It is widely assumed that macro lenses for compact cameras don't exist. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many such lenses available. In our Facebook Group, we use the Little BigShot (LBS) macro lens. You don't need an LBS lens in order to participate in the group, but it is recommended. They are inexpensive and will provide you with dramatic macro capabilities.
If you are interested in the LBS lens, here's a link to the web site:
For macro photography, compact cameras have three basic limitations: insufficient magnification, insufficient working distance, and unattractive bokeh. The LBS lens gives you higher magnification, a greater working distance and prettier bokeh.
With the LBS lens, your little compact can produce macro images with magnification and bokeh comparable to a DSLR or MFT.
Higher Magnification
The image below shows the maximum magnification possible with and without a macro lens using a standard compact camera.
And with a
macro lens, you're not locked into extremely high magnification. You
control how much magnification you desire by simply using the zoom.
Greater Working Distance
In macro mode,
as you bring the camera within 1-2" (25-50mm) of your subject, the
camera casts a shadow over your subject. But when you attach the macro
lens, the working distance is now 3" and not only will you eliminate the
shadow, but you will do so even at a much higher magnification!
Another benefit of the greater working distance is that you are less likely to scare insects such as butterflies and dragonflies. This is a Dot-Tailed Whiteface Dragonfly shot from 3" at 6x zoom for a true macro. Without a macro lens, the camera would need to be about 1/4" (6mm) from the dragonfly to obtain the same level of magnification. That's impossible. The dragon would be long gone at about 2" (50mm).
Better Bokeh
Lastly, a macro lens will improve your bokeh. What is bokeh? The term bokeh refers to the out of focus regions of an image. Wikipedia does a fair job explaining what bokeh is and how it enhances a photograph. Here's the link: Bokeh EffectWithout a macro lens, the bokeh is harsh and distracting. With a macro lens, the bokeh becomes instantly creamier and less competitive with your subject.
But the macro lens doesn't simply cream your bokeh. It also allows you to alter the appearance of the bokeh simply by making changes to your zoom level. The more zoom you use, the less recognizable and more creamy the bokeh becomes. With enough zoom, you can obliterate the details of the background completely for a uniform color bokeh.
If you are lucky enough to have light reflecting from your background, then you're able to convert those points of light into gorgeous bokeh jewels. You simply increase the zoom level until the jewels appear.
