Macro vs Zoom Lems

[SarraceniaScott]

Body: Canon EOS 20D

Lens: Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM f/4-5.6
Zoomed to 85mm, and focused as close as possible


Lens: Canon EF 100mm Macro USM f/2.8
True macro, 1:1


The Macro lens can get a lot closer. Notice, though, the top of the quarter in the 100mm photo is out-of-focus compared to the bottom; the camera was at a slight angle to the quarter. Macro lenses have a VERY shallow depth of field.

 

[herenorthere]

And the camera also needs to be mounted on a very stable tripod and operated with a remote shutter release.  With a stable set-up, you can close the aperture way down to give a better depth of field.  It isn't so important with something ~flat like a quarter, but it can be critical for a clear picture of something like a flower that has depth.  A lot of the art in photography comes from how the depth of field is manipulated.

 

[glider14]

has anyone ever noticed on the state quarters the initials of the person who designed it? on the indiana one its i think JW. its on the lower right underneath the "heel" of the state. its very small