what are these?

Question

what is a macro lens?
or what are close-up rings?
or what is a copy stand.

the reason that i ask is that i have a friend really into photography and she keeps talking about this and i don't know what they are and she doesn't explain it very well

Answer 1

A macro lens is a lens specially computed and designed to take photographs of small objects, eg insects. Sometimes called a 'close-up' lens. The degree of 'closeness' varies. Some zoom lens are said to have a 'macro' function, but this will not be as powerful as a fixed focal length macro lens (usually about 90 - 100mm so enable some distance to be kept between object being photographed and the lens)

Close up rings go between the lens and the camera body, again to enable photography of small objects. Usually come in sets of three. If thinking of buying, ensure that those you select maintain at least the meter couplings.

Copy stand - just a device on which to mount the camera to enable photography, again of small items. They are usually four legged, so the camera points straight down at the object. There are other, more complex types that have lighting arms affixed and the facility to put a roll of paper to provide a decent background.

Answer 2

A lens with the ability to focus from infinity to extremely closely, allowing it to capture images of tiny objects in frame-filling, larger-than-life sizes. Sometimes called a "Close-up lens," although a close-up lens is usually a lens attachment for close-ups and does not generally have the ability to focus on infinity.