First macro with rented Canon 100 f/2.8

[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.

My 7d gives me "Z"

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

lol @ thinking AF is going to work properly at 1:1

 

[Dao]

I am using the Canon older version non USM and of course non IS. And it is quite sharp. Bought it used for low $3xx.

As for the Canon USM non-IS, the only think I like that better is the internal focus system. Others like the one I have, the Tamron, Sigma and the Tokina, the lens will extend when focus. When in 1:1 ratio, it extend all the way.

Draw back on extended lens is the front lens element is a little closer to the subject and you need to make sure the light from your lighting equipment is/are not blocked by the lens.

As far as optical performance goes, they are about the same. I used to own the Sigma 105mm, when I have both the old Canon and Sigma, I like the Canon simply because of the build quality. The one I had build like a tank.

The other one you may also want to look at is the 150mm Sigma. (Not the OS version that comes out soon) After using my 100mm, I always want to shoot one with a longer focal length lens. When shoot at 1:1, even with 100mm, it is still quite close to the subject.

BTW, I often use my monopod when shooting insects. So IS is not that important to me at this moment.

 

[jake337]

$500 is to much for the tokina 100mm f2.8 macro. I paid $350 used for mine. $400 new tops. Great lens.

 

[mjhoward]

$500 is to much for the tokina 100mm f2.8 macro. I paid $350 used for mine. $400 new tops. Great lens.

Thats about what I paid too, as well as 599 for the Tokina 11-16 last year which up until a couple of weeks ago was $729. We also paid 10,999 for the Canon 800mm 2 years ago but it is $13899 now. It's all relative, prices go up.

 

[jake337]

$500 is to much for the tokina 100mm f2.8 macro. I paid $350 used for mine. $400 new tops. Great lens.

Thats about what I paid too, as well as 599 for the Tokina 11-16 last year which up until a couple of weeks ago was $729. We also paid 10,999 for the Canon 800mm 2 years ago but it is $13899 now. It's all relative, prices go up.

Damn so the 100mm macro's price has went up that much? Nice to now one of my lens is gaining value! I was playing around with a 16-28 f2.8 and man that is the first lens I buy when I go full frame!

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

If I was going to buy a macro lens, I would get either the Sigma 180mm f/3.5 or the Sigma 150mm f/2.8. Everyone discounts the IS on the Canon, but you do not ALWAYS shoot at 1:1 with a macro lens, and you can also shoot OTHER stuff with a macro lens. Having a 100mm lens that you can effectively handhold ( If Canons 4 stop claim is correct ) at 1/6 of a second @f/2.8 on a full framed camera is a pretty nice feature to have I would say. Also, if you use a ring light, you can stop down for closer work and still make use of the IS. I don't think the IS is a gimmick by any means, but with that said, it certainly isn't a deal breaker having it or not having it.

There is a Canon sale on Bhphoto.com til Jan 7th. You can save $110 on this lens.

 

[Norma]

I have the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro. Love it! I don't have the IS because I usually use a tripod. You can get that lens (wish I had waited) now for about $530...at least at Amazon.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Its $499 at Bhphoto.com

 

[Josh66]

$500 is to much for the tokina 100mm f2.8 macro. I paid $350 used for mine. $400 new tops. Great lens.

Thats about what I paid too, as well as 599 for the Tokina 11-16 last year which up until a couple of weeks ago was $729. We also paid 10,999 for the Canon 800mm 2 years ago but it is $13899 now. It's all relative, prices go up.

Damn so the 100mm macro's price has went up that much? Nice to now one of my lens is gaining value! I was playing around with a 16-28 f2.8 and man that is the first lens I buy when I go full frame!

$500 isn't bad. I paid $470 new at B&H in 2007.

 

[Overread19 7]

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:

lol @ thinking AF is going to work properly at 1:1

Actually you say that, but from what I've read a combo of the 7D and any Canon USM macro lens actually does pretty well at macro AF. That is because the 7D has a dedicated af mode for macro (auto enabled at close focusing distances with a fitted canon macro lens) which is specifically aimed at countering the back/forward motions of the body.
I've not had a chance to compare 3rd party against canon performance though so I've no idea if it works the same with 3rd party lenses.


As for a good macro lens - you'll be hard pressed to find bad reviews of any of the proper macro lenses; great shots and results are possible, optically, with all.

 

[mishele]

Hey hey!!
I love my canon 100mm f2.8 L IS!!!! I shoot just about EVERYTHING handheld! When I take my flower shots there is noway a tripod would work well, I move around too much. I shot w/ the non IS version first and I can notice the difference.

If you are going to use a tripod most of the time, I would go w/ the non.
Have fun shopping!!!

 

[Overread19 7]

*hides in the corner with his 150mm macro and no IS/OS fancy stuffs - and his flash!!*