Is a telephoto lens better than an 18-55mm kit lens for macro with extension tubes?
Asked 8/17/2016
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I often shoot close-up subjects using extension tubes on my Canon 18-55mm kit lens. I'm considering buying my first telephoto lens and wondering if a telephoto would give better macro results with extension tubes, or if there are other advantages or disadvantages for macro work.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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I think you need to step back a bit here as you seem to have a misunderstanding or two. Most importantly, a telephoto lens will not necessarily give you better macro capabilities than a normal lens. For example, the Canon 18-55 IS STM has a maximum magnification of 0.36×, while the Canon 55-250 IS STM has a maximum magnification of only 0.29× - ie the "equivalent" telephoto lens has less macro capability than the normal lens. Telephoto lenses do have some advantages for macro work, principally that the lens is further from the subject so it's easier to get your lighting set up, but macro capabilities are not intrinsically one of them.
Now we've worked out that a telephoto lens isn't necessarily what you want, the question is "what do you want?" The answer here is actually fairly simple: a dedicated macro lens. Canon make a couple of reasonably priced macro lenses (EF-S 60mm, EF 100mm) and there are also third party manufacturers which give other options. Both the Canon lenses give you "true macro" (i.e. 1:1) reproduction. If you want to go further than that, Canon make the very specialised MP-E 65mm which will give you 5× magnification, but definitely do some reading before buying the lens as it's got a lot of quirks.
Originally by user11371. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11371
9y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Not automatically. A telephoto lens is not inherently better for macro than your 18-55mm kit lens, even with extension tubes. Maximum close-up performance depends on the specific lens design, not simply whether it is a telephoto.
For example, one community answer noted that a Canon 18-55mm can reach higher maximum magnification than a matching 55-250mm telephoto zoom. So buying a telephoto does not guarantee stronger macro results.
A telephoto can still help in one important way: it usually gives you more working distance, so the lens is farther from the subject. That can make lighting easier and may be more comfortable for insects or other subjects you don’t want to get too close to.
If your goal is the best close-up image quality and true macro performance, a dedicated macro lens is the better tool. Macro lenses are specifically optimized for close focusing and flat subjects, and are generally the best choice for serious macro work.
So: telephoto for more working distance, macro lens for the best overall macro results.
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