The main function of any macro lens is to shoot close-up photos down to 1:1 life-size magnification. To get any more closer than 1:1 magnification, the use of extension tubes and close-up attachment lenses is required. Exception will be of the EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens, which is able to achieve a 2:1 (2x) magnification with the use of the Extender EF 2x. Although they are specifically designed for macrophotography, macro lenses can also be used for general photography. Some of you may have come across myths and rumors spread by ignorant shooters that macro lenses are not to be used for normal photography subjects. Let me tell you all this is complete gibberish. How you use a lens, whether it is a macro, a zoom or any other single focal length type, depends on your creativity and the ability to translate what you see into film or the storage cards (digital cameras). Having said that, I have decided to restrict the photos shown in this issue to only close-up subjects and none of the normal distance images. I have already shown the abilities of both the older EF 100mm and the EF 180mm Macro lenses that they are also capable of being used for general photography in addition to macrophotography in the previous issues. There is a beautiful world out there in macrophotography. While the normal type of lenses is also capable of up-close shooting with the help of extension tubes and close-up attachment lenses, a true macro lens allows you to focus at any one time on the subject matter, from normal shooting distance and later, moving closer for greater image magnification. You can't go back to general photography with any normal lens that has been attached with add-on close-up accessories unless the attachment is removed. Orchids at normal close-up distance Closer image; see the fly on top right? This old decal of the Canon/Sam the Eagle mascot of the 1984 Summer Olympics Games was photographed (first photo) at the 1:3 magnification with bounced flash from a Speedlite 550EX using a home-made card. The shadow on top of the image was caused by the edge of the work desk where the decal was pasted on. The second photo was shot at near the 1:2 magnification distance with the same shooting procedure. Next are photos of an old Spider-Man keychain, shot at 1:5 and 1: 3 magnifications respectively. The key was included in order to give an idea of how small the keychain was. Shot at 1:3 magnification Shot at 1:2 magnification     Shot at 1:5 magnification Shot at 1:3 magnification Text and photos by Philip Chong. Copyright 2000 by Canon Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .