Shooting macro can often require specialist equipment. Even a basic camera set-up will generally require you to have a lens with macro capability, either in terms of magnification or close-focusing (or both).
For those who would like to give it a go, but would prefer not to invest in a niche bit of kit, there’s always the option of using your smartphone. Not long ago, clip-on macro lenses and loupes for smartphones were available to buy. These tended to be fairly low in quality, fiddly to use and, since they were usually specific to a phone model, quickly went out of date as soon as you upgraded your device. In recent years, flagships and even mid-range mobiles have come equipped with macro functionality directly in camera, and it’s even become a key selling point for many.
If macro is a favoured subject of yours and you’re thinking of upgrading your smartphone, you might want to consider some of those listed here. These are all high-end smartphones with a price-tag to match, but you can pick up cheaper deals by skipping back a generation (or two), though you might want to check that the older versions offer macro.
How does smartphone macro work?
Generally speaking, most smartphones utilise the ultra-wideangle camera for macro work.
