Using the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro L Lens: A friend has loaned me his newly acquired lens as he's not getting on with it at all. Macro is not my thing really but I tried it for an...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

A friend has loaned me his newly acquired lens as he's not getting on with it at all. Macro is not my thing really but I tried it for an afternoon at a local National Trust property. This is the best close-up achieved, and I'm happy enough with it - please comment if you wish. The big question is, why does the lens hunt like mad on AF? Actually found it easier to focus manually for most shots. Anybody know what the problem is please? I expected instant snappy focus with this 2.8, but didn't get it.

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Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I have the same lens and at time on close up if the camera is not study or to close you might have that problem. How is your focus set. I usually use center spot focus. If you have your manual or a good field manual it will give you tips. uneven light or to close can make focus change. Remember you are focusing at about one foot so a little movement makes a big difference. I have the 7D that is probably the best one but I use it on 60D and xsi as well. You need to practice and read you manuals. Youtube should have some tutorials also. I usually throw away or discard more than I keep. On insects probably keep one in ten if I am lucky.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Old Timer wrote:

I have the same lens and at time on close up if th... (show quote)

Thanks for that Old Timer, I'll ask my pal if a manual came with the lens - expect there was a disc that he hasn't watched! I was hand held and guess that would be a contributing factor.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

magnetoman wrote:

Thanks for that Old Timer, I'll ask my pal if a manual came with the lens - expect there was a disc that he hasn't watched! I was hand held and guess that would be a contributing factor.

EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM > Brochures
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/macro/ef-100mm-f-2-8l-macro-is-usm

And how to photograph with a macro lens https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+photograph+with+a+macro+lens

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

I have this lens and have never had a problem with it, and I've always had excellent, fast results with AF. By the way, your closeups would find a good home on the closeup forum, Magnetoman!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Dixiegirl wrote:

I have this lens and have never had a problem with it, and I've always had excellent, fast results with AF. By the way, your closeups would find a good home on the closeup forum, Magnetoman!

That's encouraging Dixiegirl, I thought it should be fast. Wonder if my camera needs a service, it does have a hard life. Not so much into close-ups really, don't think I'd find the time to devote to another section, it seems to fly by! I took a couple of hurried portrait shots with the lens and really like them, although technically imperfect, one is now my favourite shot of my wife. I'm photographing a guy with his penny-farthing bicycle tomorrow and will try it on him. Thanks for contributing, it's appreciated.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

magnetoman wrote:

That's encouraging Dixiegirl, I thought it should ... (show quote)

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

It takes some time and practice. I have good Monfronto tripod that I use on Gimbil head most of the time. It helps a lot. I shot about twenty today and not a real bad one in them which is unusual for me. Hand holding does not get it consistently. If you want a good definition of field you need to shoot at about f16 and up your ISO to as high as you can go with out a problem. If you want bokeh you can shoot wide open as you want to.

magnetoman wrote:

Thanks for that Old Timer, I'll ask my pal if a manual came with the lens - expect there was a disc that he hasn't watched! I was hand held and guess that would be a contributing factor.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Old Timer wrote:

It takes some time and practice. I have good Monfronto tripod that I use on Gimbil head most of the time. It helps a lot. I shot about twenty today and not a real bad one in them which is unusual for me. Hand holding does not get it consistently. If you want a good definition of field you need to shoot at about f16 and up your ISO to as high as you can go with out a problem. If you want bokeh you can shoot wide open as you want to.

I do have a decent tripod and super ball head, but don't carry it around unless I'm going to spend time on a subject specifically. The other things I lack are close-up experience and light. Have posted another shot on Dixiegirl's Close-Up forum, which shows this!