THE LENS LIBRARY / ESSAY 04

Close focus

Observe small subjects with patient control of distance and depth.

THE COMPLETE COLLECTION

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10 GUIDES / PRACTICAL BY DESIGN

10 guides

Align the sensor with the leaf surface before opening the aperture.

Confirm electronic communication and working distance before approaching the subject.

Position the camera around the eye rather than the insect's body outline.

Move the object relative to the window to change reflection shape.

Move the camera before removing or disturbing anything in the scene.

Move in small increments while maintaining the selected lens focus setting.

Allow the lens and subject to settle before composing very near the surface.

Reduce magnification when a wider detail communicates the subject more clearly.

Use the camera's supported close-focus range and avoid blocking the light.

Control reflected background color with neutral cards near the object.