what is is about macro lenses

[absolom]

optically, what distinguishes a macro lens from a normal lens in large format?

[E. von Hoegh]

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

[darr]

A floating element may be included in the lens design so it can focus closer than normal lenses.

:) :) :)
I am sure one of our lens gurus here on the board can add more. I am a macro shooter and know there is a difference in the lens design (thus better results) when you use a macro-specific over a non-macro specific.

[Old-N-Feeble]

A floating element... on LF lenses?? :)

[darr]

A floating element... on LF lenses?? :)
My bad. I know the design is different. I guess floating elements are on other type lenses.

See this thread, it explains how the macro lenses are constructed and "No floating elements" ;)

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?76621-Any-large-format-lenses-with-floating-elements&p=732652&viewfull=1#post732652

[E. von Hoegh]

It's on the homepage. Amazing, how few look there.

The main difference is the macro is optimised for close ratios, and sometimes flat field.

Get a G-Claron and don't worry.

[absolom]

E. Von

you're right about the info being on the website, don't know how I missed that, very informative. Could you explain your g-claron recommendation though?

[E. von Hoegh]

E. Von

you're right about the info being on the website, don't know how I missed that, very informative. Could you explain your g-claron recommendation though?

It's a superb, inexpensive, available lens designed for close ratio reproduction, but very good for landscapes and so on. Depending on the working distance you need, there may be more suitable lenses.

[E. von Hoegh]

A floating element... on LF lenses?? :)

Graf Variable.

[Old-N-Feeble]

E. von... That's for variable spherical aberration, not variable macro magnification. :)

[Bob Salomon]

E. von... That's for variable spherical aberration, not variable macro magnification. :)

Then try the 210 and 300mm Makro Sironar lenses. With the front and rear in their normal positions the lenses were optimized for 1:3 to 1:1. Manually unscrew and switch their positions in the shutter and they were corrected for 1:1 to 3:1. A pictograph on the front and rear cell rims showed which went where for the different ranges.

Not a floating element by most people's definition but performed the same task.

At infinity both were mediocre, but from 1:3 to 3:1 with 3 dimensional subjects they were superior optics!

The 120 and 180mm Apo Macro Sironar lenses and the 120mm Apo Macro Sironar Digital lenses are corrected for 1:5 to 2:1 without having to swap the cells around. These lenses replaced the earlier Makro Sironar lenses.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Bob... That's neat but it's more akin to "reversing" the lens than it having a floating element.