Chris Hall Loc: Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK

I'm in the market for a macro lens for my Canon 7D. This would be mainly used for photographing insects, flowers, coins etc. I have looked at the Canon 100mm 'L' lens and the Sigma 105mm lens. Any advice please?

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Definitely the Canon 100/2.8L! :thumbup: :thumbup:

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I see no real need for the L.
The non L is a great lens.
Possibly optically equal.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Ugly HedgeHog now has a specialty section called True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

We have macro-photographers who use either lens, and have posted macro images. It would behoove you to view their macros, and ask questions on the macro forum.

mikemilton

I have the 100L and the 65MPE with the MT24ex (on a 1Dx)

The 100 is mote versatile as it focusses to infinity so it makes a good walking around lens that lets you get close (to 1x macro). The IS is very, very good as is the AF - even at macro. The 65 is macro-only but goes to 5x. The 65 really needs some kind of flash when working really close unless it is very bright.

So - it depends on if you have a focus on macro or you just want to add macro capability.

IMHO the 100s (and certainly the 180) have a great advantage in adding working distance over the 50s.

Rodders Loc: Guernsey

I have the Sigma 150mm f2.8......lovely lens, and great working distance

Chris Hall Loc: Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK

Thanks so much for all the great advice. I'll weigh it all up and then make a purchase!

Edmund Dworakowski

I have been using the Tokina 100mm f2.8 on my Nikon D300s and am very impressed. It is sharp, free of distortion, and built like a tank. You really can't do much better. Check the online reviews. It comes in both Nicon and Canon mounts... all for around $600.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

If you can decide soon on the 100mm f2.8 Canon, the price is going up on Dec 1. It is now $899 everywhere, and will be $1049 on Dec 1. Also, Tamron will be releasing the newly designed 90mm macro lens with vibration compensation on Nov 30. The pricing will be $849. The current 90mm is a good lens too, but does not have VC. VC, is the same as Canons IS, or image stablization, this will help if you hand hold your camera when taking macro shoots. Don't forget to look into a UV filter for your new lens. Putting it into bushes and trees for that elusive bug can scratch, or smear goo on the lens element. It's easier to clean a filter than lens, and cheaper to replace a filter if broken than a entire lens. The Canon 100mm 2.8L takes a 67mm filter. Also, don't forget lighting for your subject. A cheap ring light will do fine, your choice, a flash type, or constant on, both will use LEDs.

Have fun, watch out for bees & wasps they sting. Spiders will bite. I bought a book on bugs, birds, and snakes, just to be able to id the ones I don't want to get close to.

Chris Hall Loc: Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK

Thanks again folks! This is a very helpful forum! :)

jeffsutain Loc: Staten Island NY

This is a Macro shot, using my 18x55 kit lens and a extension tube on my 7D

Chris Hall Loc: Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK

Wow! Superb shot! Thanks for sharing! :)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Not quite as convienient, but a little more versatile is the Canon 70-200 F4 L IS with one of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/XPRO-F280-67mm-Close-Up-Lens-canon-nikon-sony-Olympus-Pentax-/270924537691?pt=Camera_Filters&hash=item3f145c5f5b on the front. That is what I used for the hibiscus stamen image below at 131mm. I can go to 1:1 at 200mm with no light loss.

Edmund Dworakowski

I'm curious about the f stop used in these photos. It looks as of they were shot wide open by the shallow DOF and not very sharp. How about using flash and a higher f stop. I think that would be a great improvement.

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

I have both the L IS USM and the USM only. There is a lot to be said for IS when not using a tripod, but both take excellent pictures. I like the L better.

Compare them at the Canon Camera Museum: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/ef/macro.html