EF-S 60 f/2.8 or EF 100 f/2.8 for Macro?

[Wren]

I have a 20D. I don't have a real Macro lens. My 24-70 f/2.8L is not macro enough for me. Which of the two lens is better? Anybody tried the mentioned lens? Feedbacks please. Thanks!

[gasrocks]

Both are good. Most people will tell you to get the 100. More of a known lens, proven. Longer is better for most macro. EFS only works on some cameras (think ahead to selling it later.)

[Atlasman]

Both are good. Most people will tell you to get the 100. More of a known lens, proven. Longer is better for most macro. EFS only works on some cameras (think ahead to selling it later.)

I agree with gasrocks; my brother has the 100, which I've borrowed and used—the longer the reach the better.

It will be interesting to see if Canon brings out any new "S" lenses—especially since their future is pointed in the direction of full-frame.

Joe

[yonni]

The 60 is lighter and easier to use hand held, making it good for travel and hiking and the like.

[Wren]

I agree with gasrocks; my brother has the 100, which I've borrowed and used—the longer the reach the better.

It will be interesting to see if Canon brings out any new "S" lenses—especially since their future is pointed in the direction of full-frame.

Joe

I think the "S" is here to stay. The direction of full - frame will stay in the status quo of their flagship line. I think 2 new "S" just came out his year. 10-22 and the 60 macro.

[Atlasman]

The 5D, I believe, is Canon's first bomb on the full-frame market—the other players will eventually follow suit; competition will eventually drive the marketplace to full-frame. For Canon, a unified production will lead to better economy of scale—and that means lower costs and more competitively priced products.

How long will this all take? Probably well into the next decade.

[Wren]

Is the 100 f/2.8 Macro heavy?

[loosecannon]

"Heavy" is a relative term. What is heavy for one person may not be for another. I find the 100mm f/2.8 is about as "heavy" as the 75-300mm IS and slightly heavier than the Tamron 28-75mm. Compared with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS it is very light. I don't mind the weight of the 100mm f/2.8 and find it easy to carry around and it is a superb macro lens. Also great for close up head shots or portraits if you have the distance to work with.

[Lester Wareham]

The 60mm is much lighter but I would suggest the 100mm as it gives much more working distance for lighting and not scaring bug subjects.

Also f2.8 is not a bad aperture for 100mm but not so good for 60mm where the afordable 50mm f1.4 can be got for low light.

[Jon]

Get the 100. When you're shooting in the field and in the macro range, working distance is more important than almost anything else. The longer working distance of the 100 will help you keep from spooking your subjects and will help you keep your shadow out of the picture, and the smaller angle of view will make it easier to control distracting background elements. The 60's a lens without a purpose.

[Wren]

Hmm... i'm leaning towards getting the 100 macro. Any bright ideas who has the best price for these lens?

[Jon]

Where are you (one reason it's a good idea to put at least a general geographic location in your profile!)? If you're in Kuala Lumpur, the local camera store in Patagonia won't be much help.

[Wren]

Jon, I'm in southern California. Los Angeles. Let me update my profile, thanks!!

[malla1962]

Go for the 100 macro,you wont regret it.:D:D

[scotttnz]

A plug for the EFS 60 macro here. It is a fantastic lens. Light, but well built. Fantastic AF, and sharp as a really sharp thing. But you do have to get close.

The best thing about it is that is really easy to hand hold, which allows you to get into all sorts of tight spaces to photograph interesting bugs etc.

If I ever upgrade to a full frame camera I will really miss this lens! (And that is the big plus with the 100!)

[Jon]

B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?).

[Muzz]

100mm 2.8

See the reviews online then go out and buy one :)

[jfred]

100mm f2.8 (with lens hood)

If I had to take my lens kit down to two lenses, it would be that and the tamron 28-75. They are both totally and completely awesome lenses.

[loosecannon]

Canoga Camera®
22065 Sherman Way, Canoga Park (Los Angeles), California 91303
Call: 818-346-5506 (Local), 800-201-4201 (Toll Free). Fax: 818-346-9376
Website: www.CanogaCamera.com • email: Sales@CanogaCamera.com

Best online camera store I've ever dealt with.

[Ogrt48]

Forget both of em, get the 105 2.8 sigma =)

[Wren]

Thanks for the recommendations. Now one more question: Does this lens have USM? I checked buydig.com and the lens does not have USM.... I called Samy's Camera and they told me that all new 100 macros have USM. I'm confused now.

[JoeTwelvePack]

Wren: A quick check of B&H shows that the Canon 100 Macro has USM.

Just when you have decided, along comes somebody to throw a monkey wrench in the works.

Go to Fred Mirandas website and read the reviews of the 100 and the Sigma 150. Both are rated 9.6 . The only higher rated macro is the Canon 180, but it's over $1K. The Canon is about $25 cheaper than the Sigma.

Ole Joe would recommend the Sigma. Can you go tho this Canoga camera store and try the lenses. That could really help make up your mind.

Thanks for listening to Ole Joe ramble.

Ole Joe

[Ogrt48]

Don't forget that the usm isn't going to really matter much. You're going to find yourself using manual focus for macro no matter which lens you choose.

[Wren]

Don't forget that the usm isn't going to really matter much. You're going to find yourself using manual focus for macro no matter which lens you choose.
I love USM!! Manual focus? All my lenses have USM. Why would I want to focus manually when I shoot macro?

[Jon]

I love USM!! Manual focus? All my lenses have USM. Why would I want to focus manually when I shoot macro?
Unfortunately, in the macro zone, a very little change in position can mean a very large change in composition. Using MF will let you focus on what you want to, even when it doesn't fall on one of the camera's focussing points. Also it will give you more reliable results. But the 100 macro has USM and full-time manual, so you can use both at the same time.

[gasrocks]

I think the reason USM came up is that there are 2 versions of the Canon 100 macro lens. Newer, USM is better optically. Different size filters if I remember correctly (doesn't really matter, just another to check on which model you are getting.)

[Jon]

The USM macro's been around for several years; you're unlikely to find a non-USM except used.

[Wren]

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I cancelled my order from buydig and just drove to Canoga Camera. I wanted to make sure I got the copy with USM. Just too risky to buy it online. Another factor is I need this lens ASAP for a photo assignment. Carpe Diem!

[salty dog]

Hate to ask such a simple question but what does a lens hood do?

[Ogrt48]

It blocks out flare mostly, also protects the glass from being hit.