Close-up and Macro Photography
by Chuon-Szen Ong

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There are two basic types of lenses that can be used directly (i.e. without any additional attachments) for macro photography. The first type is the standard zoom lens with “macro mode” capabilities that will only engage at a pre-set focal length -normally at the longest focal length of the zoom lens. These provide limited macro capabilities, allowing up to approximately 1:3 magnification ratios. The second and most preferred type is the specially designed macro lens, the Micro-Nikkor lens as termed by Nikon.

Various magnification ratio settings on the AF 105mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor

In either case, there are specific markings on the lens barrel or focusing collars to indicate the exact magnification scale set on the lens. Nikkor lenses for close-up photography include:

• AF 60mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor (D & non-D versions)
• AF 105mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor (D & non-D versions)
• AF 200mm f/4 Micro-Nikkor
• AF 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D Zoom Micro-Nikkor
• MF 55mm f/2.8 AI or AI-S Micro-Nikkor
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• AF 35-70mm f/2.8 (D & non-D versions)
• AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 (D & non-D versions)
• Various other telephoto lenses with Nikon 5T/6T Close-up Attachment Lens

TWO WAYS OF USING A MICRO/MACRO CAPABLE LENS 

The first is simply to use it as one would with any other lens, which is to compose the picture by moving in close until the desired composition is achieved and focusing on the intended subject(s). This is about the most common method used by many and is well suited for general close-up photography where the actual magnification size is not important. 

The second method is a more precise procedure, where the actual intended magnification (e.g. 1:2 or half life-size) is pre-set on the lens and focusing is achieved by moving the entire camera AND lens set-up backwards or forward… without touching the focusing ring on the lens anymore. This method normally requires the use of a sturdy tripod and a cable release. Another very useful, although optional, accessory for this second method of close-up photography is the focusing stage which allows the entire system to be mounted on a rail for very precise camera/lens positioning.

To set or read the magnification ratio when using specific macro lenses such as the Micro-Nikkors, the most important scale to pay attention to will be the magnification scale. Taking the AF 105mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor lens as a working example, the magnification scale is located on the top line of the scales window printed in orange. As explained in the introduction, the scales are defined in the format of the image-on-film size X to the actual subject size Y and is represented in the form of X : Y. The X value is the permanently printed “1:” value on the left of the window, while the Y value is the adjustable value ranging from 10 down to 1 on the rotating lens barrel. In the sample images above, the left one shows a setting of 1:10 magnification ratio (1/10th reproduction), the center one shows a setting of 1:2 magnification ratio (half life-size reproduction) and the image at right shows a setting of 1:1 magnification (actual life-size reproduction).