What are the advantages of a lens with a high magnification ratio

Okay, so I’m looking at getting a new lens for my camera, primarily for taking pictures of insects and flowers. I’ve been reading about magnification ratios and I see lenses advertised with ratios like 1:1, 2:1, even 5:1! I understand that a 1:1 ratio means the image on the sensor is the same size as the real object, but what are the practical advantages of going for something with a significantly higher magnification ratio, like 2:1 or higher?

Specifically, how does a higher magnification ratio actually improve my macro photography of tiny subjects? What details will I be able to capture that I wouldn’t be able to with a lower ratio, say 1:1 or even just a standard lens? Are there any downsides to chasing a higher magnification ratio?

Answer

A lens with a high magnification ratio, often referred to as a superzoom or all-in-one lens, offers several advantages, primarily related to versatility and convenience.

Versatility in Focal Length Coverage: The most significant advantage is the extensive focal length range covered by a single lens. A high magnification ratio means the lens can zoom from a wide-angle perspective to a significant telephoto perspective without needing to change lenses. For example, a lens with a 10x magnification ratio, like an 18-200mm lens, can transition from a relatively wide 18mm field of view to a telephoto 200mm field of view. This versatility allows photographers to capture a wide variety of subjects and perspectives – landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and close-up details – all with the same lens.

Convenience and Portability: Eliminating the need to carry and swap multiple lenses greatly enhances convenience. Photographers can travel lighter, react quicker to changing photographic opportunities, and avoid the hassle and potential for dust contamination associated with lens changes. This is particularly valuable for travel photography, hiking, or situations where speed and minimizing equipment are crucial. Instead of packing a wide-angle lens, a standard zoom, and a telephoto lens, a photographer can rely on a single superzoom.

Cost Savings (Potentially): While high-quality superzoom lenses can still be expensive, purchasing a single lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths can be more cost-effective than buying multiple individual lenses to achieve the same coverage. For example, buying an 18-300mm lens could be cheaper than buying separate 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and potentially even a dedicated longer telephoto lens. However, this is dependent on the quality and features of the individual lenses being compared.

Reduced Risk of Sensor Dust: By minimizing lens changes, a high-magnification ratio lens reduces the risk of dust particles entering the camera body and landing on the sensor. Sensor dust can create spots in images and requires cleaning, which can be inconvenient and sometimes costly. Keeping lens changes to a minimum helps maintain a cleaner sensor.

Ideal for Snapshots and General Photography: Superzoom lenses are well-suited for general photography, family events, vacations, and situations where the photographer needs to be prepared for a variety of subjects and shooting conditions without the time or inclination to constantly change lenses. They allow for capturing spontaneous moments without being restricted by a limited focal length.

In summary, the advantages of a lens with a high magnification ratio center around its ability to provide a wide range of focal lengths in a single, convenient package, making it a versatile and practical option for many photographers.