Why do we call close-up lenses Macro?

[MiniD3]

The word "macro" does not indicate small,
Even Nikon call their close-up lenses micro lenses,
So how did the word macro "develop" in photography?

Silly question, but I always get asked by non-photogs and I don't have a really good answer except, that is why Nikon called theirs "Micro"
Regards,
Gary

[rjlittlefield]

See http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... =9658#9658 and the surrounding thread.

Very briefly, the term "macroscopic" was defined in comparison to "microscopic", to describe objects that could be seen by the naked eye but would typically be examined by a hand lens rather than a compound microscope of the types used in the late 1800's.

Nikon's use of "micro" to describe their close-focusing lenses has always struck me as a marketing ploy. It is not consistent with usage elsewhere in the community and I don't believe it has ever been a driver of word usage.

--Rik

[MiniD3]

Appreciate the head-up,
Now! To continue that discussion with the son in law,
What price should I out on this bet?
Regards,
Gary

[rjlittlefield]

What price should I out on this bet?

Hard to say about that.

But see the thread HERE for much more discussion of the history and fine points.

--Rik

[MiniD3]

Thank you Rik,
That link explains a lot,
Regards,
Gary

[NikonUser]

The word "macro" does not indicate small,
Even Nikon call their close-up lenses micro lenses,
So how did the word macro "develop" in photography?

Silly question, but I always get asked by non-photogs and I don't have a really good answer except, that is why Nikon called theirs "Micro"
Regards,
Gary

Nikon called their earlier short-mount lenses for high magnification, with microscope threads, Macro-Nikkors. So as not to confuse they now call their 'regular' camera-mount lenses for up to 1x magn. Micro-Nikkors.

[MiniD3]

Well, there is more to this than meets the eye,
If not, I guess it would be "microscopic"
Regards,
Gary