a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. This time, instead of seeing the term micro, you'll notice the term macro within the lens name.
What does macro and micro refer to when it comes to photography?
The word macro means big, whereas the word micro mean small. So how is it that these two terms related?
If the subject you are photographing is small and you want to make it look big, you end up with a "macro" view of a "micro" subject.
What is macro (micro) photography?
Macro photography is that which is taken with a dedicated macro lens. A real macro lens has the capability of achieving in the least a 1:1 magnification. Just because a camera has the word macro written on it, doesn't make it a true macro lens. Both the Nikon and Canon lenses mentioned above, are considered real macro lenses. If you're not sure how to recognise a real macro lens, you may find an earlier article useful called, What is a real macro lens.
What is close up photography?
Close up photography, is the act of photographing objects such as flowers or insects in close range so the subject you are photographing fills the frame. In other words, it's the act of photographing subjects close up. This is easily achievable with any lens, even a 300mm telephoto lens.
Macro photography is in essence close up photography as well. However, close up photography is not always considered as true macro photography. For example, if you have a lens that is NOT considered a real macro lens, yet offers a macro setting (as many do nowadays), this is usually refered to as being close up photography, and not true macro.
How to recognise the difference between macro and close up photography?
Capturing the finest detail, is one of the main differences between macro / micro photography and close up photography.
Macro lenses are expensive for a reason. That being, a true macro lens allows the photographer to capture finer detail than would otherwise have been seen. For example, the hairs on an insects face, or the pattern in its eye.
Take the two photographs below for example. The first image is a very good example of a close up photograph, taken with a Nikon telephoto lens. While the second photograph is a macro shot, allowing for bigger magnification and showing the finest detail.
Related links:
- Dragonfly photography
- How to photograph macro water drops
- Tips for photographing flying insects
- Manual focus is often very effective for macro and closeup photography
The macro lens will take a normal picture perfectly well, but the image quality will not be as great as that of one taken at infinity on a high-quality normal lens. Avoid buying older lenses other than micro-nikkors, a lot of old macro lenses required close-up filters to make it 1:1 macro, and many were generally poor quality. Nikon's lens designs haven't changed very much in the last 20 year, so unless you want a silent 'USM' lens, it's definitely worth getting a second hand lens, post AI.In regards to using a macro lens for "non-macro" picture. The three lenses I have I really cant see any difference at all. May just be my samples but theres no obvious issues using my macro lenses at infinity focus or less.
