Macro lenses

[jfproul]

I was wondering if there is a big difference between 35mm macro and a 50mm

as a newbie in slr , i have made my first trip to Bonaire last month and i have tried
a macro 35mm f13.5 , a fisheye 8mm f/3.5 and a 14-42mm lenses .

i did get nice pictures with my 14-42 mm lenses but my 35 macro pictures su**cked
big time , i took like 2500 pictures in that week to adjust myself to the camera and
i was wondering what are the difference between 35 and 50 macro ?


thanks

 

[jlyle]

What do you mean by "su**cked?" Is it possible you were too close with the 35mm lens? The minimal focus distance for the Zuiko 35mm lens is ~5.5 inches; if you shoot closer than the MFD, the image will not be clear. The depth of field is also extremely shallow - especially at low f-stops.

The 35mm lens is a "standard" lens, while the 50mm is part of the "advanced" lens set.

The 50mm lens is a great macro lens. I don't own a 35, so I can't compare the two.

 

[gary-ramey]

I guess an addon to that would be how can you improve the macro on the 14-42mm? I know there are teleconverters and also a macro extender, would either of these help?

 

[calypsonick]

jfproul - I shoot the 35mm Zuiko and had problems with focusing until I changed to a single focus point as opposed the the default multiple focus setting.

If you look at the specs on the 35 and 50mm you will notice that the min focusing distances are 5.8in and 9.4in respectively. So, in principle you should be able to get closer with the 35mm.

Here are some pics taken with the 35mm:

Flickr: Archive of Nick Hobgood's photos posted to Flickr on 12th November 2006
Flickr: Archive of Nick Hobgood's photos posted to Flickr on 28th November 2006
Flickr: Archive of Nick Hobgood's photos posted to Flickr on 3rd December 2006

 

[jlyle]

I guess an addon to that would be how can you improve the macro on the 14-42mm? I know there are teleconverters and also a macro extender, would either of these help?

The 14-42mm lens can be used with an extension tube, but you can only use manual focus and you cannot focus at the wide end.

The 1.4x teleconverter can be used in combination with the 14-42, but you will loose a couple of f-stops on an already dark lens (f-3.5-5.6).

If you use a flat port, you could add a Woody's dioptre underwater. You will also experience water magnification with a flat port.

Which brings up the following point - if you want macro, go with a macro lens. The 14-42 gives you moderate wide to moderate macro.

 

[jfproul]

Thanks guys ...i think i would have to shoot and shoot and shoot before
i can manage the whole thing ! i ' ll try the one point focus instead of the 3 points.

thanks again