Macro Assiatance

boccers_2000

boccers_2000

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Andrew
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Hi Guys.

I have fallen in love with Macro photography. I have never taken any, I just love the images I have seen it produce though.

So, I want to invest in a macro lens and appropriate flash.

Currently I have a Canon 500D. Most of my lenses are general (ie 10-22mm, 17-40mmL, 50mm and 70-200mm f4).

I have about £670 available right now for a macro lens and flash (I already have a 430EXII).

I will also have £600 available at the start of next month.

The question is, as a newbie to macro, what Macro lens and Macro flash would you buy taking into account what I already have?

I am reluctant to buy cheap and buy twice.

Any thought/comments/questions let me know.

I'd just like to know how you guys would go about it and what you would buy.

Ta
 
I'd recommend the 100 f2.8 L IS it is an outstandingly good macro lens, you will not regret buying it... it's just above your budget new but easily within if you buy a secondhand one. Start off using your 430 (I use either a 430 or a 580 with mine and get one fine with it), if you find the flash limiting you could look to add a MT-24EX in the future.
 
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postcardcv said:
I'd recommend the 100 f2.5 L IS it is an outstandingly good macro lens, you will not regret buying it... it's just above your budget new but easily within if you buy a secondhand one. Start off using your 430 (I use either a 430 or a 580 with mine and get one fine with it), if you find the flash limiting you could look to add a MT-24EX in the future.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

In relation to using my 430, I was worried about that as I dont want to have overbearing light emanating from the top of the camera. In addition, I would have though a long lens like the 100 f2.5 L would cast a shadown.

I had thought about buying the MT-24EX and using the 430EX as a slave.

Any thoughts on how to use the 430EX II most effectively without my concerns becoming a reality?
 
You can't really go wrong with macro lenses. The Tamron 90mm, Sigma 105mm and Canon 100mm are all excellent. I've owned the both the Canon 100mm non-L and 180mm L lenses and both are brilliant. The 180mm gives that little bit extra working distance and beautiful bokeh, the smooth out of focus areas but costs a lot more. My personal choice is the Canon 100mm f/2.8L lens and will be my next purchase having sold my 180mm last year.

You could use your current flash off-camera with a cord or triggers and a bracket.
 
boccers_2000 said:
Thanks for the advice.

In relation to using my 430, I was worried about that as I dont want to have overbearing light emanating from the top of the camera. In addition, I would have though a long lens like the 100 f2.5 L would cast a shadown.

I had thought about buying the MT-24EX and using the 430EX as a slave.

Any thoughts on how to use the 430EX II most effectively without my concerns becoming a reality?
Click to expand...

I often use the flash on camera and bounce it off something (have a small fold-away reflector), not had any issue with the lens casting a shadow. You could also take the flash off camera and use some cheap radio triggers to fire it. I mis-typed before it's a 100 f2.8 (not f2.5).
 
What sort of Macro are you interested in ? if you want high magnification > 1:1 then there's only one contender the MP-E65mm and a Mt24-EX but it will take some practice to get used to it !, but once mastered it's very rewarding.

For upto 1:1 then you've goto the Canon 100mm non -IS and the IS version, personally not convinced that the IS version is worth the extra if its mainly used for macro :thinking: or the lovely sigma 150mm Macro for a little more working distance.

Your 430 Ex should be fine for any of the len's other than the MP-e
 
Hi,

No simple solution. It depends on your priorities.

To correct postcardcv, its a 2.8 also not 2.5.

I have the canon 100mm f2.8 macro = the non L IS version. Its very good. And it doubles as my favourite portrait lens.
I originally purchased the sigma 105 but did not like the build quality so returned it and bought the canon.

But is 1:1 enough or do you want to magnify your subject with the MP-E 65mm?

It also depends on what type of macro work you want to do - indoors still life or insects outdoors.
For the 100mm lenses...
If you are doing handheld outdoors work then get the IS.
If you are doing indoors tripod mounted work then the non IS is fine.
Read reviews and you'll find the build quality and optics of both are similarly exceptionally good, making that largely a non issue in terms of buying decision.

Lighting is critical.
With a mounted 430ex you will notice a light gradient.
If you are doing indoors work then multiple flashes on stands and wireless triggers is a good way to go.
Outdoors, & insect work makes the above not practical and I'd look at a ring mounted system.
 
I bought the Canon 100 2.8 L Macro last august and it's a beast of a lens. Pin sharp IQ, great IS for handheld and a good MFD so you don't have to get too close. I use a Marumi ring flash with it mostly when the lights poor, but outside it picks up great detail even without the flash. If it ends up not being close enough you can get a set of extension tubes to use with it as well.

I also got an MP-E65 for christmas, which is unbelieveable inside with still life. Got a sewing needle eye to a full size 10" on my screen. However you do need good light with that, either the very expensive Mt24-EX or a couple of speedlite's off camera. The ringflash isn't good with lens as the front extends so much you get a dark shadow. Also, you need great weather for outside as the slightest breeze ruins any decent shot's, unless you're lucky.

Unfortunately, I had an accident before christmas and struggled for the movement I needed to get into outside shots so I sold it on. It can be used handheld if you're steady and have good enough light for a fast shutter speed though as many people have shown, but you really need it mounted to a tripod or macro rail to get the best results. In essence, I'm going to stay with the much loved and trusted 100 2.8 L which can also be used as a great portrait lens too.
 
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Deadlock said:
Hi,

No simple solution. It depends on your priorities.

To correct postcardcv, its a 2.8 also not 2.5.

I have the canon 100mm f2.8 macro = the non L IS version. Its very good. And it doubles as my favourite portrait lens.
I originally purchased the sigma 105 but did not like the build quality so returned it and bought the canon.

But is 1:1 enough or do you want to magnify your subject with the MP-E 65mm?

It also depends on what type of macro work you want to do - indoors still life or insects outdoors.
For the 100mm lenses...
If you are doing handheld outdoors work then get the IS.
If you are doing indoors tripod mounted work then the non IS is fine.
Read reviews and you'll find the build quality and optics of both are similarly exceptionally good, making that largely a non issue in terms of buying decision.

Lighting is critical.
With a mounted 430ex you will notice a light gradient.
If you are doing indoors work then multiple flashes on stands and wireless triggers is a good way to go.
Outdoors, & insect work makes the above not practical and I'd look at a ring mounted system.
Click to expand...

modchild said:
I bought the Canon 100 2.8 L Macro last august and it's a beast of a lens. Pin sharp IQ, great IS for handheld and a good MFD so you don't have to get too close. I use a Marumi ring flash with it mostly when the lights poor, but outside it picks up great detail even without the flash. If it ends up not being close enough you can get a set of extension tubes to use with it as well.

I also got an MP-E65 for christmas, which is unbelieveable inside with still life. Got a sewing needle eye to a full size 10" on my screen. However you do need good light with that, either the very expensive Mt24-EX or a couple of speedlite's off camera. The ringflash isn't good with lens as the front extends so much you get a dark shadow. Also, you need great weather for outside as the slightest breeze ruins any decent shot's, unless you're lucky.

Unfortunately, I had an accident before christmas and struggled for the movement I needed to get into outside shots so I sold it on. It can be used handheld if you're steady and have good enough light for a fast shutter speed though as many people have shown, but you really need it mounted to a tripod or macro rail to get the best results. In essence, I'm going to stay with the much loved and trusted 100 2.8 L which can also be used as a great portrait lens too.
Click to expand...


:cuckoo:

By the time you've faffed about with tripods, macro rails the subject will have buggered off , and i'm still not convinced by the use of IS at macro magnifications- especially if the subjects got any movement.
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
:cuckoo:

By the time you've faffed about with tripods, macro rails the subject will have buggered off , and i'm still not convinced by the use of IS at macro magnifications- especially if the subjects got any movement.
Click to expand...

Not entirely true. It depends on your subject and what time of day you are photographing them. Get butterflies at first light, for example, and there is easily enough time to set up a tripod and focussing rail
 
Sorry to butt in on this thread but i would love to 'try' macro but dont want to spend a lot of money on a specialist lens yet. Having a D90, what lens setup would you guys suggest that would help me into Macro shooting but not cost the earth. I currently have a 50mm 1.8D
 
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