[Brightcolours]

[quote name='miro' timestamp='1292418173' post='5005']

I have one question to our focus breathing expert.

Brightcolours, could you please recommend me one macro lens that doesn’t change the focal length between 1:1 and Infinity?



If such macro lens doesn’t exist, should I stop taking any macros?



Thanks in advance,

Miro

[/quote]

Why are you trolling? I am not sure of the why.



Or, you are just really not smart, and really do not get certain aspects.



Let me assume the 2nd (as I am sure trolling is not allowed here).



I do not recall us talking about macro lenses. I really do not recall that. I gave an example of when a lens, suited for one person, can be totally not suited for another person. And that advice givers always should take into account that they are not giving advice to THEMSELVES.



The lens I gave as example is the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR II, a so called portrait tele zoom. Now, upto the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR II, all lenses in the 70/80-200mm class would not narrow their field of view when shooting closer up. And their focal lengths would stay relatively near 200mm. This includes the 70-200 from Tamron, the older 70-200's from Sigma, the 80-200 and old 70-200 from Nikon, the 70-200's and 80-200 from Canon, the 80-200 from Pentax and the 80-200 and 70-200 from Minolta/Sony. Not so the new Nikon and new Sigma.

And most also offer a quite close MFD (minimum focus distance).



As I pointed out, this focus breathing problem of the Nikon (and now also the new Sigma) makes them really rather unsuited for me. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why. A 70-200mm is a flexible lens to have... the whole portrait range, moderate tele capabilities and (in the case of my lens) moderate close up capabilities with narrow field of view.



In short... a single lens in your bag offering a wide range of shooting possibilities (no wonder this lens calls is rather popular).



Now lets take a look at the figures to illustrate:



The lens I currently use and always have with me:

- Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L USM

MFD: 1.2m

Max. magnification: 0.21 (1:4.7)



The old Nikon 70-200:

- Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR:

MFD: 1.5m (AF), 1.4m (MF)

Max. magnification: 0.16x (AF), 0.178x (MF) (1:6.1 - 1:5.6) (Note: the Nikon USA website shows totally wrong data, they claim 0.25x there)



The new Nikon:

- Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II

MFD: 1.4m

Max. magnification: 0.12x (1:8.3) (Note: the Nikon USA website shows totally wrong data, they claim 0.25x there)



So, while I can use both the new Nikon and my lens for standard medium tele shots, 2 things happen when one uses the Nikon closer up:

The field of view widens considerably, compared to other 70-200's, and the magnification is less (compared to other 70-200's). And that is exactly why it is NOT an ideal lens for me. I want, need the narrow and the better bokeh that results, I want, need the magnification my 70-200 offers me!



One only has to look at the diverse photos I make with my 70-200mm, to understand that the focus breathing CAN be an issue, or even, should be an issue that needs consideration.. all images taken at 200mm setting:





(stitched panorama)



























And now to your weird remarks... what does focus breathing in macro lenses in any way have to do with the suitability of the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR II for photographers like me?