Beginner's first macro lens.
Feb 5, 2014 23:25:23 #
I am getting interested in Macro and seek your advice. The first Macro lens, for me, needs to fit a Canon 60D and sometime later a full frame Canon DSLR. Reading up on it, the 100mm F2.8L IS prime lens is being considered. I am well aware that this topic may have been discussed before and apologize to you old timers who will say, search for it.
To all other Macro shooters I appeal for input. Is Canon 100-mm f/2.8L IS the ideal lens for me?
Thank you, Just little old me.
To all other Macro shooters I appeal for input. Is Canon 100-mm f/2.8L IS the ideal lens for me?
Thank you, Just little old me.
used sx40
used 60D/ 18-200mm
Feb 6, 2014 00:16:41 #
The Canon 100-mm L macro is an excellent lens. If you buy it, you will be pleased.
That said, I strongly suggest that you consider one of the following: the Sigma 105-mm (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/105mm-f28-ex-dg-os-hsm-macro ); or the Tamron 90-mm (http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_macro/272e.html ); or the Tokina 100-mm (http://www.microcenter.com/product/403799/Tokina_100_mm_Macro_Pro_Lens ).
I currently use a Nikkor 105G macro lens. If I needed to replace my macro lens, I would strongly consider the new Sigma 105-mm.
That said, I strongly suggest that you consider one of the following: the Sigma 105-mm (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/105mm-f28-ex-dg-os-hsm-macro ); or the Tamron 90-mm (http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/di_macro/272e.html ); or the Tokina 100-mm (http://www.microcenter.com/product/403799/Tokina_100_mm_Macro_Pro_Lens ).
I currently use a Nikkor 105G macro lens. If I needed to replace my macro lens, I would strongly consider the new Sigma 105-mm.
Feb 6, 2014 00:37:37 #
Hi Jack - Welcome to the True Macro Forum. Nice shots you have shared with us.
You can't go wrong with the Canon 100mm L Macro. It's a very sharp lens that is more than capable of producing excellent macro shots. 1:1 working distance ( ~6" ) is comfortable. It's internal focusing so the lens barrel doesn't extend out when you zoom in. This is common place with modern macro lens but not with older manual glass.
It's a well built lens but not too heavy (1.3 lbs). I don't own the lens but have used it on several occasions. I prefer the balance on my 5D-III versus my T2i. If I ever see one used in the camera shop for a good price, I'll pick it up in a heartbeat.
All that said, there are other good 100mm options for Canon. Sigma and Tamron immediately come to mind. Image quality will be similar but lens build will be inferior to an L-Series.
Below are links to a couple of sites I like to visit when I'm evaluating lenses.
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Canon/EF100mm-f-2.8L-Macro-IS-USM-mounted-on-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III__795
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/458-canon_100_28is_5d
These links are specific to the 100mm L but if you poke around the sites other lens reviews and tests are available.
You can't go wrong with the Canon 100mm L Macro. It's a very sharp lens that is more than capable of producing excellent macro shots. 1:1 working distance ( ~6" ) is comfortable. It's internal focusing so the lens barrel doesn't extend out when you zoom in. This is common place with modern macro lens but not with older manual glass.
It's a well built lens but not too heavy (1.3 lbs). I don't own the lens but have used it on several occasions. I prefer the balance on my 5D-III versus my T2i. If I ever see one used in the camera shop for a good price, I'll pick it up in a heartbeat.
All that said, there are other good 100mm options for Canon. Sigma and Tamron immediately come to mind. Image quality will be similar but lens build will be inferior to an L-Series.
Below are links to a couple of sites I like to visit when I'm evaluating lenses.
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Canon/EF100mm-f-2.8L-Macro-IS-USM-mounted-on-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III__795
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/458-canon_100_28is_5d
These links are specific to the 100mm L but if you poke around the sites other lens reviews and tests are available.
Feb 6, 2014 02:31:58 #
Hi Jackinthebox: As Nikonian mentioned the 100mm 2.8 L usm Macro glass from Canon... is their very best... Also quite expensive... I've also read & heard good reports on his other recommendations... I found my own Canon 100 mm 2.8 usm... But certainly not "L" glass on Craig's List locally... What I'm saying is you Don't have to buy brand new There are also so great on line suppliers.. I bought a number of my lenses through KEH including the only "L" glass I own which is a 1.5 70-200 usm and I bought it used too.. Just a thought.
Feb 6, 2014 07:44:52 #
I use the 100L and love it, but I too would consider the Sigma if this one was stolen and I had to replace it. Where ever I go, even if the 100mm is not planned to be used, it always goes with me. It is my go to lens for macro, portraits, and some sports. So the first thing I would look at is the reports of build quality.
Feb 6, 2014 09:23:37 #
travlnman46 wrote:
Thank you travelingman, I appreciate your reply. I do not have any L lens this far and I am itching to get one. You have many options to locate and buy in the states but I am retired in Asia and my choices are limited. Service and repair could become a problem when repatriating to the USA but the retirement circuit is Asia for now and next year perhaps Ecuador.Hi Jackinthebox: As Nikonian mentioned the 100mm ... (show quote)
Feb 6, 2014 09:25:54 #
A-PeeR wrote:
Thanks A-PeeR, your kind words are appreciated.Hi Jack - Welcome to the True Macro Forum. Nice shots you have shared with us.
You can't go wrong with the Canon 100mm L Macro.
You can't go wrong with the Canon 100mm L Macro.
Feb 6, 2014 09:51:25 #
jrb1213 wrote:
Thanks John, Your comments are well received. I have not had any lens other than Canon for 40 some years. Long ago I had a Canon A1 and a Vivitar zoom lens. I loved it but, that was many years ago. I do not have money to burn like the lady in the attached picture but I am not comfortable with other brands at this time. I use the 100L and love it, but I too would consider the Sigma if this one was stolen and I had to replace it. Where ever I go, even if the 100mm is not planned to be used, it always goes with me. It is my go to lens for macro, portraits, and some sports. So the first thing I would look at is the reports of build quality.
ps: may your lens never get stolen.
Burning $100 bills, in Saigon for the departed ancestors and for good luck.
Feb 6, 2014 10:09:02 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thank you sir, I have copied your comments and when I go back to the shops tomorrow I will see if any of the lenses you mentioned are available here. The Canon 100-mm L macro is an excellent lens. If... (show quote)
This purchase will be my first Macro lens but I am still considering the 24-105L lens as well. Can not do both at this time. See the Saigon woman burning cash. I would gladly give her Dong for the dollars if they were real and buy some more lenses. Thai sales people get very upset when you keep shopping and not buying so the pressure is on to buy and get home so we can all be happy.
Have a cup of coffee.
Feb 6, 2014 11:30:15 #
for the 24-105L look at the used on Amazon. Many are from kits and have never been on a camera
Feb 6, 2014 11:34:23 #
jrb1213 wrote:
Thanks, I appreciate your input but Amazon is not an option for me as long as I live in Thailand.for the 24-105L look at the used on Amazon. Many are from kits and have never been on a camera
Feb 6, 2014 12:02:52 #
"Burning $100 bills, in Saigon for the departed ancestors and for good luck".
She must be a member of the Vietnam government trying her best to emulate the way we do things in the US. Congress.
She must be a member of the Vietnam government trying her best to emulate the way we do things in the US. Congress.
Feb 6, 2014 15:48:12 #
Danoj
Loc: Winnebago Co. Illinois
Thailand... Nice. From Downtown Bangkok to the beaches to Chaing Mai, tons of great pictures just waiting to be taken. Plus...it was minus 4 degrees here this morning.
Feb 6, 2014 16:45:06 #
It is 4:30am and 27 C. Feels good although it has been colder like down to 23 Celsius.
Near perfect weather
Feb 6, 2014 16:50:29 #
magicray wrote:
I hear you...."Burning $100 bills, in Saigon for the departed ancestors and for good luck".
She must be a member of the Vietnam government trying her best to emulate the way we do things in the US. Congress.
She must be a member of the Vietnam government trying her best to emulate the way we do things in the US. Congress.
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