underwater Photo Course :: (8) underwater Photo Subjects :: Macro and Close-Up :: Lenses for Macro

Very little in the way of extra investment (relatively speaking) is required to tackle close-up and macro subjects once you have the basic underwater camera set-up. Each camera system tackles the optics in a different way however.

Many compacts perform well on macroPhotography of smaller subjects shot (between 1:1 and 1:3) on macro settings or with macro equipment but housed SLR's are at a clear advantage. The most common macro lens for use in SLR housings is the 50mm or 60mm, but longer focal lengths such as the 100mm are also popular and have the advantage of allowing you to be further away from your subject.

Depth of field is limited on macro so set the smallest apertureThe variable diameter hole used to control the amount of light passing through a lens. you can. Remember, on smaller apertures you need a lot of light. This is why you cannot use torches for macro.

Focus is your other big macro problem. With limited depth of fieldThe zone in your picture that is in focus. you must choose your focus point with care. For small fish the eye is you focus point.

All cameras can be difficult to focus when you are subject to swell, tide, or in dim light. One trick is pre-focusing on your finger or some other suitable object before approaching your subject. Text is easy to focus on; you just read it. Then, rather than continual adjustments, rock to and fro for 'fine tuning'.

Some SLR cameras allow you to set them up so that the shutter will automatically fire when the subject comes into (your pre-set) focus point. In my experience this isn't always successful underwater!

As ambient light is not used, flash techniques dominate successful macro and close-up photography.