In this article, I’ll go over a common question beginners have when they start photography: How can I get closer-up photos of my subjects? I recently saw a comment from someone who just got their first camera. They were excited but realized the lens they received couldn’t capture things up close. So, let’s break down what that means and how to address it.
Check out the related video for examples of lens reproduction ratio.
Understanding Reproduction Ratio
One of the key specifications to look at when figuring out how close you can get to your subject is the lens's reproduction ratio, also known as magnification ratio. This is typically represented as 1:1 (or 1x) for life-size magnification, while a ratio like 1:2 or 0.5x indicates less magnification. Both formats represent the same concept.
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| Part of the comment I had seen. |
For example, if you want to capture close-up details of a subject, you need to consider the reproduction ratio of the lens you're using.
Kit Lenses and Their Limitations
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| The Sony mirrorless kit lens. |
Let’s start with the basics: kit lenses. These are typically included with cameras when you buy them, and while they’re affordable and decent for general use, they come with limitations. One of those limitations is usually in their reproduction ratio. A standard kit lens like this Sony 16-50mm is 0.215x, which isn’t great for getting close-up shots. You’ll see this spec listed in two ways, either as 0.215x or as around 1:4.65. Both ultimately refer to the same thing.
Upgrading to a Zoom Lens
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| The Sony 16-70mm f/4 lens. |
You might think stepping up to a higher-end zoom lens will solve the problem, but that’s not always the case. Some zoom lenses offer a slightly better reproduction ratio, like this Sony 16-70mm that has 0.23x, but it’s still not a massive difference. It really depends on the lens design and purpose.
Specialty Lenses and Their Trade-offs
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| The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 "pancake" lens. |
Some specialty lenses, like really compact or pancake lenses, have even lower reproduction ratios, around 0.11x in the case of the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 lens. With specialty designs you’ll be sacrificing magnification in exchange.
Macro Lenses: The Close-Up Solution
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| The Brightin Star lens has 2:1 maximum (2x) reproduction which is more than the usual 1:1 ratio (1x). |
On the other end of the spectrum, there are macro lenses, which are specifically designed for close-up photography. Most macro lenses will give you a 1:1 reproduction ratio, meaning you can capture life-size images of small subjects. For example, the Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 macro lens even offers a 2:1 reproduction ratio, allowing you to get extremely close to your subject and capture fine details.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lens
If you’re looking to get closer-up photos, always check the reproduction ratio of the lens you're considering. Whether it's a kit lens, zoom lens, or macro lens, the reproduction ratio will tell you how much detail you can capture. Part of the fun in photography is exploring different lenses and figuring out what works best for your style and needs.