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> The station uses off-the-shelf photographic equipment: a Canon EOS 450D DSLR, used with an EF 50/2.5 Macro lens for satellites in Low Earth Orbit, and an EF 1

> The station uses off-the-shelf photographic equipment: a Canon EOS 450D DSLR, used with an EF 50/2.5 Macro lens for satellites in Low Earth Orbit, and an EF 100/2.8 Macro USM lens for high altitude objects (objects in a Molniya orbit). This is no doubt a stupid question, but I thought Macro lenses were used specifically for photographing subjects that are extremely close to the lens. Objects in space seem to be the definition of far away [1], so could someone explain what I'm missing, please? [1] small vs far away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS12p0Zqlt0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS12p0Zqlt0 edit: greatest of thanks for the replies -makes perfect sense :)

maxerickson 12y ago
It can probably be set to focus on infinity. The reason to use a macro lens would be the field of view (since they don't offer much magnification, the field of view will be maximized).
- zokier 12y ago
  > The reason to use a macro lens would be the field of view (since they don't offer much magnification, the field of view will be maximized). Doesn't sound right to me. Is the field of view of 100mm "regular" (non-macro) and 100mm macro objective really different for distant objects? Can someone explain how that works out?
  - maxerickson 12y ago
    My phrasing is likely poor, but the part about not wanting magnification to maximize field of view should be fine. (Then I guess things like price and distortion would guide the choice from there)
jeff_marshall 12y ago
Generally speaking, a macro lens just has a shorter minimum focus distance so that you can fill more of the frame with your subject. The macro lens I've got is perfectly willing to focus at infinity, and I frequently use it for other things (like portraits) due to it's 100mm focal length.
jonah 12y ago
It's reviewed as quite sharp for it's low price. That's likely why he's using it. He's using an old Zeiss on some of his other photos. Sounds like he's using good, but inexpensive equipment.
- pjotrligthart 12y ago
  He's been tweeting at me about this, so I'll just copy-paste what he wrote and put down the links: "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews That 1 guy has it right: I use not too expensive but good equipment (1/2)" https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581235423843885058 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123542384388505... "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews (2/2) the 50mm macro excels in quality at full lens opening. That's one reason why I choose it." https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581236056655314945 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123605665531494... "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews also choose it because I can also use it for other things, it is great for close up of artefacts, geol. Spec." https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581236608701190144 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123660870119014...
  - BuildTheRobots 12y ago
    Thank you :)
  - jonah 12y ago
    Nice!

maxerickson 12y ago

It can probably be set to focus on infinity. The reason to use a macro lens would be the field of view (since they don't offer much magnification, the field of view will be maximized).

zokier 12y ago
> The reason to use a macro lens would be the field of view (since they don't offer much magnification, the field of view will be maximized). Doesn't sound right to me. Is the field of view of 100mm "regular" (non-macro) and 100mm macro objective really different for distant objects? Can someone explain how that works out?
- maxerickson 12y ago
  My phrasing is likely poor, but the part about not wanting magnification to maximize field of view should be fine. (Then I guess things like price and distortion would guide the choice from there)

jeff_marshall 12y ago

Generally speaking, a macro lens just has a shorter minimum focus distance so that you can fill more of the frame with your subject. The macro lens I've got is perfectly willing to focus at infinity, and I frequently use it for other things (like portraits) due to it's 100mm focal length.

jonah 12y ago

It's reviewed as quite sharp for it's low price. That's likely why he's using it. He's using an old Zeiss on some of his other photos. Sounds like he's using good, but inexpensive equipment.

pjotrligthart 12y ago
He's been tweeting at me about this, so I'll just copy-paste what he wrote and put down the links: "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews That 1 guy has it right: I use not too expensive but good equipment (1/2)" https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581235423843885058 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123542384388505... "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews (2/2) the 50mm macro excels in quality at full lens opening. That's one reason why I choose it." https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581236056655314945 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123605665531494... "@PjotrLigthart @HackerNews also choose it because I can also use it for other things, it is great for close up of artefacts, geol. Spec." https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/581236608701190144 https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/58123660870119014...
- BuildTheRobots 12y ago
  Thank you :)
- jonah 12y ago
  Nice!