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Macro lense question?
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Hi all,
I hope some of you can help me…
I’m looking into of buying a macro lense for my canon 400d. My question is regarding the two 100mm canon ones, the first is Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens €440 and the second is Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM €810. I guess I’m wondering whether it is worth almost double the money to go with the L series one? I’m new to marco so I dont want to spend a crazy amount of money on something I’m only just learning about but at the same time I know I will ever only buy one of these so should I save up my money to go with better lense? Is it worth it.
Any thoughts or advice welcome.
Thanks
LizIf you have the money, buy it, I don´t think it´s overpriced. If no, don´t worry, the cheaper version will do the job too, a €440 prime can´t be bad.
Rather make sure you have a good tripod and head, it´s the most important thing for sharp macro photos.Hi Liz.
The L series lens is of better build quality, has better optics & has image stabilisation to help prevent camera shake when shooting handheld. It only weighs approx 1oz heavier than the other 100mm. If you think that you will be doing a lot of macro work & can afford it, then go for it. If you think that you will only be dabbling in macro for a while before moving on to something else, the cheaper option might suit. Personally, I would go for the L series version, but great results can be got from both lenses.miki g wrote:
Hi Liz.
The L series lens is of better build quality, has better optics & has image stabilisation to help prevent camera shake when shooting handheld. It only weighs approx 1oz heavier than the other 100mm. If you think that you will be doing a lot of macro work & can afford it, then go for it. If you think that you will only be dabbling in macro for a while before moving on to something else, the cheaper option might suit. Personally, I would go for the L series version, but great results can be got from both lenses.Who on earth shoots macro handheld? :roll:
MMX wrote:
Who on earth shoots macro handheld? :roll:
Me – sometimes :-)
:D :lol: :D
Chris
Hi Liz,
I can highly recommend the 100mm f2.8 IS USM lens though I have not used the new L lens (not enough cash in the piggy bank yet)As MMX has suggested a good tripod and head are important.
I would also suggest you acquire a good Ring Flash unit if you want to shoot handheld, especially for insects etc.
You should be able to get the 100mm f2.8 IS USM and the MR-14EX Ring Flash for a little bit more than the price of the L lens on it’s ownI shoot a lot of my macro shots Handheld but when doing so I use the Ring Flash to assist.
You can see my results on my web gallery http://www.carmike.euIf you are just going to dabble go for the 2.8 IS USM, if money is no object and you are serious about macro then go for the 180mm f3.5 L Lens.
Reviews of all lenses can be found at http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx
tsergairl wrote:
Me – sometimes :-)
This wasn´t taken with a macro lens, was it?
Nooo:-) , just kit + some lens , but i dont remeber :-)
anyway , sometimes i really take a handhels macro shots, with macro lens + additional dioptres lenses (for shorter distance from object) + ring lamp :-)the other true is that i am still dreaming about canon 65mm :-)
cheers
chris
MMX wrote:
miki g wrote:
Hi Liz.
The L series lens is of better build quality, has better optics & has image stabilisation to help prevent camera shake when shooting handheld. It only weighs approx 1oz heavier than the other 100mm. If you think that you will be doing a lot of macro work & can afford it, then go for it. If you think that you will only be dabbling in macro for a while before moving on to something else, the cheaper option might suit. Personally, I would go for the L series version, but great results can be got from both lenses.Who on earth shoots macro handheld? :roll:
I shoot approx 90% of my macros handheld (albeit with a ringflash to give a faster shutter speed at small apertures). Very rarily would I bring a tripod with me at all, but if I did, I agree a good sturdy tripod is a must. I usually find the tripod is a hinderance when shooting insects, but it is ideal if shooting flowers or something else that won’t fly or run away. I would agree with Mikka about investing in a ringflash if your finances allow as it will allow you a lot of flexibility.
Thanks everyone for your replys.
I’m still a little unsure but at the moment I’m swaying towards the cheaper option. I would LOVE the L series one but I dont think I can justify the extra money when I’m only starting to have an interest in Macro.
Another question is about the ring flashes….the canon one is sooo expensive! I found another one on amazon for a fraction of the price but it does not flash it is either on or off see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Macro-Ring-Flash-LED-Light/dp/B0031AQ302/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279880512&sr=1-5″ onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
Has anyone used this?I have seen it , but not in ring shape. The questions are:
Performance (intensity of light)
Battery life
When you turn it on, won´t the insect fly away?These LED lights are great when you use your DSLR to record video and maybe also as a fill light, but if you want to use it instead of classic flash, rather find a shop and try it before you pay.
But first of all it depends what exactly do you want to shoot, if you are not interested into insects or other moving objects, a tripod would be the least complicated option, moreover you would get the possibility to compose more precisely and your hands would be free to use a polarizer and light diffuser to avoid reflections, get more intense colors and softer light
I’ve got exactly the same, as MMX wrote this lamp is perfect for “stable” objects :-) , (like my strawberrys in macro forum) , i did some shots with spiders and bumblebees as well (spiders dont fly :-) , and bumblebees are to have to escape that fast ;-) ;-) ), it is only 35 euro, so IMO is it worth to take ( i paid same price), battery i’ve got this lamp about 3 month and i did not change battery yet ,
for the first steps is ok,
video ??/ i never use my camera with this function – IT IS CAMERA NOT VIDEORECORDER :-)
Cheers
Chris
Well I decided seeing as it was only 35 quid I’d go ahead and order it. I wont be buying a canon one any time soon so I’ll give this one a shot. I also ordered the lense today, so hopefully it’ll be as good as I hope. I went with the “cheaper” option as I couldn’t justify (or afford for that matter) the L series one for almost double the price. f Now I must just throw away my credit card before it explodes ha ha!!! Thanks again for all the advice.
tsergairl wrote:
video ??/ i never use my camera with this function – IT IS CAMERA NOT VIDEORECORDER :-)
I had the same opinion but many journalists use it and I can imagine situations when I would use it too (especially when I know that camcorders with interchangeable lenses are huge and cost €3000-9000)
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