Richard2673 Loc: Eastern Oregon

The 7d has a lot of good things talked about - but what about using it for macro photography for flowers??

And which of the Canon "L" macro lenses would be best for the 7D II??

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

The body will be fine.

Re the lenses, and you really only have two choices, given your criteria.


Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens
and
The Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro Lens

Read the reviews over at The-Digital-Picture.com and see what is "best" for your needs.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Don't discount the non L 100 Macro. It is a non "is" lenses but it very sharp and much less expensive. I have the black mac and love it.

J. R.

Bob Boner

I recommend something longer than 100mm. The Canon 180mm or Sigma 150mm

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Even on a crop frame?

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I had both the 60 (EFS) and 100 lenses, and, for flowers, I found the 60 to work much better on my crop frame 60D. The 100 became a telephoto on the crop frame and it was difficult to hold it still. I have since traded for a full frame 6D and find the 100 to work well for flowers. Flowers won't run or fly away if you get too close. :shock:

australis Loc: Patagonia, South America

One Tamron, best lens !!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892882-REG/Tamron_90Mm_F_2_8_Di_Macro.html

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Don't get the 180, it is too long it would almost always require flash and or a tripod and a completely still subject meaning no wind if you are shooting flowers... I have had several macro lenses over the years, currently shooting with a 150mm Sigma but I shoot bugs generally on a table top.

If you want to check my macro creds just take a look at my flickr page by clicking on the link below the signature...

I so often see people recommending long macro lenses to people as they first get into macro.... IMO that is a huge mistake, your keeper rate will be very low.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

First, for general macro uses and most versatility, I'd recommend a lens in the 60mm to 105mm range and prefer the 90 to 105 end of that myself. Shorter focal lengths (35mm, 50mm) put you awfully close to your subject, while longer focal lengths (150mm, 180mm) are a lot harder to hold steady so are more likely to require a tripod.

Next, don't be an "L-coholic"! :roll:

The EF 100/2.8 USM is every bit as good optically as the more expensive 100/2.8L. Both lenses have exceptionally high image quality.

In fact, the 100/2.8 USM non-L is identical in build to the 180/3.5L USM. It's better in performance is some ways too... a lot faster focusing for one. The 100/2.8 USM just doesn't need fancy glass elements to do it's job very well, so doesn't qualify for the "coveted red stripe" under Canon's definition of their L-series.

The main difference is Image Stabilization, which the 100L has and the 100/2.8 USM doesn't. (Other more minor differences include... The L has a three stage Focus Limiter, while the non-L's is two stage. And the L uses 67mm filters, comes with a lens hood, while the non-L uses 58mm filters and it's hood is sold separately.)

Frankly, for macro shooting, IS isn't nearly as effective as it is for other things. At 1:1 magnification, you may get 1 stop worth of assistance with the Canon 100L, which uses a specially designed Hybrid-IS. That's actually better than stabilization on other macro lenses (Nikon VR, Tamron VC and Sigma OS give even little or no assistance at 1:1). All will typically see more help from stabilization if and when using them for non-macro purposes, as a moderate telephoto, possibly up to 3 or 4 stops.

Personally I would rather spend the money on a tripod mounting ring, which is a convenient feature when shooting macro with a tripod or monopod. This is an optional accessory with both the Canon 100mm lenses and one of the key reasons I'd choose either of them over any other 90 to 105mm macro lens from other manufacturers. AFAIK, none of those other macro lenses can be fitted with a tripod ring. Canon Tripod Ring D for use on the 100L costs $172, and is exclusive to that lens. Tripod Ring B for use on the non-L costs $140 and is used on the MP-E 65mm and EF 180/3.5L lenses (included with those lenses). There are cheaper third party rings available for both lenses (about $50).

But that's just me. Maybe you want the L with IS and will try to handhold more shots with it or want to use it for non-macro purposes more than I do with mine. You really can't go wrong with either of the Canon 100mm macro lenses.

There are also two excellent Tamron 90mm lenses, as well as a Tokina 100/2.8 and a Sigma 105mm, all of which are worth a look.

With 7DII crop sensor APS-C, if you prefer a more compact lens there's also the option of the EF-S 60mm USM, which is very high quality images too. You mention shooting flowers, which usually don't require full 1:1 magnification, so even with a shorter focal length like this the working distance may be more than adequate. When I want a small macro lens in my bag "just in case" and am out with my crop sensor Canon, I have a Tamron SP 60/2.0 (also a "crop only" lens). I chose it instead of the Canon 60mm because the Tamron doubles better as portrait lens, because of it's unusually large aperture. The Tamron is not useful for any sort of action shooting, because of slower micro motor type focus drive. The Canon 60mm's USM auto focus drive is faster.

Personally I use the EF 100/2.8 USM most and it's still my top recommendation to any Canon shooter looking for their first macro lens. As mentioned the Tamron 60mm is my main backup. But I also use Canon 180/3.5L and MP-E 65mm macro lenses, for more specialized purposes. In addition, I use some non-macro lenses such as TS-E 45mm, TS-E 90mm, EF 300/4L USM for close-up and macro purposes. In fact, with macro extension tubes and diopter lenses, at time I've used non-macro lenses ranging from 20mm to 500mm for close-up work. Heck sometimes I've even used close-focusing zooms (28-135, 24-70/2.8 and 70-200s) for close-ups, with extensions and diopters.

There really aren't any "bad" macro lenses. Almost all will render very high image quality. So it's really more about the other features they offer, that makes a difference. The Canon 100mm lenses are among the most fully featured from any manufacturer and neither will disappoint.

Have fun shopping!

Haydon

Working distance is key here, and if one was to begin in macro, it's not necessary to work much above the 100 mm range. The 180mm Canon is an amazing lens but working distance is increased and typically handheld shots are minimized unless a superior steady hand or experience is introduced because of the increased weight.

If you're object is flowers, 100 mm is perfect. It's when bugs are the major focus, a longer focal length might be considered.

I would consider the 100 mm 2.8L as a great choice. In a poll on Bob Atkins, it was the highest rated lens overall. If one source isn't enough, I'd recommend googling the 100 2.8L elsewhere.

Recently, I've seen it as cheap as $611.00 on Canon's refurbished store but you have to be quick.

Here's Bob Atkins webpage with the user poll I was telling you about.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/best_canon_eos_lenses.html

Richard2673 Loc: Eastern Oregon

Thank all of you for the info. I think the Canon 100 "L" macro will be my choice. I used the Canon non "L' about 10 years ago and got some good pictures with that. But sold all my camera equipment shortly after that and never replaced it. Chance coming soon for all new equipment.

Thanks again

Richard

Richard K Loc: Toronto Canada

I use the Canon EF 100 2.8 is usm macro on my 7dmkii great lens Here are a couple of samples that were hand held no flash

(Download)


(Download)

Richard2673 Loc: Eastern Oregon

Thank you. The depth of field in those pics is great. And they are SHARP...just what I was looking for.

Thanks again

Richard K Loc: Toronto Canada

your welcome

studavis

I would look at a 100mm or a 180 mm. The 100is great all purpus and the longer lens will allow you to be at a greater distance for live creatures (and not disturb them).