FZ 5 and macro.

[Steve B]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is when the FZ 5 is set to macro (not tele macro) and a setting such as P or M ? Close-up range etc. seems identical.

[astro]

Seconded. I had the FZ15, and the close focus worked just as great without macro mode. I could focus to objects that are so close that they are just almost touching the glass.

[daffy]

It's a funny world - exactly this question crossed my mind yesterday.

So ... what the heck is macro mode good for on the FZ5? If the answer is "forget about it", I'd be more than glad - that would mean fewer choices to "worry" about ;-)

The manual is not exactly helpful to point out any differences between normal program mode and macro mode.

Thanks!
Stefan

[desertcanuck]

With the fz5 you are able to obtain focus in macro mode at about 6mm 0-1x zoom. In telemacro mode you zoom to to 12x (11x won't work) at distance of about 3.3 ft to get focus.

If you want to get closer to your subject yet still use the 12x zoom you will have to buy a closeup/macro lens like the Nikon 3t or 4t.

A nikon 3t will allow you to get 24 inches from subject, the 4t will allow you to get about 13 inches. Stack a 3t on a 4t and you can get 9 inches from subject and still have full zoom.

Brian

[daffy]

Well, true - but how is that different from plain program mode? :-)

Really, what is *different* about macro mode in the FZ5?

[desertcanuck]

Macro mode allows the AF (autofocus)to range over the entire focus range of the lens. Normal modes restrict the AF system in order to promote faster focusing responsiveness. Using P, S or A mode puts restrictions on the focal range.

If the FZ5 had manual focus like the fz20 then you could duplicate this trick.