macro lenses

[DVC Jen]

Thanks Jann. I understand now.

BTW - that photo of your granddaughter - I melted. She is incredibly adorable.

 

[jann1033]

Thanks Jann. I understand now.

BTW - that photo of your granddaughter - I melted. She is incredibly adorable.

thanks she looks so sad here to me..she broke her finger and calls it her BAD boo boo and the wrap had just come off so i had to rewrap it..not fun

 

[DueyDooDah]

Whichever lens you decide to go with, I suggest you ensure you can get 1:1. The 100mm and 180mm seem to get very good reviews, but the 180 is "L" series and might impact the number of trips you can make to WDW. I like the 180mm's ability to be a bit farther away from the subject so as not to frighten it away (assuming you'll be trying butterflies, insects, etc)

 

[tinksdad]

The 60mm macro and the 100mm macro are both great lenses and have really good reviews.

I use the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 and have been VERY happy with it. The 100m Canon is very similar but has the USM motor, which makes focusing a breeze. Since most of my macro work is done from a tripod, I like the manual focus, so that isn't a big issue for me.

One thing that is a bit disconcerting about taking macro shots shots is the depth of field can be very limiting if you are close to the subject. Even using a smaller f/stop can still limit the area that the lens can focus on. That said the 60mm are easier, but you can get more reach with the longer focal length lenses, like the 180mm macro. there is the expense as well.

Macro work is a lot of fun though and you'll enjoy it!!

 

[hmgolden]

I have the Canon 50mm f2.5 macro. It takes gorgeous and sharp photos, but the Auto Focus on it can be frustratingly slow, especially in low light.

 

[Gdad]

A few more...

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

A few more...

nice work!

 

[handicap18]

Here are a few I took with my Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro. Tripod was used

ISO (I believe was) 800 f/4 1/125th sec

Same ISO (I believe, its not coming up on the Exif viewer I have) f/8 1/125th

I also tried some at f/22 to get more DOF, but even then it wasn't much more and also wasn't quite as sharp. I took these from about 3 inches away.

Got this lens from keh.com used in EX (excellent) condition for $300 with shipping. This lens new is $400. The one I got is in awesome condition. Never would have guessed it was a used copy. It takes awesome pics.
Here is one not in macro mode:

ISO 1600 f/3.2 1/80 no flash, handheld

Haven't really put it to a full test yet. But when I have used it its been fun. If price is a concern then I'd definately look at the used lenses, Sigma's 105mm f2.8 macro has gotten excellent reviews.

Another cool place to look is http://www.pixel-peeper.com/ You can search pictures taken with a specific lens
Here are some taken with the Sgima 105mm and here are some with the Canon 100mm f/2.8. They at least give you an idea of what kind of images can be produced.

 

[DVC Jen]

Wow Handicap18 - thanks so much. I love being able to see the photos taken from the different lenses.

I hope some day I can take photos that look like that.

I am leaning towards a 100mm canon or sigma - possibly a 105mm.

I am not sure when I will be able to get the lens - it really all depends on if DH gets the promotion he is hoping for. I have gotten really good at helping him with his promotions - well at least spending the extra money that goes along with them.

 

[Gdad]

Bump...

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

A few more of mine...

 

[anut4disney]

Man these are some awesome pictures. I never thought I couldn't wait for the bugs to come out so that I can take some pictures.

 

[Gdad]

Very nice We-Luv-Disney.

 

[jann1033]

Man these are some awesome pictures. I never thought I couldn't wait for the bugs to come out so that I can take some pictures.

me too now that i got my macro ballhead...and put it on the right way since at first i had it mounted wrong... i'd like to try it out on something other than lens caps

 

[handicap18]

Not a macro but a closeup, though it was taken with a macro lens:

 

[jann1033]

close up with my newer lens...if i were better in photoshop i'd get rid of the branch i didn't see when i took it

 

[sk8belle]

Beautiful colors and great clarity. This lens was a great purchase. Next time, remember to pack your clippers.

 

[allie5]

Canon EF-S 60 mm - f/2.8 USM Macro

Im trying to find a nice macro lens for my 30d. I read good things about this one, plus it also sounds good for portraits, which will save me buying the 50mm f/1.8mm which I had planned to get. The 60mm macro is of course a lot more money but I think I will use it a lot as I like close up work.

I will mainly use this lens for flowers / bugs and some still life work. Is it a good choice? Any opinions or other suggestions welcome.

 

[jann1033]

actually some sites i've looked on recommend that one over the 100mm with a 1.6 crop camera..so it would be around 90?ish like. the only problem being of course the "s" part of ef-s but if you go to a camera that wouldn't use it you could always sell it.
photodo gives it a 4.75 rating ( only 1 review though)
i'm thinking of upgrading my macro and first trying a teleconverter with the one i have then if that isn't ok maybe that lens...

 

[allie5]

Thanks for that. Yep, it seems to come out pretty well in the reviews Ive read and it sounds perfect for my needs. The "S" factor is, I guess its only limitation, but any popular Canon EF- S fit lens sells pretty well second hand so I can probably justify it!!