Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM

[ChrisBlaze]

Anyone have any shots with this lens?

[angryhampster]

I can't imagine having anything longer than a 150 for a macro lens, especially on a crop camera.

Check these samples out on pbase:
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_180_35_macro_u

[Dekka]

ChrisBlaze's sig is exploding with gear.

Pics taken with the 180L macro (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sample-Pictures.aspx?Equipment=109&desc=Canon-EF-180mm-f/3.5-L-USM-Macro-Lens-Sample-Pictures).

[Mikebethesda]

Anyone have any shots with this lens?

Shot these today. I really like the lense on my full frame camera.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/245/1bdn2449zr9.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9940/1bdn2453jm1.jpg

[mebailey]

Here are a couple I have shown before. Shot with a 5D.

[mebailey]

Here are some with an XT.

[ChrisBlaze]

ChrisBlaze's sig is exploding with gear.

Pics taken with the 180L macro (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sample-Pictures.aspx?Equipment=109&desc=Canon-EF-180mm-f/3.5-L-USM-Macro-Lens-Sample-Pictures).

my fav

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Pic/2004-02-21_17-17-14.jpg

[Mzzzi99]

Here is one.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/324219651_ce43fce792_o.jpg

[Mzzzi99]

And another one.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/119/305961875_f38b76876e_o.jpg

[calicokat]

http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/100929723-M-3.jpg

[Ljung]

Kross has some great shots with this lens, one of the threads for your reference....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=151178&highlight=kross

[dkangel]

Here are a couple I took. Only thing is its with the Tamron 180 :p

[dkangel]

Hope you dont mind that I posted the Tamron 180 but your OP didnt specify which make ;-)

[Jman13]

Hope you dont mind that I posted the Tamron 180 but your OP didnt specify which make ;-)

Well, to be fair, the subject says 180mm f/3.5L

Tamron doesn't make L lenses....

[Dekka]

Awesome shot, Calicokat!

[busterboy]

http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Macro/Catterpiller=60001.JPG

http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Macro/blowing-bubbles.jpg

http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Macro/red-eyes.jpg

[dkangel]

Well, to be fair, the subject says 180mm f/3.5L

Tamron doesn't make L lenses....

Great Point. Ignored the L. Thanks for the catch. Must be more vigilant next time :p

[digital_imagination]

Nice shots all. I can't wait for mine to get here! I'll post some pics as soon as I get the lens...

[scot079]

Great pictures people! I'm trying to justify spending over $1K on this lens. Do ya'll use the canon ring lites for these sample shots or reg speedlite?

[busterboy]

Do ya'll use the canon ring lites for these sample shots or reg speedlite?



Natural light on my shots although I do have, and use a Canon MT-24EX.:)

[Greg_C]

As another recent member of this club I am just so impressed with this lens. I often use a 580EX on a flash bracket with it. I don't plan on buying the ring light or the twin light, happy with the results I'm getting from the 580.

No.1
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image21249.jpg

No.2
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image21382.jpg

No.3
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image21406.jpg

No.4
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image21472.jpg

No.5
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image21703.jpg

[jcw122]

Wow some really stunning images here.

[malla1962]

Just got this lens not macro but I took a few shots with it.

[Leorooster]

A few recent ones. This is a great lens :)

http://www.pbase.com/leorooster/image/82001102/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/leorooster/image/80901017/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/leorooster/image/83140284/large.jpg

[DavidPhoto]

1.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1085/987246539_63f303f8b4.jpg

2.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/933224589_e4331b11df.jpg

3.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/980156239_50437432d4.jpg

4.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/884771807_e3082d73d9.jpg

[ashdavid]

Two pics I took when I was fooling around.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/1746002459_7c732ca964_o.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/1746001419_d854ad8232_o.jpg

[silvex]

Is it me or does it look like the 100mm f2.8 is sharper ?

[ashdavid]

Is it me or does it look like the 100mm f2.8 is sharper ?
Tested it and no, but it is close. The problem with the 100mm is the lack of color definition compared to the 180mm.

[Leorooster]

Tested it and no, but it is close. The problem with the 100mm is the lack of color definition compared to the 180mm.

Exactly.......and the contrast is better ;)

[silvex]

Tested it and no, but it is close. The problem with the 100mm is the lack of color definition compared to the 180mm.

I agree. I rented a 180 in july and the color contrast it is much better. I've also noticed that my 100-400 portraits/macros have much better saturation and colors.


We forget that it is not JUST about LW/PH, but also contrast, clarity and color.

[GregFarz78]

A few recent ones. This is a great lens :)


http://www.pbase.com/leorooster/image/83140284/large.jpg

WOW that is really cool :shock:

[DavidPhoto]

I love this lens. I'm torn between buying my own copy of it or the mpe-65.

[Leorooster]

I love this lens. I'm torn between buying my own copy of it or the mpe-65.

You need both :)

180L ==> up to 1x life size
mpe65 ==> 1x to 5x life size

If you can only get one. Get the 180L and save for the MPE65. With a 2x TC, you would get 2x life size with the 180L.

[Lester Wareham]

I am hankering after the 180 too although I already have the MP-E and the 100mm. The 100mm is probably the most versatile but the 180 would be handy on occasion. BTW a stack of 65mm tubes on the 100mm will get you to over 2:1.

My advise is to go with either the 180 or 100 to start and look at the MP-E after. Also consider flash, the MT-24EX is the biz with the 100 and specially the MP-E, don't know about the 180, should work but you might want to separate the heads a bit more.

[ashdavid]

I am hankering after the 180 too although I already have the MP-E and the 100mm. The 100mm is probably the most versatile but the 180 would be handy on occasion. BTW a stack of 65mm tubes on the 100mm will get you to over 2:1.

My advise is to go with either the 180 or 100 to start and look at the MP-E after. Also consider flash, the MT-24EX is the biz with the 100 and specially the MP-E, don't know about the 180, should work but you might want to separate the heads a bit more.I would get it if I were you, as I have the 100mm and will soon be getting the MP-E, it serves a different purpose to the other macros.

[Lester Wareham]

I would get it if I were you, as I have the 100mm and will soon be getting the MP-E, it serves a different purpose to the other macros.

It is a question of funds being allocated by my financial director or to give her other title the wife! I am sure she things I have plenty of photo kit already but she needs another ring etc. ;)

[Canon Bob]

It is a question of funds being allocated by my financial director or to give her other title the wife! I am sure she things I have plenty of photo kit already but she needs another ring etc. ;)

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob

[Leorooster]

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob


.........but once you crack it, you could also have the 500/4 and the new 800/5.6, on top of the 600/4 :lol::lol:

[Greg_C]

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob
Does the MP-E65 double as a 50 F1.2:D;)
We could start a whole thread on this, look alike lenses

[ashdavid]

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob

The exact reason why I bought the battery grip for my 5D, so the other half dose not realize the difference between my new 1Ds MKIII when I get it.:lol: Lester, I feel your pain! Goodluck with the negotiations.;)

[jra]

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob

LOL...never thought of it that way :) Now I can buy 1 lens and then all of its look alikes with no questions asked....just remember to only take one out at a time. :D

[Lester Wareham]

Lester,

Trying being a little smart about it....

I have the EF200L and the EF180L...they look pretty similar so as long as my wife never sees them together, she doesn't know that I have both.
Similarly the EF300, EF400, EF70-200 and the EF35-350....only produce them one at a time and she thinks I get so much use out of IT that IT was good value for money. The MP-E65 is quite small....therefore cheap...voila.
I'm still working on the plan for the 600/4....this is a taking some time to crack :confused:

Bob

Sneaky, but she is way too smart for that, and she is the one the writes the cheques on the credit card. Also I rely on mail order here in the back-of-beyond, so both she and my nosy 15 year old will wonder what I have.

She has been very generous on the photography up to now, all comes to he who waits. ;)

[scottyo]

Is it me or does this lens have the best MTF chart around

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7324

[ben_r_]

The 180 is a great lens. I had both it and the 100. But for the 3 times the price of the 100 I did not feel the images looked that much better. Also the working distance at 1:1 on the 180 is 9.5", while on the 100 its 5.5" and being that I will be using the MT-24EX twin light flashes most of the time at smaller apertures to help increase that DOF the added working distance will only lessen the amount of light reflected off of your subject.

Also if you intend to ever get the MP-E 65mm for some serious macro work youd better get used to being up close and personal as that lenses working distance it only around 3" at 1:1.

So yea I returned my 180 and kept the 100. Ill wait for Canon to come out with a f/2.8L 180mm hopefully with IS. THEN I think it would be worth the additional money.

[ed rader]

Shot these today. I really like the lense on my full frame camera.





what f-stop were you using?

ed rader

[Lester Wareham]

The 180 is a great lens. I had both it and the 100. But for the 3 times the price of the 100 I did not feel the images looked that much better. Also the working distance at 1:1 on the 180 is 9.5", while on the 100 its 5.5" and being that I will be using the MT-24EX twin light flashes most of the time at smaller apertures to help increase that DOF the added working distance will only lessen the amount of light reflected off of your subject.

Also if you intend to ever get the MP-E 65mm for some serious macro work youd better get used to being up close and personal as that lenses working distance it only around 3" at 1:1.

So yea I returned my 180 and kept the 100. Ill wait for Canon to come out with a f/2.8L 180mm hopefully with IS. THEN I think it would be worth the additional money.

Yes that's right, the 180 WD is probably useful sometimes but a problem other times, the most difficult to approach insects are usually large enough to deal with using a 200/300 telephoto plus a stack of tubes.

An exception is if you want to work with insects using a tripod, you really need the WD then mostly so you don't disturb the subject with the tripod legs. ;)

So I think the 180 is more of a speciality lens, the 100 is the workhorse and the MP-E follows closely on. BTW I think the MP-E is the sharpest of the three from what I see and hear.

When you have used the MP-E at 5:1 with a working distance of 44mm you find it a bit daft that people say they can't cope with only 143mm from the 100mm macro and must have the 180L. :rolleyes:

[scot079]

Here's a shot from my first outing w/ the 180L. Super-flippin-duper.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F9962email.jpg

Here's one from the same day...used AF. Tack sharp
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/7S8F9955email.jpg

[Greg_C]

Here's a shot from my first outing w/ the 180L. Super-flippin-duper.


Here's one from the same day...used AF. Tack sharp

Great shots, welcome to club180:D.

I love the Backgrounds this lens produces.

[MaDProFF]

Just wondering about this lens, how sharp is it at f3.5, does it lose anything over high f stops??

[Larry Weinman]

I can't imagine having anything longer than a 150 for a macro lens, especially on a crop camera.

Check these samples out on pbase:
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_180_35_macro_u

I sometimes use mine with a 1.4 TC. Some subjects just won't let you get close

[MaDProFF]

I sometimes use mine with a 1.4 TC. Some subjects just won't let you get close

TBH this is the reason why I am interested, I shot a very small spider on my car the other day, and I could not get close enough with a 100mm, the hood would have covered it up, but I am worried about it being f3.5, not that fast, though I don't doubt for one minute you need it faster for macro as it would be a too shallow DOF, but for normal use, I would prefer a faster, like f2.8 on my 70-200

What do the users think?? who own this lens

[ben_r_]

TBH this is the reason why I am interested, I shot a very small spider on my car the other day, and I could not get close enough with a 100mm, the hood would have covered it up, but I am worried about it being f3.5, not that fast, though I don't doubt for one minute you need it faster for macro as it would be a too shallow DOF, but for normal use, I would prefer a faster, like f2.8 on my 70-200

What do the users think?? who own this lens

For macro the f/3.5 or f/2.8 wouldnt really matter anyway as a majority of the time (say for that little spider) you would need to be shooting at f/8 or more just to get that tiny spider all in focus.

[gasrocks]

F2.8 vs F3.5, etc. does come into play when we consider how bright the image is in the viewfinder for composing and focus issues. And there are some people who shoot macro at 2.8 for a whole different effect.

[W84ME]

Aside from slow focusing, this is a good lens.

[Lester Wareham]

F2.8 vs F3.5, etc. does come into play when we consider how bright the image is in the viewfinder for composing and focus issues. And there are some people who shoot macro at 2.8 for a whole different effect.

Although not strictly macro I use f2.8 all the time with flowers, mostly with the 100mm macro.

This with the 200mm f2.8L
http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Flora/Flora%205/Flora%20Daf%20E%20007%20120408.jpg

and this with the 100mm macro
http://www.ware.myzen.co.uk/GalleryPics/Photos/Flora/Flora%201/Flora%20Flower%20F%20001%20130607.jpg

Sharp performance and pleasing bokeh is essential in a macro lens wide open for me.

[ashdavid]

Aside from slow focusing, this is a good lens.
Great pic! I love the boarder too.

[DonG]

Hi everyone, I just received this lens a few days ago and wanted to show a couple shots I took.

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/283918388_wbjWS-O.jpg

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/284970551_EDJvJ-O.jpg

[ashdavid]

Love that first shot!

[MaDProFF]

I spent quite a while with this lens the other day on a South East POTN meet up, 2 of my favorite shots of the day

[DavidPhoto]

Really love that first shot of the man. Wish I still had this lens in my possession.

[MaDProFF]

Really love that first shot of the man. Wish I still had this lens in my possession.

Many thanks, it is a great lens, many uses, but as a macro it is quite a big lens to hand hold, so quite difficult.

I have ordered some tubes as sometimes you cannot get close enough it has a 0.9 min focus distance.

[MaDProFF]

a Few more shots from the 180mm the more I use this Lens the more I appreciate it

[MaDProFF]

2 more

[Shuko]

Only 50% 0,3 USM applied on the first one

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4593.jpg

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4589.jpg

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4574.jpg

[MaDProFF]

Another one with this lens

[Greg_C]

Some more from me, I love this lens, gotta be my fav to use.

No.1
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image32504.jpg

No.2
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/2008/image36557.jpg

No.3
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/2008/image37311.jpg

[S.Horton]

Excellent archive thread overall.

As usual, POTN has the examples of all the glass when I need it to make a selection.

A bit OT, but, if I may, for those who do own this lens -- In daylight, Is a macro ring light recommended when using this lens?

[Shuko]

Not owning a macro flash of any kind, but Id imagine it depends on the target size. Ive been fine without a flash for dragonflies etc.

[scot079]

Excellent archive thread overall.

As usual, POTN has the examples of all the glass when I need it to make a selection.

A bit OT, but, if I may, for those who do own this lens -- In daylight, Is a macro ring light recommended when using this lens?

I used to own this lens w/ the MT-24EX. It's difficult to get a soft light no matter how you diffuse the twin-light because the MFD is so long and the lights are so far away. I got much better results using a speedlight w/ macro bracket and Lumiquest softbox..much larger light source....and cheaper!

Not sure about the MR-14 though

EDIT: oh and it depends on what aperture you want to use. If you're using f/16 for max DOF then yes you'll probably want to use a flash

[Sculthorpe]

This lens is amazing. It's difficult to hand hold but with a focusing rail, it's delightful.

[airbutchie]

Revisiting this piece of glass...

"Sleeping Snail"
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3408944655_4864aa8648_b.jpg


"Bursting with Colors"
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3408943211_593a754e08_b.jpg


"Follow the Lines"
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3408941013_9b150736c7_b.jpg

- airbutchie ;)

[Jacobredphoto]

This is a D-SLR rookie question. What is the minimum focusing distance for this lens?

[scot079]

It's just over 18":-)

[Goincarcrazy]

This may be a question that has already been answered as I just skimmed through here. Some spectacular pictures in here truly!

Basically I'm looking to get a macro setup that's great for close-up (super macro stuff), but also not loose the option for infinity focus. That being said, I use a 100mm macro now and generally pair it with Kenko tubes (all 67mm worth). I find that this allows me to get up close and personal with the little fellas, but at the same time, it sometimes gets me TOO close and scares the little buggies away. I was wondering what type of magnifications this thing could get with all 67mm of tubes on it and how close/far you would have to be from the critters for max mag (since focusing changes it).

Sorry for being a bit vague as I'm not a macro guru yet, but hopefully you guys can fill in when necessary!

BTW, any examples would be wonderful!

[Lester Wareham]

This may be a question that has already been answered as I just skimmed through here. Some spectacular pictures in here truly!

Basically I'm looking to get a macro setup that's great for close-up (super macro stuff), but also not loose the option for infinity focus. That being said, I use a 100mm macro now and generally pair it with Kenko tubes (all 67mm worth). I find that this allows me to get up close and personal with the little fellas, but at the same time, it sometimes gets me TOO close and scares the little buggies away. I was wondering what type of magnifications this thing could get with all 67mm of tubes on it and how close/far you would have to be from the critters for max mag (since focusing changes it).

Sorry for being a bit vague as I'm not a macro guru yet, but hopefully you guys can fill in when necessary!

BTW, any examples would be wonderful!


You can figure magnification using the equation E/F where E is the extension and F is the focal length, this gives you the minimum focus at infinity. So you can see the longer focal length lens gives you less magnification for a given amount of tubes.

A rough estimate is for a whole stack of tubes the 100mm gives a magnification range of 0.6-2X with working distances of 162-110mm and the 180mm magnifications of 0.38-1.5X with working distances of 690-200mm.

Most of us wanting to get in close use the the MP-E 65mm, this give the following magnifications and working distances:

1X 101mm
2X 63mm
3X 51mm
4X 44mm
5X 41mm

A lot of approaching insects very closely is down to technique and practice.

With the 180mm you could use the EX 2X TC to get to 2X at the same working distances as it manages without a TC for 1X, but of course image quality will suffer to some extent. A downside I have found to working with longer lenses (300mm+) at high magnification is it becomes increasingly difficult to locate the subject in the viewfinder.

[timnosenzo]

Just got this lens yesterday after months (years maybe?) of deliberation. Here's a quick shot from yesterday afternoon--really looking forward to using this lens!

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/525513015_ubcwj-L-1.jpg

[timnosenzo]

From yesterday:

5D MKII + 180L Macro

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/526222678_TFuNd-XL.jpg

[Greg_C]

^^^ Nice work Tim

[eth3rton]

First two are with the Canon 1.4 TC attached. Last one is just the 180L.

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p519479331-5.jpg

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p742778690-5.jpg

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p787266011-5.jpg

[timnosenzo]

From yesterday, 5D MKII + 180L Macro:

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/531201049_6u4V8-XL.jpg

[Two]

cool stuff. keep 'em coming!

[Greg_C]

Ok, from this week.
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/2009/image43464a.jpg

[Shuko]

f5.6
http://derfel.org/kuvia/2009/05/UZ3J1692.jpg

f8
http://derfel.org/kuvia/2009/05/UZ3J1661.jpg

wide open bokeh
http://derfel.org/kuvia/2009/05/UZ3J1652.jpg

[Jannie]

Ohhhhhhh, I've got to get one of these.

[Greg_C]

Ohhhhhhh, I've got to get one of these.
will go very well on your 1D3 Jannie.:D

[eth3rton]

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p790587694-4.jpg

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p637342804-4.jpg

[DonG]

A couple recent shots.

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/544778458_v2yGv-X2.jpg

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/544778049_hUuSb-X2.jpg

[Shuko]

With 1.4x

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2009/05/UZ3J1846.jpg

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2009/05/UZ3J1852.jpg

[eth3rton]

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p223304126-5.jpg

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p190856224-5.jpg

http://eth3rton.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p254602672-5.jpg

[timnosenzo]

Mmmmmm, beer. 5D MKII + 180L Macro :)

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/556000325_9TcuZ-L.jpg

[thewiz4u]

Only 50% 0,3 USM applied on the first one

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4593.jpg

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4589.jpg

http://derfel.org/kuvia/2008/syys/UZ3J4574.jpgThat butterfly is just stunning!!!!bw!

[timnosenzo]

My first attempt at shooting bugs. I don't know how some of you guys get such tack sharp bug photos... between the wind blowing the glass and the bug moving, I was lucky to get what I did here. Oh well, keep practicing. :)

5D MKII + 180L Macro

http://www.timnosenzo.com/photos/562364724_mV6uj-XL-1.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Just got mine in the mail today and I gotta admit, I LOVE the sharpness. I do have a question though about the focusing.

I know many say its slow (which, yes, it is), but I was curious how you find it in low-light (and by that I mean a medium sized room with a 60 watt lamp on). Mine was having THE hardest time try to figure out what to focus on and I was trying it on multiple things, especially things with text or textures.

I did try it outside in dusk light (not direct bright sun, but evening light if you will), and it seemed to be ok, so I just wanted other peoples thoughts/opinions about the focusing on this bugger. Thanks!

[Shuko]

99% manual focus for me on this lens. Though, for a "normal" tele I use a 200mm.

[eth3rton]

99% manual focus for me on this lens.

Same here. Almost always MF unless I'm using it for a telephoto shot.

[Goincarcrazy]

Alright, had my first go at it tonight, and the DOF is going to take some getting used to, but other than that, pretty easy to use. Yes, very slow focus, but in the light it does well, and it adjusts very nicely when you decide to manually adjust it. Great lens overall!

http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs46/i/2009/167/3/c/Nature__s_Mosaic_by_NC_Photography.jpg

[DonG]

Some recent shots of mine.

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/564425342_Mk9jS-XL.jpg

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/559956083_F2aXx-XL.jpg

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/564687852_YKLqJ-XL.jpg

http://amtphoto.smugmug.com/photos/559957110_vBXyV-XL.jpg

[thejager]

one of my favorite lenses!

[scot079]

If a kind soul wouldn't mind helping taking a quick measurement:

How long is the ET-78 hood that comes w/ the 180L? I need to see if this will fit w/ my new bracket. Love this lens, sold it once. Regret:-(

[eth3rton]

If a kind soul wouldn't mind helping taking a quick measurement:

How long is the ET-78 hood that comes w/ the 180L? I need to see if this will fit w/ my new bracket. Love this lens, sold it once. Regret:-(

According to Amazon - Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.1 x 3.2 inches ; 3.2 ounces

[scot079]

According to Amazon - Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.1 x 3.2 inches ; 3.2 ounces

Thanks eth3rton, forgot to check there

[Goincarcrazy]

A few from this weekend:

This one is pretty heavily PPed, and I still have to work on the noise, but here it is anyway.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3731883765_b0cd05a3f5_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/3732682474_4b2dd5808b_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3731883551_4fbf2e6b48_b.jpg

[kozmix]

Duck Magret with Raspberry Sauce.

Click to enlarge.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eoKhUgL9WJA/SddPAlo1F7I/AAAAAAAAAK8/307KiWtFuE0/s320/_MG_0249.jpg (http://www.ruben-vicente.com/galleries/food/10.html)

[kozmix]

Baked Codfish with Spinach, Peanuts and Raisins Stir Fry

Click to enlarge.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eoKhUgL9WJA/SeBv4z3mDNI/AAAAAAAAALE/9VgiQUTQz3s/s320/_MG_0254.jpg (http://www.ruben-vicente.com/galleries/food/11.html)

[scot079]

Here's some from my 180L. Love her to death! :-):-)

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/607704591_c3Ctr-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/611015297_avCPK-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/613546288_uCgE3-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/615357539_5mznL-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/615356997_mf2VE-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/615357385_pf5Rc-O.png

[Lester Wareham]

Here's some from my 180L. Love her to death! :-):-)


Great shots. Very sharp.

Out of interest are you working handheld with flash or ion a tripod?

[scot079]

Great shots. Very sharp.

Out of interest are you working handheld with flash or ion a tripod?

IIRC the 3rd w/ the bee is the only photo I used a tripod for...longer shutter to get the ambient light in the BG. Normally it's handheld and flash though. Thanks

[Goincarcrazy]

Well, for the short time that i've had this lens, it's been super sharp, but I just don't get that much use of it for what it truly can do, so it must go (anyone interested? haha).

Keep up the great pics!

[kozmix]

Barcelona port vell:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3874211358_6383aa1ed7_o.jpg

[kozmix]

And a painter from Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3873773503_4f42c8b0f5_o.jpg

[id400mm]

:cool:

[Oliviero]

Wow, that flower pic is amazing, lovely colours. Perhaps it would've been even better without the insect... hmm, not sure.

[scot079]

Just browsing through my macros, here's a few more from the 180L...excellent lens.

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/Macro/Insects/IMG0256/615357142_8RTEZ-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/Macro/Insects/00038/617416887_YWHZG-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/Macro/Dragonflies-and-Damselflies/BlueDamsel/620712780_midrB-O.png

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/Macro/Dragonflies-and-Damselflies/00021/616457837_LRfos-O.png

[brownbugger]

would love to see more non macro shots by this lens , anyone ?

[Leisa]

Fantastic shots Tim!! Did you use flash, if so, what kind? Are these done without any cropping? I am looking to buy a macro lens (dont know much about them) and cant decide between the 180 or the new 100 f.2.8L. Any advice? It's shots like these that make me want this lens but is it achievable for us mere mortals new to macro?

[scot079]

^thanks Leisa. Yes they're all flash only except the damselfly which was lit with natural light with just a little fill flash. The fly shots are approx. cropped down to 2/3 of the original frame. My handmade diffuser only works with the 180L, but the 100L looks nice. You might want to check that out.

I learned everything I know from your countrymen like Brian Valentine (LordV) He has some great tutorials on the web.

Have fun and good luck!