Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro

I bought this lens only a few weeks so am still learning how to get the best from it. However, the results so far have impressed me very much. I have used both manual and AF, to be honest the AF works just fine even at 1:1.
No doubt others can give you more detailed advice and opinions. All I will say to finish is that I have no regrets in buying it and it has exceeded my expectations.
I am about to put up for critique, 2 pictures taken with this lens, they will be in the macro forum.
Good luck with you choice (y)
Trev

Link to todays macro pictures: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=159772
 
Its a sharp lens, focuses quicker than Tamron 90 and Stigma 105 macro.
Internal focusing and doesn't change length compared to the other two lenses I mentioned. It doesnt come with a hood but you can buy cheap version on ebay.

I have one but sold it to a member in this forum, missed it so contacted the buyer so I can buy it back.. too late he already sold it.
 
Owning both the MPE 65 and the 100mm Macro I would say that the 100mm macro is more versatile and easier to use from the get go.

The MPE-65 gives some truly astonishing shots but the subject matter needs to be quite small (forget about trying to get a dragonfly in the frame) so I would suggest unless you want to get really specialised - the 100mm Macro is a win win. Oh and the 100mm Macro takes a mean portrait shot too.
 
I was using the EF-s 60mm Macro before purchasing the 100mm and found that I was able to keep my distance with the 100mm Macro lens, which is a good thing especially if I'm photographing a bug or spider..............

Full Time Manual focusing is enabled and the front element does not rotate, the lens is very quick to focus, and its very sharp even wide open, I found it can hunt a little when right at the end of its focal length, but this is more than likely me trying to get too near, the lens allows a minimum working distance of 6" from the end of the lens (without the hood in place, which is optional ).

So as a full time "macro" lens I favour the 100mm, but it can also be used successfully as a portrait lens, and as it has 8 aperture blades, can produce a nice background blur or bokeh.

The EF-S 60mm for me combined with the 50D is probably a more practical lens, as I tend to take more portrait / product shots but as an out and out Macro lens, the 100mm must be the best value and fun per pound......................

-more especially if combined with a full frame camera such as the 5D MK II.

A warning though - you will find yourself looking for tiny things to photo - No bug is safe. And with macro photography, you will find your neck/back hurting from looking down or being low down all the time!
 
My favourite lens. It spends more time on the camera than the other three together. If you're thinking of doing a lot of macro you may end up getting a ring flash as well. I only lasted a month before I got the flash as well but I bought the Sigma version as it was about £170 cheaper and will fit more lenses as it fits the filter thread rather than the hood bayonet.
 
pragmatist said:
Thanks everyone, Think i will hire for a week to see how i get on but i'm leaning more towards this than the 180mm :)
Click to expand...

The 100 f/2.8 is a great all rounder. Good as a portrait lens when you need it, particularly on FF bodies. Tack sharp, fast AF, 1:1 Macro all at a reasonable price. Much more cost effective than the 180mm L.
If you get one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
It is a great lens. The only drawback (probably with all macro lenses) is poor sharpness at infinity wide open. At f/5.6 it becomes very sharp, and at closer distances (a meter or less) it is extremely good at f/2.8. The lack of IS seems to annoy me a bit.

This is also excellent for headshots, pets, etc.

If you want the best subject separation or shoot insects then 180mm may be needed. However that monster is not really much sharper, focuses very slowly and really needs support (monopod, or tripod).

But then the new versions should be coming in just a few days.
 
It's a good lens and I played with a friend's quite a bit as I decided that on full frame 100mm was too short for insects. Couldn't really stump for the Canon 180 so have the Sigma 150mm EX HSM which I think is a good compromise.

Try one but on your 5D it may be too short...
 
I have one and though I haven't used it much yet I really like it.

AF isn't that much use for Macro I find, better to set the focus and move the camera, and though it is a 2.8 that won't give you any depth of focus so you will be on f8 or more.

I think it could do with IS, but now I have a ringflash that isn't an issue.
 
pragmatist said:
Hmmm, Yes i'll explore all avenues, Would love the MPE65 however i'm new to macro and i don't think it's a beginners lens for that style of photography. I will hire both though and see how i get on :)
Click to expand...

You will be surprised, the MPE65 is relatively easy to use - simply lean forward/back until the subject is in focus at 1x and then slowly increase the magnification while keeping the subject in focus (move in closer) until at the desired magnification. The most noticable difference however is the lack of light at higher magnification but that is to be expected.
 
It's a good lens and a decent compromise on focal length. I had a 60mm EF-S a few years back which was superb, but the 100mm lets you stay a little further away from the subject which can be useful. To be honest I can't think of *any* bad macro lenses, either OEM or third party. I doubt you'd be disappointed with the 100mm. Do be aware that they made an earlier non usm version though, you're better off with the later usm version.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top