Macro photography with kit lenses: try it yourself
This is the practical for the lesson. Work through it in order. Nothing here is a test of memory. Keep the lesson open if you need it and check the instructions as often as you like.
Aim
You should learn the close-focusing limit of your own lens and make a deliberate close-up rather than simply cropping a distant photograph.
What you need
Your own camera or phone, enough battery power to complete the exercise, and a memory card or free storage space where your equipment requires it. You do not need to buy anything specially for this practical.
Do this step by step
- Choose a small stationary object with fine detail.
- Zoom your kit lens towards its longer end and move closer until autofocus begins to struggle.
- Move back slightly and focus on one clear detail.
- Take the photograph, then change your angle so the background becomes simpler.
- Try supporting the camera and taking another photograph.
- Compare which detail is sharp and how the background changed.
What should happen
You should learn the close-focusing limit of your own lens and make a deliberate close-up rather than simply cropping a distant photograph.
If it does not work
Stop rather than changing lots of things at once. Check that the camera is switched on, the battery has charge and the card or storage is available. Then return to the last step that definitely worked. If a named control is missing, your camera may use a different name or menu location. Check the manual for your exact model. Never force a card, battery, lens, door or control.
Before you finish
Explain out loud, or in one sentence on paper, what you changed and what happened. If you can explain the result in your own words, you have understood the exercise. If you cannot, repeat the part that was unclear.