Macro vs. Microphotography Explained

Microfotografie or macrofotografie?

There you are… waiting on the ground, in the garden or at another natural location for an insect to appear. Ready to take photos. But which type of photography do you choose? Macro photography? Or the exceptional micro photography?

What is micro photography? What is the difference between micro and macro photography? Which lens and/or other equipment do you need for micro photography? In this part of the monthly theme Macro Photography, we answer these questions.

Micro photography was developed to capture insects at extreme close range.

What is micro photography?

In short, micro photography is the next level beyond macro photography. It makes extremely small details visible that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. This often results in almost otherworldly images.

Micro photography is therefore ideal for insect photography. When you photograph an insect at extreme close range, you capture incredible levels of detail. This reveals how diverse the insect world really is. It can even make insects look as if they are human-sized.

Difference between micro photography and macro photography

The difference between micro photography and macro photography depends on the magnification factor. This is a useful way to measure how large a subject appears in relation to its actual size on the image sensor. In macro photography, the sensor reproduces the subject at life size. This is a 1:1 magnification (0.1 to 1). In micro photography, the magnification increases from about 1.1 up to around 20. This means the subject appears larger in the image than it actually is. Anything above a magnification factor of 20 up to 1500 is called micrography. This is therefore a step beyond micro photography.

It is possible to calculate the magnification factor. The type of calculation depends on the equipment you use. For convenience, we have selected the most suitable equipment for micro photography.

Calculation

The maximum achievable magnification factor is determined using the following formula:

(focal length macro lens + total length of extension tube) ÷ focal length macro lens

We speak of micro photography when the subject appears larger in the image than it is in reality.

Micro photography equipment

Want to get started with micro photography yourself? We have selected the most suitable equipment for you!

Microlenses

For great micro photos, a microlens is essential. These lenses have a magnification factor higher than 1x. This allows you to reveal extremely small details of insects, mushrooms, and many other subjects.

From macro lens to micro lens results

Don’t want to invest in a micro lens just yet? Then combine your macro lens with different accessories (close-up filters, extension tubes, teleconverters and bellows). This way, you can still achieve the effect of a micro lens without the investment. Very useful if you are not sure yet whether you will choose micro photography more often.

Tips and tricks for micro photography

• Think in advance about what you want to magnify, based on the magnification factor.
• Choose a fixed shooting location with plenty of flowers and low plants.
• Get inspiration from photography books and magazines.
• It is always better to start with a magnification factor of 2–12x.
• Micro insect photography requires a lot of patience—have extreme patience.
• Approach insects slowly and avoid reflections from your lens or casting your own shadow.
• Use the rule of thirds to make your images more dynamic.
• As magnification increases, use a larger aperture.
• Shoot only in RAW.
• Use focus stacking for even sharper images.

It is therefore possible to use macro photography equipment alongside microlenses. Looking for even more tips and information? Check out these sections as well: must-haves and macro on a budget.