What Is a Macro Zoom Lens?

When using a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, different lenses can be attached to the camera body to take different types of photos. A macro zoom lens is a less expensive version of a true macro lens, used to take extremely close-up images on an SLR camera. Standard macro lenses are usually the tool of a professional photographer as they are usually much more expensive.

Uses

According to sources such as photography.com, the macro zoom lens is a good option for an amateur or beginning photographer interested in macro photography. Macro zoom lenses are magnification lenses that can take photos at close range, but do not produce images as high-quality as those of true macro lenses, which usually take images at a magnification ratio of 1:1 or as close as possible to this ratio, meaning the image is the same size as your subject is in real-life.

Types

Macro zoom lenses are made by many of the large camera equipment makers. Sigma, Opteka, Tamron and Pentax all have macro zoom lenses for sale.

Specifications

Specifications for the macro zoom lens range depending on the brand of lens you choose. Sigma offers a 17mm to 70mm focal range version, with a variable maximum aperture of F/2.8 to F/4.5. Tamron's A017 version offers a much wider 70mm to 300mm focal range, and a variable maximum aperture of F/4.0 to F/5.6.

Price

As of June 2009, macro zoom lenses ranged in price from $130 to $550, depending on their focal range and the brand name of the lens. The lenses with larger focal ranges tend to be on the more expensive side, while those with a smaller range are less expensive. Additionally, a macro zoom lens with other features such as a telephoto zoom might be even more expensive, such as the Sigma 70mm - 200mm F/2.8 EX DG APO HSM lens, selling for approximately $800.

Commentary

Several sources don't suggest macro zoom lenses at all for those hoping to foray into macro photography. According to photo.net, for instance, macro zoom lenses do not provide any more significant magnification than that given by a standard 30mm or 50mm lens, and they claim the image quality is not as good. Instead, they say a standard macro lens, or a close-up fixed lens, would be a better option.

Resources

• Sigma Lens