How to use a macro filter? What are the methods?

Different from special macro lens, macro filter is a shooting mode fixed on ordinary lens. This paper introduces the use method of macro filter and the problems encountered in use.

There are two types of macro filters. The first one consists of one glass element, and the second one consists of two glass elements. The main difference between the two is that the former is cheaper-it is more prone to color difference, blur and distortion. At the same time, there is a second glass in the double filter, which eliminates all the problems caused by the first lens. The macro filter kit has three or four lenses, and its magnification ranges from 2x to10x or even higher.

1. Advantages and disadvantages of using macro filters

profit

The main advantage of using macro filter is that you can turn any of your shots into macro. Different from other macro filter accessories, it is small and light. Finally, it is only one of the cheapest options for people who want to enter macro photography.

disadvantaged

The main problem is that the filter can't provide the true definition of macro lens, and it can also lead to distortion and color edge phenomenon. Because the macro filter is an accessory of the lens, it can also reduce the light.

2. How to choose the ideal macro filter size?

The macro filter must match the diameter of the camera lens you are using.

So, how do you know the diameter of the lens? Every brand puts the lens information on the side or next to the frame. The most common sizes are 49mm, 52mm, 69mm and 72mm. Similarly, there is usually a "0" next to the diameter dimension.

Remember, the focal length is different from the lens diameter. So if you have 50mm, the lens diameter may be 52 mm, and if you use a larger camera lens, it may be between 69-72 mm.

Look at the "0" mark next to the value to make sure you are looking at the diameter, not the focal length.

3. How to use macro filters

Screw the macro filter onto the lens. If the UV filter is screwed on, be sure to remove it to avoid affecting macro photography.

After installing the macro filter, take pictures like a traditional lens. It can also be used with autofocus, so you don't have to focus manually.

Remember, when you take a picture with a macro filter, the minimum focal length will also be shortened. You need to get closer to get a clear image. Use a tripod or mini tripod to avoid camera shake.

For example, if the minimum focal length of a lens is usually 30 cm, it may be 70 cm or less if a macro filter is set. To determine the new shooting distance, please aim the lens at the subject 10-20cm, and then slowly move away until the image becomes clear.

4. How does macro photography stabilize the camera?

When using the macro filter, you will notice that the depth of field becomes very shallow, even if you use a well-covered aperture. In most cases, only a few millimeters of objects will become clear, and the rest will become blurred. This is why it is difficult to keep the focus in one place when you hold the camera.

Since the camera will stay still, so that the subject can be better focused, please install the camera on the tripod and keep it there after determining the shooting distance. Then you can start taking pictures without constantly readjusting the focal length.

Of course, it is also feasible to hold the camera in your hand. But to ensure stability, keep a proper distance from the object.

5. How to increase the magnification

You can stack filters together to enhance optical zoom. All you have to do is screw the macro filter onto the installed filter on the lens.

But remember, with the increase of diopter value, the curve of the lens will become more and more obvious. If you compare the diopter of 2 times with that of 10 times, you will notice that the lens of 10 times will protrude, so if you want to fold the filter, please make sure to use the lens with lower diopter first. For example, before setting 10 times, put 2 times on the lens. Otherwise 2x won't work, because 10x lens is too convex to screw on more filters.

You should also remember that the more filters you install, the less light will enter the lens. In addition, with the accumulation of more attachments, the quality of the final photos is likely to decline.

To improve reliability, if you need such close-ups, please use two or three filters.

6, using macro filter composition

The composition rules of photography are applicable to all types of genres, including macro photography. But if you usually shoot people, it may be difficult to identify the theme when you take close-ups.

It will depend on what you shoot. But in general, we should pay attention to what the viewer should see in the image from the beginning. If you shoot a flower, you can focus on the petals. If you find it more interesting, you can focus on the stigma of the pistil. There is no right or wrong decision, it is entirely up to the photographer.

However, the freedom to choose the object of interest does not mean that the composition can be completely forgotten. Always remember the triangular mesh to get a balanced photo, or better yet, open it on the camera and place the object where the lines intersect.

7. How to light up the theme

Because the macro filter will be shot at close range, it can easily block the light incident on the subject. What needs to be done to solve the lighting problem?

The secret is to illuminate the object from the side. In addition, the side light will produce a deeper shadow, thus increasing the depth of field. You can also illuminate objects directly from above. This can form uniformity on the whole light and help to display the best details of the shooting content.

But what if you want to illuminate an object from the front in some way? Then, you need to buy artificial light specially designed for macro photography. Most close-up lights are installed on the camera's hot boots, which will not interfere with shooting.

You can also buy a ring lamp and put the lens directly in its hole. Although it is not specially designed for macro photography, the effect of the ring lamp is amazing. Remember, if you use a telephoto lens, you need to place the light near the edge of the axis. Therefore, the lens barrel does not potentially block light.

conclusion

Macro filter is very easy to use and cheap, and can be kept in camera bag for a long time. By solving the potential difficulties that may be encountered when using these accessories, photographers will get excellent professional photos.