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View Full Version : My next lens....

Grendel
19-12-2006, 11:57
It's ocurred to me that I really enjoy macro photography, although I've been doing with with my Sigma 17-70mm or my nifty fifty. The time has come for me to invest in a true macro lens. I've narrowed my choice down to either the Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 USM macro or the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro. The 100mm comes in at around the £360 mark, the 60mm is around the £260. Price isn't a problem, either are within budget. I know I could buy the Sigma version of either for less but I've done the research and feel the Canon have the upper hand in terms of build quality. My indecision is on which focal length to go for :shrug: I can see advantages / disadvantages with both :bonk: Can anyone offer any advice that might help me come to a decision? Thanks in advance :thumbs:
Dark Star
19-12-2006, 12:03
I was in a similar position in the summer and plumped for the Canon 100mm - a few of my results can be seen in my gallery - I've been really pleased with it and was swayed by some of the advice and images posted by other users on TPF.

I believe the short focal length will mean you've go to get that much closer to your subject matter and if its got wings or more than 4 legs thats a distinct disadvantage!!!! I guess it depends on what you're aiming to do with the lens!

I'm sure you'll get better advice on here but I thought I'd chuck my tuppence in !
Joe T
19-12-2006, 12:17
Get the 100mm - its a cracker!

You might find 60mm too short for some subjects, particularly insects.
Dark Star
19-12-2006, 12:19
Get the 100mm - its a cracker!

You might find 60mm too short for some subjects, particularly insects.

Now why couldn't I have just put it as succinctly!!!! :D
kamion
19-12-2006, 12:29
You might find 60mm too short


Confucious say... man, the longer, the better. :lol: :lol: :lol:


:coat:
CT
19-12-2006, 12:32
No contest... get the Canon 100mm Macro. It's a known cracker of a performer and the extra working distance it gives you from your subjects means you don't scare the little critters off quite so easily.
RobbieW
19-12-2006, 12:33
It's ocurred to me that I really enjoy macro photography, although I've been doing with with my Sigma 17-70mm or my nifty fifty. The time has come for me to invest in a true macro lens. I've narrowed my choice down to either the Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 USM macro or the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro. The 100mm comes in at around the £360 mark, the 60mm is around the £260. Price isn't a problem, either are within budget. I know I could buy the Sigma version of either for less but I've done the research and feel the Canon have the upper hand in terms of build quality. My indecision is on which focal length to go for :shrug: I can see advantages / disadvantages with both :bonk: Can anyone offer any advice that might help me come to a decision? Thanks in advance :thumbs:

You need to stop making me jealous.... or tell me Santa's real address to write to!
Venomator
19-12-2006, 12:44
:agree: with the others ... no question you should opt for the longer lens Grendel ... you won't regret it ... :thumbs:




:p
WetSparks
19-12-2006, 12:58
Hmm, last time we were down in the land of the concrete cows the wife brought me the 100 - 400L. Thinking this time I might try for the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro. Well its a lot cheaper for her, init :lol:

Anywhere else other than Jessops in the shopping center that I could suggest we go for a walk past ;)
Joe T
19-12-2006, 13:01
MK right, wetsparks? I havent spotted any other camera shops in The Centre im afraid.
Grendel
19-12-2006, 13:11
Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it :thumbs: Looks like there's no contest then - 100mm it is :woot:

I think I'd better wait till after Christmas before I order it though - let the old bank balance recover a bit :shrug:
Grendel
19-12-2006, 13:12
You need to stop making me jealous.... or tell me Santa's real address to write to!

Sorry Rob :p
CT
19-12-2006, 13:12
Jessops prices are just ridiculous at the moment, I think they're charging over £1400 for the 100-400L :cuckoo:
WetSparks
19-12-2006, 13:20
Yes, I just checked there web site and their just over 100 quid more for the 100mm macro than Warehouse express. Looks like I might have to practice some restraint :(
CT
19-12-2006, 13:26
Warehouse Express are pretty ace - I have no qualms about buying stuff from them. ;)
Milestone
19-12-2006, 13:33
Je$$ops are well overpriced at the minute. Cameras2u seem the cheapest

Camerapricebuster link (http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod61.html)
mho
19-12-2006, 14:54
Kerso has them in at £319 + £10 P+P, He may do a bit off if not using ebay etc (you know what i mean ;);))
Dark Star
19-12-2006, 15:01
Got mine from kerso - top man - but thats been said on here many times before!
Grendel
19-12-2006, 17:38
Got mine from kerso - top man

I agree John, he'll be the man I contact in the new year ;)
Grendel
19-12-2006, 17:41
I was in a similar position in the summer and plumped for the Canon 100mm - a few of my results can be seen in my gallery

Like the one of that poor bumble bee you nailed down to photograph it? :lol: :D :lol:
whiteflyer
19-12-2006, 18:00
Je$$ops are well overpriced at the minute. Cameras2u seem the cheapest

I got a magazine this week "DIGITAL SLR Photography" and Jessops have their price promise in there.

Matching any UK or UK internet price
digitalfailure
19-12-2006, 20:40
i'm a little different here :D

i have the 60 and love it. Sure it's shorter than the 100mm but it also makes a great portrait lens ;)