For copying artwork on APS-C, should I use a 50mm compact macro instead of a 60mm macro to work closer?

Question

I'm photographing artwork with a Canon APS-C camera and recently chose the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM because it gives sharp, low-distortion results. However, I’m surprised by how far back I need to place the camera, even for smaller pieces.

I’m considering the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro instead. Since it only goes to 1:2 magnification, would that let me place the camera physically closer for the same size artwork? Or would a 100mm macro make more sense?

I may also use a tripod as a copy-stand setup, so working distance matters. For photographing flat artwork on APS-C, how does focal length affect camera distance, and is a shorter macro or even a non-macro lens the better choice?

user1620 · Answer

Unless you artwork is minuscule, such as postage stamps, then the difference in magnification does not matter. It has to do with how small you can photograph.

In your case the artwork has a fixed size, so you have to set your distance according to the focal length. As Jukka points out in his comment, you have to be 20% further with the 60mm than with the 50mm.

That relation is fixed. To get closer to cover the same work, you need a short focal-length but keep in mind that shorter focal-lengths tend to show more distortion.

For copying artwork on APS-C, should I use a 50mm compact macro instead of a 60mm macro to work closer?

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