What is a Macro Lens?
A Beginners Guide to Macro Lens for iPhone
What is a Macro Lens?
The google definition of a macro lens is "a lens that is suitable for taking photographs unusually close to its subject." However, what truly defines the lens is its magnification ratio.
The magnification ratio compares the size of the image captured by the camera sensor to the actual size of the object being photographed. This means an optic with a 10:1 ratio can project an image up to 10x the size of the object. This can be compared to a macro lens with a 1:2 ratio which then projects only half the size of the object.
The magnification ratio compares the size of the image captured by the camera sensor to the actual size of the object being photographed. This means an optic with a 10:1 ratio can project an image up to 10x the size of the object. This can be compared to a macro lens with a 1:2 ratio which then projects only half the size of the object.
Another defining characteristic of the macro optic is its close focusing distance. A close focusing distance requires the photographer to get very close to their subject in order to create a clear image through the camera sensor.
The typical macro lens has a focusing ratio of 1:1. However, optimal shooting distance varies dependent on what type of camera and lens you’re shooting with. True macro lenses will be primed - meaning that the focal length will be fixed without zoom capabilities.
The typical macro lens has a focusing ratio of 1:1. However, optimal shooting distance varies dependent on what type of camera and lens you’re shooting with. True macro lenses will be primed - meaning that the focal length will be fixed without zoom capabilities.
Macro Lens for iPhone
A lens attachment for your Canon or Nikon can cost well over $800. For someone interested in experimenting with macro photography for the first time, I recommend starting with the SANDMARC Macro Lens for iPhone. By opting for a lens attachment designed for your iPhone camera, you can explore the art of macro photography without a large upfront investment in expensive equipment.
When paired with a macro lens, your iPhone camera is transformed into a high-powered optic—perfect for capturing close-up, detailed photos. The compact size of an iPhone lens attachment makes it convenient to bring anywhere and everywhere without weighing you down. These attachments allow photographers to expand the capabilities of the already sophisticated cameras built into their smartphones.
The affordability and convenience of an iPhone lens attachment offer great value for anyone looking to refine their macro photography skills. Now it’s possible to expand your portfolio without investing hundreds of dollars in a new DSLR lens.
When to Use a Macro Lens
Macro lens photography offers endless possibilities for creating new content. This lens can be used whenever you want to capture up close details and enlarge the size of your subject. Using the macro lens you can virtually photograph anything that you want to see magnified.
The pictures below were all shot on an iPhone using the SANDMARC Macro Lens Attachment. When paired with the telephoto lens built into newer iPhone models the macro attachment can take your step up the quality of your images to a professional level.
Three Takeaways
When shooting with a Macro Lens there are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind.
1. Magnification ratio
It’s important to know the magnification ratio of a lens before you purchase it. A true macro lens will have a magnification ratio of 1:1 and does not have a zoom feature. The SANDMARC Macro Lens attachment for iPhone is a true macro lens with 10x the zooming capability of an iPhone camera.
Image Shot on iPhone + Macro Lens
Image Shot on iPhone + Macro Lens
2. Shooting Distance
Macro photography requires getting close to your subject, so DSLR macro lenses are typically long-barreled, around 45–65mm with a fixed focal length. The SANDMARC Macro Lens, scaled for iPhone, is offered in 25mm or 100mm with a fixed focal length and includes a lens hood that rests against the subject for easier focusing.
Image Shot on iPhone + Macro Lens
Image Shot on iPhone + Macro Lens
3. Image Sharpness
The lens system on newer iPhone models that come with a built in telephoto lens are great for achieving optimal sharpness when shooting with a macro lens attachment. The combination between the two lenses increases image sharpness and can shoot images of even higher quality than some DSLR cameras.
Image Shot on iPhone + Macro Lens
For more information about Lens Attachments for your iPhone check out these resources:
Author's Bio
Born on the California coast, SANDMARC designs gear for those who live life in motion—travelers, photographers, and filmmakers. Every SANDMARC product is thoughtfully designed to elevate how you capture, carry, and experience the world. With a focus on quality and functionality, their blog offers tips, guides, and inspiration to enhance the creative journey.
