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|  macro lens help I want to get a macro lens for my Pentax *ist DL... the lens I have with it is a 18-55mm. what should I go for? 
				__________________ Life is full of cycles.. our saltwater adventure is over..for now. FTOTM FEB 2011:http://www.canreef.com/ftotm/feb11/ My blog: http://thejosieworld.blogspot.com/ "When you open your minds to the impossible, sometimes you find the truth." W.Bishop | 
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|   Hi, I have a 50mm macro and find it is great for close up shots within 6" of the glass, anything further away and it loses its effectiveness quickly. If I had to do it again I would probably pick up a 100mm | 
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|   Effectively all macro lenses are capable of the same magnification (1:1) no matter what the zoom. The difference is the minimum focus distance which is the distance from the lens to the subject to achieve this maximum magnification. For example a 60mm needs about 8" while a 100mm needs 12". I went bigger and got a 150mm which needs 18" because at the time I had a 36" cube tank so this lens allowed me to take true macro photos of anything in the tank. So when choosing a zoom length for a macro the most important factor in my mind is this minimum focus distance, determine what you need and choose appropriately. As for brand I would recommend sticking with the same as the camera whenever possible. Last edited by sphelps; 07-23-2010 at 01:49 PM. | 
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