Trying out my new macro lens
Dec 26, 2017 22:43:12 #
My Christmas gift to myself was a Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L IS USM macro lens for my 7D. I had thought about getting one for some time, and finally went to the local camera store and did the deal. The images I am posting are among the first with the new lens, and are part of my "trial run" with it. The subject is a small cactus plant. I chose it because it was outdoors in full sun, was very 3 dimensional and, unlike small flowers or leaves, it remained still, even with a breeze blowing. I actually shot two groups of photos of the cactus, with the first at apertures of f/5.6 and f/6.3. When I looked at them on my monitor, it was obvious that the DOF was extremely shallow. So I went back the next day for a reshoot using f/16. I'm sure you will notice the difference. I used high ISO settings to hopefully, eliminate any possible effects of camera shake. I'm sure I will be making good use of the lens, especially in the spring when flowers start blooming. Comments welcome, even advice and/or suggestions. 
Dec 26, 2017 22:52:09 #
I am so jealous. I was allowed to use that lens for 5 minutes a few weeks back and I’ve been drooling over it ever since. I wish I had a rich uncle.
I’d like to see some shots at f/8. The f/16 shots look like a little diffraction is softening the image.
I’d like to see some shots at f/8. The f/16 shots look like a little diffraction is softening the image.
Dec 26, 2017 22:53:07 #
Not being snarky but think you’d get improvement from using a tripod. It’s really indispensable when doing closeups. Regardless, have fun.
Dec 26, 2017 23:44:28 #
Congratulations, you'll like the macro lens. Give it a try in overcast sky, I myself prefer that for flowers etc. no shadows. Above all, have fun.
Dec 27, 2017 03:54:07 #
Old Timer
Loc: Greenfield, In.
I have one and it is one of my most used lens, also good for portraits, especially for small groups and if you have the space to back away from your subject. I like to shoot stills and flowers at golden hour with. Paired with the nifty fifty the cover a lot of territory, especially paired with 70 200.
Dec 27, 2017 04:08:22 #
Dec 27, 2017 08:48:21 #
That is so exciting to hear, Tom - a good start with your new toy!
I admit one reason I've gotten away from most close-up photography is you really do need a tripod. Agree that f/16 is usually not optimum, though you could try more tests comparing f/8 and f/16. Re your mention of ISO: does your camera allow auto-ISO in manual mode?
My Canon T3i did. Once I started noticing I was a bit wobbly, I decided to always set aperture (for whatever dof I wanted) and always set shutter speed at a minimum of 1/500 sec for the stability I would otherwise have with a tripod
and to use auto-ISO except when needing compensation in tricky lighting. I have been super-happy shooting this way for a year or more.
I admit one reason I've gotten away from most close-up photography is you really do need a tripod. Agree that f/16 is usually not optimum, though you could try more tests comparing f/8 and f/16. Re your mention of ISO: does your camera allow auto-ISO in manual mode?
My Canon T3i did. Once I started noticing I was a bit wobbly, I decided to always set aperture (for whatever dof I wanted) and always set shutter speed at a minimum of 1/500 sec for the stability I would otherwise have with a tripod
and to use auto-ISO except when needing compensation in tricky lighting. I have been super-happy shooting this way for a year or more.Dec 27, 2017 14:45:19 #
Nice cactus and set Tom enjoy your new lens,looking forward to seeing more.
Dec 27, 2017 16:35:18 #
Dec 27, 2017 17:03:36 #
Don't you just love that lens!? Great shots of a beautiful cactus! Although this lens is sharp at any aperture, somewhere around f/8-f/11 seems to give the clearest results IMO.
Dec 27, 2017 17:22:16 #
Congrats Tom... you deserve to be good to yourself!! Great shots and macro photography is so much fun, it opens up a whole new world to shoot!! 
Dec 27, 2017 21:08:54 #
IMO, the first shot is stunning with the shallower DOF which has it's place along with those shots at f16. That shallower DOF has its place when we want only a certain feature of the subject emphasized. I like them all!
Dec 27, 2017 21:16:37 #
ejones0310 wrote:
I am so jealous. I was allowed to use that lens for 5 minutes a few weeks back and I’ve been drooling over it ever since. I wish I had a rich uncle.
I’d like to see some shots at f/8. The f/16 shots look like a little diffraction is softening the image.
I’d like to see some shots at f/8. The f/16 shots look like a little diffraction is softening the image.
Thank you very much for looking in and commenting. I understand that shooting at f/16 could cause a bit of diffraction, but since I was still in the "trial period" for this lens, I mainly wanted to explore the differences between shooting with large and small apertures. As I continue using the lens, I will continue shooting with a variety of apertures and comparing results.
Dec 27, 2017 21:31:45 #
Excellent results and I too think that a shallower depth is sometimes the more authentic look, since our eyes actually see a small area in focus, while detail on the perimeter of our vision is quite blurred.
Dec 27, 2017 21:40:13 #
pesfls wrote:
Not being snarky but think you’d get improvement from using a tripod. It’s really indispensable when doing closeups. Regardless, have fun.
Thank you very much for taking a look and for your comments.
I do realize the importance of using a tripod when shooting macro or closeup. In this particular case, that would have been very difficult. The cactus was no more than 3 ft high and was actually located very close to the wall of the store where I bought the lens. So I was kneeling and sitting on a sidewalk with my back to some parked cars. In fact, people were having to walk around me as they walked to and from the store. I have a Manfrotto model 190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod with a Manfrotto 410 head. I think it may be referred to as a "gear type" head. Certainly not suitable for shooting BIF, which I rarely do, but it works fine for making very precise adjustments in camera orientation and position. I think the tripod and head will be ideally suited for much of my shooting with this lens.
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