lens advice - macro 1:1 vs 1:4

[erotavlas]

Will any of the DSLR macros lenses (the more compact ones like 50 or 60mm) give me more working distance when attached to my camera than the 30mm Sony macro?

 

[dgphelps]

With my bellows and a 50mm Rodagon I can get anywhere from about 1:8 to 10:1. So neener neener!

Seriously, though, if you don't mind manual focus and manual aperture, I maintain that this is the best and least expensive option for some subjects. If you want focus confirmation get an M42 adapter with an AF chip. At 10:1 with 13cm+ extension, it's pretty essential.

Unpopular, would you mind explaining your setup? I imagine you're referring to this lens - Rodenstock Rodagon 50mm f4 DARKROOM ENLARGER LENS 39mm thread | eBay ?

 

[Overread]

Will any of the DSLR macros lenses (the more compact ones like 50 or 60mm) give me more working distance when attached to my camera than the 30mm Sony macro?

With true macro lenses capable of a 1:1 magnification the focal length have no effect on the end frame (since magnification is the same it will frame the same amount of content regardless of focal length). What will change however is:

1) Background separation - the longer the focal length the more the subject and the background will separate, this results in an increased degree of background blurring.

2) The distance between the camera sensor and the subject will increase (ie the minimum focusing distance). This also serves to increase your working distance (distance between the front of the lens and the subject). This is why if you want to work with insects 90mm or more is typically recommended as a starting point.

Note that a 30mm macro lens is VERY difficult to use at 1:1 magnifications because the tiny working distance leaves little space to add additional lighting and you will nearly always be shadowing your subject with camera and lens. Moving to a 60mm will be a big improvement and I'd say try getting to 90mm or longer if you want to work with insects and outside.

30mm macro lenses can be a good close up and handy lens (I own a 35mm macro myself) but are just not well suited to full 1:1 work when compared to others (outside of very specialist situations).

 

[480sparky]

1:4 isnt really a true macro lens...........

Technically, EVERY lens is a macro lens. And by the same token, NO lenses are macro lenses. Why? There is no 'official' definition of 'macro'. So the manufacturers have quite a bit of 'artistic license' in their Madison Avenue claims.

That said,... yes, the general consensus and common view is that 'true macro' begins at 1:1.