When you need a good macro lens for your photo project or video, you may have your work cut out for you – especially if you’re new to macro lenses.
A macro lens has the ability to zoom in tight and close to your subject when what you’re looking for is super detailed images of interesting things like flowers, insects, toys or whatever your subject happens to be.
Renting a lens is a great way to try it out before you buy it, or if your equipment is limited but you want to get out of a creative rut – renting can be a great help. So here are a few important things to know when you decide to rent a macro lens.
Know what you need
If your project requires very specific specifications in a lens– hopefully, you know what they are. Here are a few important facts about macro lenses to help you choose.
Fixed focal length macros are the sharpest
Fixed focal length lenses are the most expensive and the least convenient. It means if you’re having a hard time getting close to your subject – you can’t just twist the zoom to overcome the distance.
It also means paying more money – which is really why you’re renting, after all. But, fixed macros will give you the sharpest images. So if image quality matters- and it does- the fixed is in!
Macro zoom is the most convenient
If your budget is super tight, and you’re going to be working in an unpredictable environment a zoom macro might be your best bet. These will deliver softer edges, which can be desirable for certain types of projects, and bad for others.
If you have a lot of creative leeway in terms of post processing, you just might be able to make the zoom macro work.
Close up filters are cheap and soft at the edges
It can be tempting to settle for a macro filter- the kind that screws onto the end of a DSLR lens. These are cheap and light. But they are especially soft around the edges.
That means they will deliver the lowest image quality of all the macro lenses. But once again, if you’re doing abstract post production work, this might even be a benefit.
