[alphaomega16]

Just received this and compared to my kit lens this thing zooms pretty much faster than I can blink.

But looking at the sheet that came with it it's a macro lens as well I thought standard shooting was bad, I didn't plan on getting into the whole macro thing for a while.

Leaflet that came with it doesn't really explain too well how to use/what it is so if anyone has any easy to understand info I would be greatfull.

Better yet anyone live in Southend fancy testing their tutoring skills ?

[Daneel]

The "macro" that is tagged on to an increasing number of lenses now usually indicates that the minimum focus distance is lower that a typical lens and that the ratio of actual to on sensor size is closer to 1:1 than a typical lens.

You don't specifically need to learn how to use it, it's just like any other lens.

[alphaomega16]

ah right, thanks for the clarification (Holy crap I spelt that right the first time beers for everyone ).

I thought it was a separate function on the lens like the Zoom and Focus are.

[Fozzybear]

A lot of zooms are labelled macro but it just means that they focus reasonably close - they aren't a substitute for a proper macro lens although for general use they are fine. Looks like the macro on this is 1:3.9 at 75mm, which means that at 75mm zoom the closest focus will fill the frame with an object 3.9x its size. If your sensor is 20mm across then you'll be able to fill the frame with something about 80mm across.

When you use it just zoom right in to 75mm and you'll be getting as big and close as you can. At the close-up range you'll get with this lens the AF should be ok but if you have trouble you might try setting manual focus, turning the focus ring to about the right setting (probaby as close as it will go!) and then looking through the viewfinder fine tune the focus of your subject by rocking back and forth very slightly. But I doubt you'll need to do that.

[gibbsy]

Good advice given, it's just how close you can get to the subject, ie, the minimum focasing distance. Good lens though, I've used it extensively and have never doubted it's ability.

[alphaomega16]

Thanks guys, thats made me feel a bit better.