First macro with rented Canon 100 f/2.8

[ottor]

OK - I want this lens ....... to keep.

However, I can't afford this right now after just buying the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS .... Can anyone suggest another good Macro lens for a Canon that I can get for - about $600 or less? BTW, this is
a small berry with a water drop hanging from it....

tks,

r

 

[mjhoward]

When it comes to Macro lenses, most are very good optically. Most have 9 aperture blades with most manufacturers using rounded ones. As you probably know from using your rented lens, IS or anything like it is pretty much useless. I've got the Tokina 100mm and I think its a great lens for around $500.

 

[dxqcanada1]

Canon EOS 100 F2.8 MACRO (52) WITH CAPS 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

Canon EOS 100 F2.8 MACRO ULTRASONIC (58) WITH HOOD, CAPS, 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

 

[Josh66]

Is that the new L IS version, or the non-IS one?

The non-IS one is only $500 brand new at B&H...

Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens 4657A006 B&H Photo

($560 after Jan. 7)


edit
There are three Canon 100mm Macros - 2.8 non-USM; 2.8 USM; 2.8 L IS USM.

 

[ottor]

Is that the new L IS version, or the non-IS one?

The non-IS one is only $500 brand new at B&H...

Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens 4657A006 B&H Photo

($560 after Jan. 7)

It's the newer IS version ................ I've read some reviews of this lens, and a couple have stated that the extra $4-500 for the IS is very worthwhile .. Of course, if I had spent an extra $4-500, I'd also certainly
say I did the right thing.. However, I've only used this on a tripod for Macro shots - would you think the IS "is" worth the extra money?

r

 

[Josh66]

I have the non-IS, USM version (the one I linked to). I love it - very sharp. One of my favorite lenses. In macro ranges, I'm usually on a tripod, so IS is moot.

Mishele has the L IS version (only person I can think of off the top of my head that I know has it), she might see this thread... Not sure if she's used the non-IS version though.

From what I have read, there is little difference, and optically - they are nearly identical. The non-L, non-IS version is pretty much "L quality" without the red stripe.

 

[ottor]

When it comes to Macro lenses, most are very good optically. Most have 9 aperture blades with most manufacturers using rounded ones. As you probably know from using your rented lens, IS or anything like it is pretty much useless. I've got the Tokina 100mm and I think its a great lens for around $500.

Well the price is certainly right, but doesn't the Tokina lens "extend" when focusing? - how would that work with closeup Macro work?

r

 

[Josh66]

With this lens, IS or no IS - I think it all comes down to how you shoot. If you're shooting from a tripod or using flash, who needs IS? If you're shooting hand-held in ambient light, I can see how it would be very useful...

 

[cgipson1]

When it comes to Macro lenses, most are very good optically. Most have 9 aperture blades with most manufacturers using rounded ones. As you probably know from using your rented lens, IS or anything like it is pretty much useless. I've got the Tokina 100mm and I think its a great lens for around $500.

Well the price is certainly right, but doesn't the Tokina lens "extend" when focusing? - how would that work with closeup Macro work?

r

The Tokina does extend.. and the closest focusing distance listed for the lens is for the fully extended lens. Still have about 4" or so to the subject.. which is pretty much in line (or close to) with every other macro lens I have used. if you spend more and get one of the longer telephoto macros, you gain a couple of inches, but since those lenses are typically also longer.. that eats up some of the extra distance right there.

Edit: Ok.. I actually put the lens on.. extended it fully.. focused on a object.. and measured. The distance was right at 4.5".....

 

[Robin Usagani]

I use tamron 90mm.

 

[ottor]

With this lens, IS or no IS - I think it all comes down to how you shoot. If you're shooting from a tripod or using flash, who needs IS? If you're shooting hand-held in ambient light, I can see how it would be very useful...

True, and I did just get the Sigma 70-200 with OS, so I have 100mm covered with a stabilized lens when I need it... Hummmm... ;-)

r

 

[Josh66]

With this lens, IS or no IS - I think it all comes down to how you shoot. If you're shooting from a tripod or using flash, who needs IS? If you're shooting hand-held in ambient light, I can see how it would be very useful...

True, and I did just get the Sigma 70-200 with OS, so I have 100mm covered with a stabilized lens when I need it... Hummmm... ;-)

r

You have 100mm covered for IS, but not in macro ranges. You have to ask yourself if IS is something you will need in macro ranges. Only you can answer that...

 

[mjhoward]

you also have to remember that IS only works in XY plane.... it does nothing for Z. Anyone that has ever shot macro can tell you that even just breathing slightly while handholding at 1:1 can move the lens just enough to take the subject out of focus-in focus- and back out of focus. Razor thin DOF makes IS useless.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Seriously, when you are shooting that close, IS will give you blurry photo anyway if the shutter is not fast enough. You either need a tripod, prop it, or use flash and freeze the motion.

 

[j-digg]

you also have to remember that IS only works in XY plane.... it does nothing for Z. Anyone that has ever shot macro can tell you that even just breathing slightly while handholding at 1:1 can move the lens just enough to take the subject out of focus-in focus- and back out of focus. Razor thin DOF makes IS useless.

My 7d gives me "Z"

Well, I spose all bodies will if you use servo :thumbup: