Choosing a Macro Lens for My Canon
Siena
Loc: Rocky Hill, CT
I'm turning to you fellow Hoggers for some sage advice. I am looking for a macro lens for a Canon 70D. Canon has the 100mm EF the 60mm EFS. I don't envision going full frame (more likely downsizing eventually) so the 60mm would do. I like the lighter size of the 60, except, no IS.
1. Care to share any experience with either lens?
2. Would no IS be a big drawback ?
3. Does anyone recommend another brand in the 60 - 100 range (2.8) that would be almost as good?
4. I'm finding the Canon lenses used (KEH & B&H) which is where I want to be.
Thanks in advance!
I've owned the EF-S 60, the EF 100 f/2.8 and the EF 180 f/3.5L. The 60 is an amazingly sharp lens great for use as a general purpose lens too. But, it's too short for macro of moving things. Everything else for a macro lens it's a great lens. The non L / non IS 100 is a great lens. You just have to pay extra for a hood and tripod color. Its going to work best for you when using a tripod and you can probably find the extras in a single package with the lens from KEH. The IS L model is an amazing lens. I haven't used it but have seen many wonderful images from this model. The 180L is similar to the 100 non IS model where a tripod is really needed to get the clearest results.
f/2.8 seems important, but actually, you'll be shooting so close you need a much smaller aperture to get a depth of field that shows the details of your close-up / close-in focus. Look too at a 12 or 25 extension tube that lets you focus closer.
Hi, You may want to make another post the Macro forum in the UHH. But, I use the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM lens. It takes stunning detailed shots of everything from bugs to portraits. The IS is helpful when climbing through a bush, tree or shrub, where you just can't use a tripod or mono pod, to shoot that little bug. I also use this lens on both the 5D Mark IV, and 7D Mark II. If you're setting up for macro, you may want to look at a good flash, and ring light. Good Luck
B
Between my daughter and myself we have the Canon 100 f/2.8 and Tamron 180 f/3.5.
The 180 with and without Kenko Pro 300 1.4X extender serves double duty as a telephoto for hummingbirds at the feeder and other uses (on my 7DII it gives the angle of view of a 288 mm or 403 mm).
I do not find the lack of IS a problem since when doing "real macro" it is usually tripod mounted and as a telephoto I am in good light or using flash and the shutter speed takes care of movement.
I have the 100 2.8 and it takes great macro. When I was photographing bees I wish I had the 180 to get some more distance from them.
MrBob
Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama
I still use the 100mm 2.8 non USM Macro ( Old School ) and I can tell you that is is one of the sharpest lenses in the bag ! From what I understand the 100mm IS USM is a killer.
Siena wrote:
I'm turning to you fellow Hoggers for some sage advice. I am looking for a macro lens for a Canon 70D. Canon has the 100mm EF the 60mm EFS. I don't envision going full frame (more likely downsizing eventually) so the 60mm would do. I like the lighter size of the 60, except, no IS.
1. Care to share any experience with either lens?
2. Would no IS be a big drawback ?
3. Does anyone recommend another brand in the 60 - 100 range (2.8) that would be almost as good?
4. I'm finding the Canon lenses used (KEH & B&H) which is where I want to be.
Thanks in advance!
I'm turning to you fellow Hoggers for some sage ad... (
show quote)
If Canon macros are like other brands, IS becomes less effective as you focus closer. Check the user’s manual.
davidrb
Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
RWR wrote:
If Canon macros are like other brands, IS becomes less effective as you focus closer. Check the user’s manual.
Canon didn't include the IS for macro, they put it on for the portraiture work it does. It doubles as a terrific 100mm telephoto lens.
Siena wrote:
I'm turning to you fellow Hoggers for some sage advice. I am looking for a macro lens for a Canon 70D. Canon has the 100mm EF the 60mm EFS. I don't envision going full frame (more likely downsizing eventually) so the 60mm would do. I like the lighter size of the 60, except, no IS.
1. Care to share any experience with either lens?
2. Would no IS be a big drawback ?
3. Does anyone recommend another brand in the 60 - 100 range (2.8) that would be almost as good?
4. I'm finding the Canon lenses used (KEH & B&H) which is where I want to be.
Thanks in advance!
I'm turning to you fellow Hoggers for some sage ad... (
show quote)
There is also the 50mm, the 65 and 180mm macro from Canon! Check them out first!
MikeMck
Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay
I'm old and I need the Image Stablization. Have you looked at the refurbished lenses on the Canon website? Google Canon Refurbished Lenses.
MikeMck
Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay
I'm old and I need the Image Stablization. Have you looked at the refurbished lenses on the Canon website? Google Canon Refurbished Lenses.
I have used all of the Canon macros as you have mentioned. The EFs 60 I used is of a chum, it have be the sharpest lens I have shot with. I ended up buying a 100 BlackMac (non L, non IS) is was a sidewalk purchase CL. It is one sharp lens, light and easy to use keep speed and ap where you need and for fine Macro work use Speed Light. I have also used with it Kenko and Canon extension tubes.
I see lot of specialty glass in secondary markets. Macro and UWA are two of the biggest. Check CL and local listing.
J. R.
I us the Tamron 90mm with IS on my Canon 70D. I like it a lot.
I have the latest Canon 100mm macro, but recently got the Sigma 150mm f/2.8. I photograph insects and really need more distance from the subject to keep from frightening it off. I have also used the 180mm Canon macro and it is very good. If you only photograph inanimate objects the 100 mm is great. If you plan to photograph things that move (insects) I think you are better off with a longer macro lens.
I had the 60 for a while, like has been mentioned elsewhere here, it is great as a general purpose lens, razor sharp, not so much for macro work unless you plan to do product images. It's focus distance is just too short. I did much research before buying my next macro lens. I went with the Sigma 105 OS HSM MACRO. Reviews showed it as sharp as Canons offerings including the L and cheaper. I bought mine at the Sigma Outlet where Sigma sells refurbished equipment, but I see them used in mint condition on ebay at great prices.
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