Learn why macro photos can look darker or softer up close with effective aperture, a key concept in macro photography. When using extension tubes, your lens’s aperture effectively becomes smaller, reducing light and impacting depth of field, exposure, and autofocus. Close-up filters don’t have this issue, keeping images brighter and easier to manage. This guide explains how effective aperture works, why it matters, and offers practical tips for sharper, well-exposed macro shots with budget-friendly gear.