Canon EF Life-Size Converter for 50mm f/2.5: Has anyone tried the Canon EF Life-Size Converter on other Canon lens such as the EF 100mm macro? I just ordered one for my EF 50mm f/2.5...

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Has anyone tried the Canon EF Life-Size Converter on other Canon lens such as the EF 100mm macro?

I just ordered one for my EF 50mm f/2.5 macro and got to thinking what would happen if I tried it on a different macro lens.

Thanks.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

It doesn't sound promising Harold. Canon website notes the following:
This optional accessory is designed to work strictly with the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens. Unlike typical life-size adapters, the Life Size Converter EF actually has optics that are optimized for high magnification when combined with the 50mm macro lens. Magnifications from 0.26x (approx. 1/4 life-size) to 1.0x (true life size) are possible, at increased working distances.

If you are looking for cross lens compatibility, you would be better served investing in a good set of extension tubes. Kenko's come to mind: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375102-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGC_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html

The linked set is good for EF and EF-S mounts and cheaper than the life size convertor. You can find used Kenko tube sets cheaper on eBay just makes sure the mount type is correct for your camera/lens type(s) (full frame (EF), crop (EF-S) or both).

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I have a couple of sets of macro extension tubes that I use once in a while.
I have heard that someone had used it on the 100mm macro. I'll try it out over the weekend.
Thanks.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

haroldross wrote:

I have a couple of sets of macro extension tubes that I use once in a while.
I have heard that someone had used it on the 100mm macro. I'll try it out over the weekend.

Let us know how it works out.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

haroldross wrote:

I have a couple of sets of macro extension tubes that I use once in a while. I have heard that someone had used it on the 100mm macro. I'll try it out over the weekend.

Extension tubes were originally designed to be used with macro lenses. A full set (12 + 20 +36) of extension tubes on a 100-mm macro lens will capture 2:1 magnification (2x life-size) at MFD.

You will find Auto-extension tubes much easier to use than manual tubes.
Read more here:
FAQ: Extension Tubes vs Bellows vs Tele-Extenders vs Add-on "Close-Up" lenses
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26496-1.html

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I tried the Canon Life-Size Converter on a few of my Canon lens besides the 50mm f/2.5. It does effectively double the image size. It works best on other macro lens like the 100mm f/2.8. On the EF 85mm f/1.8, it appears to double the magnification from .13x to .25x. The converter may be optimized for the 50mm, but also works well on the 100mm. I have only tried the combinations on my 5D MK III.

For the macro work that I do, the 50mm with the converter works just fine. I can use extender tubes to achieve similar magnifications but the converter seems to be much better constructed than my extender tube sets.

Canon Life-Size Converter EF
Canon Life-Size Converter EF...

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

haroldross wrote:

For the macro work that I do, the 50mm with the converter works just fine.

I have the Canon 50mm lens that fits this converter, personally I would purchase the 100mm macro and forget about the converter. I consider your lens one of the best 50's that Canon makes, but would not even think about purchasing the converter, spend the extra money and get the macro, you will not regret it.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Blurryeyed wrote:

I have the Canon 50mm lens that fits this converter, personally I would purchase the 100mm macro and forget about the converter. I consider your lens one of the best 50's that Canon makes, but would not even think about purchasing the converter, spend the extra money and get the macro, you will not regret it.

I am not too enamored with the Canon EF 100mm macro lens. The 50mm with the converter is just about right for what I do.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

haroldross wrote:

I am not too enamored with the Canon EF 100mm macro lens. The 50mm with the converter is just about right for what I do.

Really, have owned both and have nothing bad to say about the 100mm macro other than mine broke, but that happens to all types of lenses, the optical quality was excellent. Basically all that converter is is a 2X converter that fits that lens, there will be a loss in optical quality. But if you think that best suits your needs then you should buy it. It does seem that you have your mind made up, so I wonder if you are really seeking objective opinions, I can tell you that it will not achieve the same quality as a macro lens.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Harold, I would be curious to see some examples with the convertor used on the 50mm and 100mm when you get a chance please. It would be real interesting to see shots at 1:1 with and without the convertor on the 100mm.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

A-PeeR wrote:

Harold, I would be curious to see some examples with the convertor used on the 50mm and 100mm when you get a chance please. It would be real interesting to see shots at 1:1 with and without the convertor on the 100mm.

I will try but it may be awhile. I am in the process of moving so things are quite mixed up here. I kept out a few lens and cameras but most everything is packed.