These two shots give an example. I shot these while in my wornout easy chair, under a reading lamp. EXIF is f/2.8, ISO 1000, 1/80 sec.

The lens cap is a decent example of depth of field. At this focus, the image ratio is about 1:4 or so...guessing. See how quickly the focus drops off at f/2.8!

The second image is the bottom of a finger needing lotion. This is a 1:1 shot, filling the frame. Focus for 1:1 with the Sigma 50mm macro is measured in "very close", like an 1 1/2 inches. I would generally get back a bit. Focus is manual and my eyes are not great on that, not knowing which part of the trifocal glasses I am looking through! Yikes!

Anyway, 1:1 is mighty close. I don't know how often you would really need to be that close in macro or find it practical.. The Sigma is a middle line lens, far better than some and not as costly as a Nikkor macro and others. This lens is not internal focus(you pay for that) and a tube extends from the front for focus. On the tube are marked image size ratios, from 1:1 to on up.

These two quickies might give you more to go on. Tom. These images are stright from camera, cropped slightly and very softly sharpened. Other postwork has not been done.

Message edited on: 01/09/2006 19:37