View Full Version : Canon mount Macro Lens
kyzen
03-24-2009, 01:35 PM
Looking for a Canon macro lens, 100mm or more. I don't want an EF-S mount lens, as I'm hoping to buy a 5d mk II this summer.
Currently I'm looking at the Canon f/2.8 100mm, or the Sigma f/2.8 105mm, though I'm open to more options.
Best I've seen on the Canon 100mm is $490, free shipping @ Amazon
Best I've seen on the Sigma 105mm is $400, free shipping @ Adorama
Anybody know of any better deals? Other lens suggestions?
A 50mm + extension tubes. Using the tubes with a 100mm would make for some insanely close shots, though. Having said that, I found a Sigma 105mm on Craigslist that "wasn't digital compatible" and Sigma swapped the control for free for me ($250 for the lens + $20 shipping).
StewedRoses
03-24-2009, 05:40 PM
Good question as I'm also in the market for a macro lens. We've been trying out the Sigma f/2.8 150mm macro lens ($619 w/free shipping at B&H Photo) and been quite pleased with the sharpness of the images. It is a bit heavy though and hard to hold. My wife finds it difficult to focus due to the focus ring being far out on the lens.
kyzen
03-24-2009, 05:53 PM
Stewed - on the 2 lenses I mentioned, the Canon has all the parts internal, while the Sigma's from element moves in and out as you focus. On the 150mm Sigma, does the front element still extend, or is it all internal on that lens?
At this point I'm leaning towards the Canon, as I like getting real up close to my subjects, and don't want to have to think about accidentally squishing them :)
JustAnEngineer
03-24-2009, 07:02 PM
The EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7400) is a terrifically-sharp lens. I'm delighted with mine. With the 1.6x FOVCF, it's too long for indoor use, but once you get your 5D Mk. II, you'll probably want to use it for portraits as well as close-up work.
JustAnEngineer
03-24-2009, 07:05 PM
Here's a review:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx
StewedRoses
03-25-2009, 07:10 PM
Stewed - on the 2 lenses I mentioned, the Canon has all the parts internal, while the Sigma's from element moves in and out as you focus. On the 150mm Sigma, does the front element still extend, or is it all internal on that lens?
At this point I'm leaning towards the Canon, as I like getting real up close to my subjects, and don't want to have to think about accidentally squishing them :)
The Sigma 150mm macro lens does not extend during focusing; everything is internal. Both the Canon 100mm and Sigma 150mm are similar in that respect. My thoughts are leaning toward the lighter weight Canon 100mm as it is about 2/3rds of the weight of the 2 pound Sigma 150mm beast. Both have excellent optics. The tradeoff is on working distance; the 150mm gives you more room to sneak up on bugs without them noticing you.
The price difference isn't all that large. The Canon is at $490 @ B&H + $40 for the hood (useful for portraits shot outdoors maybe) while the Sigma is at $619 @ B&H with hood included.
Photozone's review of the Canon 100mm macro: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/167-canon-ef-100mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review
Photozone's review of the Sigma 150mm macro: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/303-sigma-af-150mm-f28-apo-ex-dg-hsm-macro-test-report--review
Happy [bug] hunting!
TorGa3iGhT
03-29-2009, 09:44 PM
yeah, i have the 100mm canon macro lens....this thing takes for some CRAZY close-up shots...very good detail....farther away is not as strong of a lens, but up close is amazing...
i got mine at a CC during the close for around 290 after tax....
JustAnEngineer
03-30-2009, 03:24 AM
What do you mean?
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is one of the sharpest and most accurate lenses available for any camera system.
When using this lens for non-closeup work, you should use the focus range switch to limit it to focusing further away. With its ring-type ultra-sonic motor, this lens actually focuses quite quickly, but it has a much larger focus range than non-macro lenses.