180mm 3.5 macro

[Jhunt97569]

Does any one use the 180mm 3.5 L macro?
why or why not?

[inthedeck]

Not many here, that seem to own it, but the few that do, love it. Here's a thread that might help...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=228669

[racketman]

I bought a 150 macro instead and find even that hard to get sharp hand held images. Very sharp with tripod but that is not always practical. 100 is a good medium. Also you need that much more extension tube to get to 2:1.

[LordV]

Simple why nots- weight, practicality and cost. As Racketman says a 100mm macro lens or thereabouts is much easier to use and optically will match the "L". If i need that amount of reach I use my 200L plus or minus extension tubes.
Brian v.

[samd12]

I do. I have the 100mm which I actually do prefer but if I need working distance to the subject the 180 is great. I have a step down ring so I can put my 24ex on the end of it and just picked up a Wimberley flash bracket so I can use the 580ex with it.
I do like the lens but it does have some weight

[Leorooster]

I had one, but traded it for the MPE65. Why? Brian pretty much said it all. However, if cost is not a concern to you and you need the working distance, it's a great lens to have.

[dpastern]

I have the Sigma 150mm, and partially agree with RM, it's hard to get sharp shots with this lens, it's large and heavy. The Sigma 150mm is every bit as good as the Canon 180mm imho, but - I'd go with either the Sigma 105mm or Tokina 90mm macro lenses, both are truly excellent from what I've seen/read/heard.

Dave

[kross]

i have one.... why? the L bug.... the weight is a killer.... the rest is heaven sent...

cheers....

[Cactuspic]

Time for a divergent opinion. I have the Sigma 180mm macro. Of my three primary macros (also have a Sigma 105mm and the mpe 65mm), it is probably my most used.

What lens you shoot with depends in large part upon your subjects as well as your method of shooting them. Many of the shooters here primarily shoot insects. They want fast mobile rigs that are easy to handhold. Most freeze their focus by shooting flash.

I tend to shoot a different type of subject in a different manner. First, I tend to shoot stationary subjects (plants) in available light and therefore use a tripod. Once I am on a tripod, the weight of the lens is not a factor, but the tripod mounting ring is important. It makes composing verticals easier and keeps the weight of the lens over the center of the tripod.

Two optical difference are the primary reason for me choosing the 180mm. First , it has a narrower field of view. It often allows me to control the backround and eliminate potentailly distracting elements. Second, it has greater working distance than my 105mm. In my overcrowded greenhouse, I am always fighting cacti for position. Sometimes the beautiful light is too deep on the shelf for me to reach it with my 105mm at 1:1magnification, but I can reach it this the extra working distance of the 180mm Also, with the increased working distance of the 180mm, I am less likely to cast a shadow on my subject. With natural light photography, this is an important concern.

In short, I guess the real question is whether you will be shooting subjects using a tripod or whether you will be handholding.

I love my 180mm.

Irwin

[Lester Wareham]

Like Brian said. I use the Canon 100mm macro and the MP-E.

I would rule out the 180mm, there are some instances where it would be useful. But it is quite expensive for what would be occasional use.

If I really need lots ok working distance I use a 200/2.8 or 300/4 IS with tubes anyway.

[b.d.bop]

I love mine.
Sharp as a tack with incredible IQ, great working distance for macro, tripod collar is fabulous and best of all it's versatile.

Here's one I did yesterday with it:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/MirrorBall_0046_4_5_desatcs3.jpg

[Bill Pham]

why not for me is that i can't afford it :evil::evil::evil:. seen alot of great shot from this lens.

Bill

[macro junkie]

off the subject i want a canon 100-400mm..so much money tho.

[racketman]

off the subject i want a canon 100-400mm..so much money tho.

If its for birding you might want to check out the 400 f5.6 as you will use the 100-400 at maximum tele most of the time.

[Lester Wareham]

If its for birding you might want to check out the 400 f5.6 as you will use the 100-400 at maximum tele most of the time.

Or if you need IS the 300 f4 IS + 1.4X.

Makes a great long not quite macro with a few tubes as well. ;)

[Hatch1921]

Time for a divergent opinion. I have the Sigma 180mm macro. Of my three primary macros (also have a Sigma 105mm and the mpe 65mm), it is probably my most used.

What lens you shoot with depends in large part upon your subjects as well as your method of shooting them. Many of the shooters here primarily shoot insects. They want fast mobile rigs that are easy to handhold. Most freeze their focus by shooting flash.

I tend to shoot a different type of subject in a different manner. First, I tend to shoot stationary subjects (plants) in available light and therefore use a tripod. Once I am on a tripod, the weight of the lens is not a factor, but the tripod mounting ring is important. It makes composing verticals easier and keeps the weight of the lens over the center of the tripod.

Two optical difference are the primary reason for me choosing the 180mm. First , it has a narrower field of view. It often allows me to control the backround and eliminate potentailly distracting elements. Second, it has greater working distance than my 105mm. In my overcrowded greenhouse, I am always fighting cacti for position. Sometimes the beautiful light is too deep on the shelf for me to reach it with my 105mm at 1:1magnification, but I can reach it this the extra working distance of the 180mm Also, with the increased working distance of the 180mm, I am less likely to cast a shadow on my subject. With natural light photography, this is an important concern.

In short, I guess the real question is whether you will be shooting subjects using a tripod or whether you will be handholding.

I love my 180mm.

Irwin




I have to agree with Irwin. I have the Sigma 180mm macro as well... couple it with the Sigma 1.4x TC and you have 252mm's of pure fun. The Canon 180L is a fantastic lens... I like the look of the bokeh the Sigma produces over the Canon. Both are wicked sharp as macro lenses tend to be. Color and contrast... maybe a slight edge to the Canon but nothing major IMO. Build over the Sigma is better... but...the Sigma is very nice!
If you want to save a few bucks...go for the Sigma... IQ is fantastic IMO. If you have the money...go for the Canon. You win either way.

Both are wonderful and you can go wrong. It all boils down to your shooting style and your needs.

Just my thoughts..
Hatch

[mebailey]

I love mine. I carry it around with a ring flash to freeze action and allow for good DOF. The weight does not bother me much.

[troypiggo]

I love mine.
Sharp as a tack with incredible IQ, great working distance for macro, tripod collar is fabulous and best of all it's versatile.

Here's one I did yesterday with it:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/MirrorBall_0046_4_5_desatcs3.jpg

Dumb question: Where are you in this shot? How come to reflection? Are you a vampire?

off the subject i want a canon 100-400mm..so much money tho.

MJ - I got one just this week. Delivered Thursday. Love it. Selling my 70-200 2.8L IS to pay for it. :) If you sold your MPE-65 and MT-24EX you could get one. Choices, decisions hey? :twisted:

[racketman]

Dumb question: Where are you in this shot? How come to reflection? Are you a vampire?



MJ - I got one just this week. Delivered Thursday. Love it. Selling my 70-200 2.8L IS to pay for it. :) If you sold your MPE-65 and MT-24EX you could get one. Choices, decisions hey? :twisted:


70-200 2.8L IS - you can't let that baby go!!

[troypiggo]

I haven't been using it as much as I thought I would. Not long enough, and I don't use the f/2.8 end anyway. Sad, I know.

[b.d.bop]

Dumb question: Where are you in this shot? How come to reflection? Are you a vampire?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/DraculaBelaLugosi.jpg
"Commmmmmmmmmme here, van Helsing......."
Mwaaaahahahahahahahaha....

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/MirrorBall_0046_4_5_desatcs3smMJP.jpg