Canon Lens': I shoot with a Canon 5D and have the need to purchase two lenses. One for general all purpose shooting i.e. 24/105??? Also what recommendations for a decent macro lens.

Terpen

I shoot with a Canon 5D and have the need to purchase two lenses. One for general all purpose shooting i.e. 24/105??? Also what recommendations for a decent macro lens. Want quality but cost is an important consideration as well

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

We could use a little more information on what your type of photography would be. Examples: Sports, portraits, indoors/outdoors. If you don't need too much reach, I can verify that a 24-104L, f/4.0 will stand you well. I can't get in to macro though. Keep shooting, and welcome to the forum. djt

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have shot Rebels & 60D I recently added a 6D. I purchased the classic first L 24-105. I know the 24-105 gets mixed reviews, but I have seen some great images from that particular product and mine seems to be sharp copy. I also see many non-OME lenses both new& used that are budget friendly.

Another consideration is the f/4 version of the 24-70. I missed one that would made the latch pin of a killer kit. I would love the 16-35 f/4.

I had a 50mm & 85mm and could have just shot with those.

Some time ago a went shopping for a Macro. I find that there are no bad current lenses and lots on the used market. I ended up with a Canon 100mm black Mac. I have seen some Tamron 90's on the used market very budget friendly.

Good luck shopping and even better shooting.

J. R.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Is that the original 5D or one of the marks? The 100 f/2.8 non L is a nice lens but the hood and lens collar are extra expenses that raise the overall price. The 100L IS is a nice lens too although real macro work tends to involve a tripod where the IS isn't useful. If you're concerned about the 24-105, take the suggestion and look at the 24-70 models. Look at used copies of all these lenses to stretch your dollars (or local currency).

Terpen

Thanks so much for your valuable insight. Much appreciated

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Terpen wrote:

I shoot with a Canon 5D and have the need to purchase two lenses. One for general all purpose shooting i.e. 24/105??? Also what recommendations for a decent macro lens. Want quality but cost is an important consideration as well

I am posting to the links that you might want to look at. I just bought a macro about a year ago and asked about different lenses and decided to go with Sigma. Here are the links:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-165679-1.html

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-165664-1.html

Jim D

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Terpen wrote:

I shoot with a Canon 5D and have the need to purchase two lenses. One for general all purpose shooting i.e. 24/105??? Also what recommendations for a decent macro lens. Want quality but cost is an important consideration as well

Either of Canons 100mm macro lenses are great.

Terpen

Thanks Jeep... Appears the only difference is one is an IS and costs $400 more.

Terry

Bob Boner

Over the years I have owned a lot of macro lenses, from 50mm to 200mm, Canon and Nikon. I highly recommend the longer focal lengths. When trying to photograph insects/spiders/whatever with a shorter lens, you will frequently frighten the subject before you make any images. The 180mm Canon is the best I have owned, but it might be more expensive than you want. Sigma makes a 150mm f/2.8 that has a very good reputation, more so than their 180mm. Not sure what the price is, but certainly cheaper than the Canon 180. The 100mm Canon IS macro, will not take teleconverters without an ext. tube. Not sure about the non-IS 100mm. In any case, I recommend the longer focal lengths, 150mm and up, if they are in your budget.

Terpen

Bob, Do appreciate your invaluable insight and perspective.

Terry

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Canon's EF100mm f/2.8 USM gets high marks from everything I've seen. It lacks the IS of the L version but that shouldn't be much of a problem for macro. The price is definitely better then the L version.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I own this lens. I bought it used at give away price. With macro people buy the lens and then do not like doing it, hence lots of premium product at budget friendly price.

I added a Kirk Macro bracket again used with my 430 2 flash and it is a superb macro tool. I ran into extension tubes for complete over kill.

Looking forward to summer!

J. R.

LFingar wrote:

Canon's EF100mm f/2.8 USM gets high marks from everything I've seen. It lacks the IS of the L version but that shouldn't be much of a problem for macro. The price is definitely better then the L version.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Actually, I would look into the "L" quality lens. It not only does great macro, but is also a wonderful portrait lens. Keep in mind also "L" quality lenses are built a little better, and have a fluorite element, and of course IS. Being able to hand hold your camera and lens while shooting inside a bush, or shrub that may be wet, of a tiny bug will make all the difference. As for your zoom, take a look at the Tamron SP 24-70mm f2.8 VC USM. When I bought mine it was the only 24-70mm with Tamrons version of IS. Since it is actually a newer version of the 24-70mm Tamron used SP glass in the build, making it almost "L" quality. It also comes with a 6 year warranty, rather than Canons paltry one year, even on "L" quality products. A good follow up lens would be the Tamron 70-200mm with VC. It is also a little better than the Canon "L" version of the same lens. Again it comes with a 6 year warranty.

B

Terpen

Bill,
Good info. Much appreciated.

Terry

valley3photo

I have a Canon 50mm macro lens. Good for close up & general photos. Get some extensions, no glass & this does a great job.