1:1 reproduction ratio?

What does it mean when the description of a macro lens says, "reproduction
ratios of up to 1:1"? Clearly, I can display or print the image at any
size I want, and get any magnification ratio at all.

1:1 means the subject is life size on the sensor, clearly this is a
problem with an elephant, but not with a bee. This enhances details at
the expense of depth of field. It is always a balancing act. So the mag
on the lens only refers to what is going on the sensor, it is not
concerned with what you do after to view. Viewing is of course much
more flexible than the days of film when you looked at slides or
negatives. Knowing the sensor magnification still has its uses.

Tom

Roy Smith writes:

What does it mean when the description of a macro lens says, "reproduction
ratios of up to 1:1"? Clearly, I can display or print the image at any
size I want, and get any magnification ratio at all.

It's referring to the size *on film* (or digital sensor).
--
David Dyer-Bennet, , http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/
RKBA: http://www.dd-b.net/carry/
Pics: http://dd-b.lighthunters.net/ http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/SnapshotAlbum/
Dragaera/Steven Brust: http://dragaera.info/

Saw some great slides tonight of insects. every individual hair on a fly.
As well as bees, stamen of a flower,

"David Dyer-Bennet" wrote in message
...
Roy Smith writes:

What does it mean when the description of a macro lens says,
"reproduction
ratios of up to 1:1"? Clearly, I can display or print the image at any
size I want, and get any magnification ratio at all.

It's referring to the size *on film* (or digital sensor).
--
David Dyer-Bennet, , http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/
RKBA: http://www.dd-b.net/carry/
Pics: http://dd-b.lighthunters.net/
http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/SnapshotAlbum/
Dragaera/Steven Brust: http://dragaera.info/