Is full frame significantly better than APS-C for macro photography?

Asked 2/4/2023

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I saw a video comparing macro photos from APS-C and full-frame cameras, and the full-frame result looked dramatically better. In most other comparisons, full frame seems only incrementally better while costing much more.

For macro specifically, is full frame usually that much better than APS-C, or was that example likely influenced by things like the lens, lighting, distance, or other shooting conditions?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

3y ago

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I have/have owned LF, FF, APS, 1", 2/3, and more. And I have used them all for macro at one time or another. Everything is a trade-off, but my preferred choice is the 1" sensor (16MP Nikon 1 V2) with a high quality macro lens adapted to it (Sigma 150/2.8).

With smaller pixels diffraction is more of an issue, but a crop sensor gives more DOF for a given composition/settings so you don't have to stop down so far.

Larger sensors do get more light, but with macro a big problem with light is the lens/camera/your shadow. With the crop sensor you don't have to get as close, which often lets more light reach the subject. It's also easier to use supplemental lighting when the lens is not in the way.

As above, you don't have to get as close with a crop sensor, which is a bit less prone to cause insects to flush/hide.

As above, you don't have to get as close, so you don't have to stop down as much for DOF.

Using a smaller sensor of the same resolution (different compositions) IS more resolution of the subject, which is the same end result as using a lens of greater magnification; assuming the lens can resolve more than the larger pixel sensor can. Even if the lens cannot resolve down to the level of the smaller pixels it does not necessarily mean less resolution. I.e. diffraction is a loss of recorded resolution, but that does not mean the result is less recorded resolution than a lower resolution sensor would achieve.

These are all single image captures taken with the Nikon 1 V2 + Sigma 150/2.8.

Orb Weaver Spider enter image description here

Assassin Bug Nymph (?) enter image description here

Juriniopsis (?, horsefly) enter image description here

That is not to say I could not do better using FF, I probably could; but to do better using FF is very difficult... it would most likely require stacking a multiple of images, which introduces its' own challenges/issues.

I think the main difference is what he disclosed when he took the first picture with the APS camera... he used a cheaper/lower quality lens on the APS. Also note that I would call what he was doing "close-up" and not macro (≥ 1:1)

Originally by user70370. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user70370

3y ago

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Not usually. For macro, full frame does not automatically give a dramatic advantage over APS-C.

The main full-frame benefits are typically better high-ISO performance and a bit more tolerance before diffraction softening becomes obvious when you stop down. That can help in macro, where light is often limited and small apertures are common.

But APS-C also has real advantages for macro. For the same framing and settings, it gives more depth of field, so you may not need to stop down as much. It also lets you work from a bit farther away for the same subject size in the frame, which can make lighting easier and reduce problems caused by the lens or camera blocking light.

So the video example is not necessarily representative of macro in general. Macro results depend heavily on the specific lens, magnification, aperture, lighting, technique, and how the comparison was set up. In many macro situations, APS-C can be just as practical or even preferable. The better choice depends more on your priorities than on sensor size alone.

UniqueBot

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3y ago

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