Macro Lense Recommendation
Nov 19, 2011 07:05:03 #
I really like the idea of macrophotography and would like to buy a lens that would facilitate this. I have a Canon T2i and so far only have the two kit lenses that came with it (18-55 and 55-250 both IS). What would be the recommendation for equipment to start taking decent macro photos? I've played a little with the 18-55 but seem to lose a lot of sharpness on enlargement of the photos. I am just starting out with macros so I haven't played a lot yet. Next question - I also want to get "fish-eye" effect photos. I seem to recall seeing photos years ago done with a wide angle lense that had a fish-eye look. Is it better to buy a fish-eye lens for this or will some of the "regular" wide angle lenses work? What lens would you recommend?
Nov 19, 2011 07:18:13 #
I have the Canon macro lens EF 100mm 2.8. I love it and once I learned that you have to use a tripod and manual focus, my pictures have been 100% better. Love macro photography! Good luck.
Nov 19, 2011 07:22:03 #
P.S. I recently learned that there is a macro filter out there that you can put on any lens to achieve the same results. Got this info from a video on Adorama. Check out B&H Photo . That is a wonderful, reliable company. They will tell you everything you need to know.
Nov 19, 2011 07:36:03 #
Well not precisely the same results.... I have a Nikon version of the "closeup filter" and it doesn't compare to a dedicated macro lens. I don't have one, but I've seen some very nice images using the Tamron 90 macro. It gets raves and cost less than your Canon or my Nikkor lens.
Nov 19, 2011 07:47:00 #
nat wrote:
P.S. I recently learned that there is a macro filter out there that you can put on any lens to achieve the same results. Got this info from a video on Adorama. Check out B&H Photo . That is a wonderful, reliable company. They will tell you everything you need to know.
Real familiar with B&H for shopping/pricing but didn't know they would give such advice as well. Thanks!!
Nov 19, 2011 07:56:14 #
I used a Nikon Macro lens, Canon 500D close-up filter/lens, and extension tubes with my 70-200 mm lens. I like using the extension tubes the best, because it provides the most flexible working distance from subjects. I also use a ring flash to freeze any movement in my subject and I'm also able stop lens down to f-22 to get the best DOF. To view some of my macro photos, click on this link http://www.dubinphotography.net/Nature/Photo-Outings/Arnolds-Butterfly-Haven-Nov-9/20018966_Mnvtgf#1577770397_tXVgG73. Arnold
Nov 19, 2011 11:34:02 #
Some depends on what you want to do.
If you want to really get in close for larger than life shots you'll need something like the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This lens will shoot at up to 5:1 and has no focusing capability -- you have to physically move the camera to focus the image.
The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens shoots at up to 1:1 and comes in two versions with one having IS. The Canon 100 has very good optics and shoots nice, sharp images. Here's a sample of an image from the non IS Canon 100:
http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-kvjbdfG/0/M/i-kvjbdfG-M.jpg
If you want to really get in close for larger than life shots you'll need something like the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This lens will shoot at up to 5:1 and has no focusing capability -- you have to physically move the camera to focus the image.
The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens shoots at up to 1:1 and comes in two versions with one having IS. The Canon 100 has very good optics and shoots nice, sharp images. Here's a sample of an image from the non IS Canon 100:
http://www.dalefalk.com/photos/i-kvjbdfG/0/M/i-kvjbdfG-M.jpg
Nov 19, 2011 11:41:23 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
Either the Canon or the 90mm Tamron. Tamron is cheaper, you can find it used - its sharp, fast, dependable, well built.
BTW whenever you use close up filters you do have to move the camera to focus.
BTW whenever you use close up filters you do have to move the camera to focus.
Nov 19, 2011 11:45:15 #
Oh wow! Great shots!
Adubin wrote:
I used a Nikon Macro lens, Canon 500D close-up fil... (show quote)
Nov 19, 2011 11:46:10 #
Nov 19, 2011 11:48:11 #
Nov 19, 2011 11:49:02 #
Nov 19, 2011 12:10:26 #
Mary P wrote:
Crazy! How did you do that? Did you lock up the mirror? Tripod?
That was a funny morning. Dragonflys don't sit around to have their pic taken, it was cool out and this guy was immobile on the side of the green house. Yippee!! I run in get the tripod, macro flash, etc and get setup. I'm able to get just a couple of shots and it starts to rain. Argh!! Take the camera gear inside, get a pencil and go back out and get him on the pencil and take him back inside the house -- where he quickly warmed up and flew away! <G>
No mirror lockup. Shot with flash at 1/250th...f stop 16 or higher. Flash usually set about 1 stop underexposed. On a tripod with cable release.
Nov 19, 2011 15:59:13 #
[quote=dfalk]Some depends on what you want to do.
If you want to really get in close for larger than life shots you'll need something like the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This lens will shoot at up to 5:1 and has no focusing capability -- you have to physically move the camera to focus the image.
The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens shoots at up to 1:1 and comes in two versions with one having IS. The Canon 100 has very good optics and shoots nice, sharp images. Here's a sample of an image from the non IS Canon 100:
Simply incredible!! This is the kind of stuff I want to do!! Just random and so cool!!
If you want to really get in close for larger than life shots you'll need something like the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This lens will shoot at up to 5:1 and has no focusing capability -- you have to physically move the camera to focus the image.
The Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens shoots at up to 1:1 and comes in two versions with one having IS. The Canon 100 has very good optics and shoots nice, sharp images. Here's a sample of an image from the non IS Canon 100:
Simply incredible!! This is the kind of stuff I want to do!! Just random and so cool!!
Nov 19, 2011 16:01:46 #
Adubin wrote:
I used a Nikon Macro lens, Canon 500D close-up fil... (show quote)
Cool pictures!! I can only imagine the patience to get all these critters on film like that!! Thanks for sharing and the info.
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