Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro

[Lord_Malone]

There is no archive for this lens. Let's start one.

[jylitalo]

http://www.ylitalot.net/img.cgi?fname=photos/2005vaellus/5995_1.jpg

Shot was handheld.
Settings were 1/100s, f/16, ISO200.
Location: Karhunkierros, Kuusamo, Finland.

[Sam_M]

Tagged for later. I'll post some up when I get home from work. I've got plenty.

[Denny G]

Cactus

[Sam_M]

I have many more than this. Let me know if you want to see more. Also, C and C appreciated on the images.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/Red92VR4/100flower_filtered.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/Red92VR4/3eb47492.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/Red92VR4/50fec4f9.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/Red92VR4/74c260dc.jpg

[flipm3]

this lens is sick!...subscribing now

[Lord_Malone]

Wow. This lens is insanely sharp. I just got mine in the mail yesterday and haven't really had time to seriously play with it, but from what I've seen so far this might be the sharpest lens in my bag. :shock:

[Denny G]

Wow is an understatement. Talk about a blast from the past.

I bought this lens in 1993. I bought it to shoot product development. Take a look at the grooves at the front of the lens, that was where I attached a ring flash. You don't use a hood on this lens (look at how far back the glass is).
I also used this lens for copy work.

Of all the lens I've owned, I made more money using this lens than all of the others combined.

Denny

[mrfourcows]

i was just thinking about seling this lens - don't use it enough.. :confused:

[Lord_Malone]

Holy macro...

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9074/mg1513editzm0.jpg

[Dorman]

Mmmmm SR60's...

[Lord_Malone]

Mmmmm SR60's...

I've had these bad boys for almost 3 years now. Great set of headphones that I plan to keep forever. I just threw on some Sennheiser HD 414 earpads. They're big and yellow, but man are they comfy! Really helps cut down on ear fatigue.

[GlennSter]

uh huh....i want that sr60 for xmas.

i might just get one next year when i dont want my px100s anymore.

[VSV]

I prefer Senn's but they require an amp to really make them sing. Nice taste in lenses and cans LM.

[4x4rock]

A couple of shots wide open. Too bad I traded it for a 300/f4

http://www.sonnycao.com/web/20_50/2.5.jpg

http://www.sonnycao.com/web/20_50/nox.jpg

[Lord_Malone]

uh huh....i want that sr60 for xmas.

i might just get one next year when i dont want my px100s anymore.

You won't regret it, man. These headphones rival headphones that you have to take out a second mortgage to own. These are like the Canon EF 85 1.8 of the headphone world. Unbelievable sound quality for the price. I plan to acquire another pair for my stereo system since these now live at my PC. I will say that although the earpads that come standard with the SR60 sound great, they're small and really start to make your ears sore after about an hour. I recommend you replace the earpads with a more comfortable set like I do. Cutting out a quarter-sized hole in the HD 414s I use really does improve the sound quality.

I prefer Senn's but they require an amp to really make them sing. Nice taste in lenses and cans LM.

I picked up one of these cool pocket amps I used to use with my ipod...

http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/

These Cmoy amps used to be available on ebay, but I don't know if the guy still makes and sells them anymore.

[GlennSter]

that's an awsome link LM...
thanks for sharing!

they still sell it: http://cgi.ebay.ca/CMOY-HERSHEYS-TRUFFLES-POCKET-HEADPHONE-AMP-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ180185376589QQihZ008QQcategoryZ 3274QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

loooookkksss good...

sounds even better =)

[sandro9mm]

this is sharp!

[kitacanon]

I found mine on the end of a film 10s body in a pawn shop for $70...I like it so much I sold my very similar MKI 50/1.8

[mrfourcows]

i'll put in one. although i have already sold the lens due to underutilization:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2076997195_76acdc0581_b.jpg

[HugeCanon]

Anyone have any more updates on this lens? Have been considering it myself.

[striving]

A couple with the 50mm 2.5

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/striving67/Photog/Macro/Sunglow.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/striving67/Photog/Macro/carpenterbee.jpg

Thanks for looking!!
-Bruce

[350D_Noob]

This lens is amazing and looks very sharp. I might have to look into getting one!

[Tomi Hawk]

Wow! I finally found this *archive*, not to mention the fact that I never even heard of this lens! :oops:
Reminds me of my Pentax 6x7 135mm macro by Takumar ..

Would this lens limit the use of extenders?
This lens isn't expensive at all .. but compared to the 50mm 1.8, umm .. it is lol!

Maybe the 1.8 (about 3/4 a stop faster) with the extenders is a better choice ?
Hmmm .. decisions decisions .. :confused:

[kitacanon]

Wow! I finally found this *archive*, not to mention the fact that I never even heard of this lens! :oops:
Reminds me of my Pentax 6x7 135mm macro by Takumar ..

Would this lens limit the use of extenders?
This lens isn't expensive at all .. but compared to the 50mm 1.8, umm .. it is lol!

Maybe the 1.8 (about 3/4 a stop faster) with the extenders is a better choice ?
Hmmm .. decisions decisions .. :confused:

Had both the MK1 and MK2 versions of the 1.8 and decided to keep the CM over them...the CM seems to focus better, more crisply/quickly...

[Tomi Hawk]

Had both the MK1 and MK2 versions of the 1.8 and decided to keep the CM over them...the CM seems to focus better, more crisply/quickly...
The CM being the .. 2.5?

Thanks

[kitacanon]

The CM being the .. 2.5?

Thanks
Yup
CM = Compact Macro

[Tomi Hawk]

Yup
CM = Compact Macro
Thanks .. gonna buy this lens in about a week .. ;)

[dissembled]

Any more?

[frenchfx]

Here are a few that I have taken recently.

http://frenchfx.smugmug.com/photos/384540900_NHsyi-L-1.jpg

http://frenchfx.smugmug.com/photos/415406973_PYaki-M-1.jpg

http://frenchfx.smugmug.com/photos/417686640_dMxsb-M-1.jpg

[dahl]

i was just thinking about seling this lens - don't use it enough.. :confused:

Me too, maybe because I haven't shot photos as nice as in this thread.
Maybe I should give it another chance.

(I was thinking of getting the 50mm f1.4 instead)

[dissembled]

Thinking of buying this for my 5d instead of the 50/f1.4 or the Sigma equivalent...No USM though. How does the AF fare with non-macro subjects? (I already know that it sounds like a dying wasp.) How about in terms of accuracy, speed?

[kitacanon]

Thinking of buying this for my 5d instead of the 50/f1.4 or the Sigma equivalent...No USM though. How does the AF fare with non-macro subjects? (I already know that it sounds like a dying wasp.) How about in terms of accuracy, speed?

I find the focusing better than either MKI or MKII versions of the 50/1.8...and F:2.5 isn't much darker than the 1.8
Cat was just taking a nap so I took her snap for ya...full frame reduced to 88dpi...ISO 1250, 1/5th sec @ 2.5 with my 30D

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9946/rxy4709eb7.jpg

[DBJ]

Thinking of buying this for my 5d instead of the 50/f1.4 or the Sigma equivalent...No USM though. How does the AF fare with non-macro subjects? (I already know that it sounds like a dying wasp.) How about in terms of accuracy, speed?

I have both the EF 50mm 1.4 and 2.5 and the difference in AF is pretty noticeable in my opinion. It hunts a bit in low light and it takes a while for it to cycle through if it misses, maybe about a couple seconds. It's reasonably quick in better lighting and i have used it for moving subjects.

It's accurate given decent lighting, the accuracy rate is about the same as for the 50mm 1.4 from my experience.

Overall i love this lens, makes me wonder if i should even keep the 1.4.

[kitacanon]

I have both the EF 50mm 1.4 and 2.5 and the difference in AF is pretty noticeable in my opinion. It hunts a bit in low light and it takes a while for it to cycle through if it misses, maybe about a couple seconds. It's reasonably quick in better lighting and i have used it for moving subjects.

It's accurate given decent lighting, the accuracy rate is about the same as for the 50mm 1.4 from my experience.

Overall i love this lens, makes me wonder if i should even keep the 1.4.

I agree with most above... coming from years of shooting in low light (h.s. and college hoops) in the age before AF...shooting 125/sec wide open (F2) at ASA 1600....I find MF is better than AF in low light....

My road to a solution went from the 50/1.8 MKII to the MKI and finally to the 2.5CM plus the MF 50mm lenses below...the 1.4 is almost 2 f-stops (actually 1.67) faster than the 2.5 so helpful when a faster shutter speed is needed, and the 1.8 is a pancake lens perfect for the traveling XT...I feel that this combo "covers the waterfront"...and it was a very cheap way to go...getting the mf lenses off Craigslist and at pawnshops...

[handoko]

Mmm.. can you guys tell me what the different between
canon 50 compact macro compare with sigma 50 ex dg macro(1:1)?
is thre canon 50 (1:1)?
which is the best for Macro shot?

thanks alot.. :)

[DBJ]

Mmm.. can you guys tell me what the different between
canon 50 compact macro compare with sigma 50 ex dg macro(1:1)?
is thre canon 50 (1:1)?
which is the best for Macro shot?

thanks alot.. :)

I'm pretty sure the EF 50mm f/2.5 only goes to 1:2 and not the full 1:1 as is marked on the lens. For 1:1 you need the optional canon extender.

[handoko]

'm pretty sure the EF 50mm f/2.5 only goes to 1:2 and not the full 1:1 as is marked on the lens. For 1:1 you need the optional canon extender.
so.. which is better? CANON or SIGMA for the macro??
sorryy newbie.. :)

[DBJ]

so.. which is better? CANON or SIGMA for the macro??
sorryy newbie.. :)

The sigma does 1:1 magnification so it has that advantage. I've never used it, so i can't say for sure which is better.

[handoko]

I have the SIGMA.. but since the lens feels like too slow n noisy. then now, im thinking about find the subtitute for this lens. :|
okey.. thanks DBJ for the answer.. :)

[kitacanon]

I have the SIGMA.. but since the lens feels like too slow n noisy. then now, im thinking about find the subtitute for this lens. :|
okey.. thanks DBJ for the answer.. :)

Then pass on the Canon CM

[philthejuggler]

Love the bokeh on this lens. Actually, I just love this lens. Tried Canon 50mm 1.8, 1.4 & 1.2 as well as Sigma's macro - not happy with any of them. Sigma's was fractionally sharper than the Canon but couldn't be relied upon to focus properly. The Canon focusses reliably & fairly quickly as long as you aren't going from infinity to MFD.

20D, 50mm Compact Macro - 1/400, f3.2, ISO 100, handheld.


382916

[andrewyit]

I simply love this lens. Tho noisy, it buzzes like a bee, cooler than the 50 f1.8

I think flower and oranges where handheld, lens was on tripod

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3758573010_a7fe72884e_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3751839146_f91f2011a6_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3717306213_9d342a0f9a_o.jpg

[andrewyit]

Of course, i use this as my main lens, hence i shoot more of other things than macro

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3775000799_e13a56a0a6.jpg

Night shots on tripod

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2584/3751425217_0a5262a035.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3751551187_5939f64bae.jpg

large version here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32528521@N08/3751425217/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32528521@N08/3751551187/sizes/l/

[Psychic1]

Shot with 10D.

[DBJ]

I took mine out for the first time in months and enjoyed using it. Definitely keeping it.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/joek314/IMG_1277-1.jpg

[mimadee]

I have one of these, I absolutely love it, I'll post some images soon!

[amriddell]

http://adamriddellphotography.com/photos/612720912_RdvYU-M.jpg

[mantamark]

I have the 50 1.8, what advantage does the 2.5 macro have over the 1.8?

Thinking of getting a macro lens & have seen this one at a good price.

[mimadee]

I have the 50 1.8, what advantage does the 2.5 macro have over the 1.8?

Thinking of getting a macro lens & have seen this one at a good price.

The number is the lowest f-stop, so your 50mm goes down to F-1.8, and the 2.5 isn't AS great, but it's still really good. I bought the 2.5 prime because of its great macro reviews, as opposed to the 1.8. Also because it was the best price with the lowest F-stop I found.

[mimadee]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3803154016_d0c74f44c1.jpg

[jwoods85]

i'm surprised there aren't more threads on this lens...

[kandyredcoi]

bump...any pics taken with this lens on a FF?

im in the market for a cheap 50mm, might as well get one that also does macro

[Spacemunkie]

Wonderful little lens. I love mine - all these on a 1Ds:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/4041885438_191c4d2dc8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/4041138587_bcd4935334_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4041139117_e5da8184b2_o.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/4041137465_6c664c0ee0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4028251723_4a6ab6ef68_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3996617013_ee5148d4eb_o.jpg

[renavoo]

I just got this lens and it takes really pretty pictures. I especially like the colors. I just wish my hands were steadier. I guess that's the price you pay for being a newbie!

[kandyredcoi]

very nice spacemunkie! thanx for sharing

[Lord_Malone]

Wonderful little lens. I love mine - all these on a 1Ds:





http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4041139117_e5da8184b2_o.jpg





Dude, what scale is that Viper Mark II? That's frakkin' sweet.

[renavoo]

I love this lens! :D


409635



409636

[mauro stucchi]

i love this lens toooooooooo:lol:

[renavoo]

Beautiful product shots, Mauro!! Here are some shots from my recent trek to a park in NYC. Obviously, these squirrels are not shy!

[Psychic1]

Shot with 1DsIII and 5D.

[mauro stucchi]

thank you

[shaolinmonk]

kinda confused ...never used a macro lens before.. can it be used for non-macro stuff as well

[kitacanon]

kinda confused ...never used a macro lens before.. can it be used for non-macro stuff as well

Absolutely....the 50/2.5 CM is better at 2.5 than the other 50s are at 2.8....but macros, with their longer range focusing barrel/ring may not focus as fast as "normal" lenses of the same focal length...

[jmcder53]

were any of these photos taken with the 1:1 lifesize converter attached?

they look sharp, i'm seriously looking to get this lens.

[Accessoire]

Im trying to decide between this one and the 60/2.8 macro.

[Lostboy77]

Im trying to decide between this one and the 60/2.8 macro.

Personally I'd go with the 60mm . . . though I can tell you no "real" reason why . . . I just found it a little better. The choice becomes rather obvious if you plan to move to full frame some day. Really, both are excellent lenses.

[Accessoire]

thank you, Lostboy
I appreciate that, Im leaning toward the 60, just need to sell my beloved 50/1.4 first lol
can't afford both =/

[Lostboy77]

thank you, Lostboy
I appreciate that, Im leaning toward the 60, just need to sell my beloved 50/1.4 first lol
can't afford both =/

I know this is going to sound funny . . . but I think I'm going to sell mine if you are interested. It's not that I don't think it is an absolutely fantastic lens . . . its just that since I have acquired my mk1 50, I haven't used the 60 macro once. It is starting to feel a little redundant to me. PM me if you are interested in a good deal on a used one.

[formica]

With the 5DMarkII

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4101206455_c7f2b56a12_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/4093313905_0c0f22c4b5_o.jpg

[K6AZ]

With the 30D, ambient room lighting.

http://www.k6az.com/temp/IMG_0082_crop.jpg

[Spacemunkie]

Not many people use this lens do they? Shame, it's a cracker.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4913227304_eb77acb091_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4913226378_1af6897c32_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4912623277_b5765a77e4_b.jpg

[Spacemunkie]

I've just bought a 100 2.8 macro but this little fella is going nowhere. One of Canon's best value lenses I reckon.....

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4948312040_316d8033d7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4947703063_5636fde167_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4948303980_08174326ee_b.jpg

[bwoodard007]

Here are two that I shot yesterday on my 7D. I'm in love with this lens. It was the first prime I ever owned and I think I'm sold on them.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6517/fallleavessml.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5314/leafsml.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7578/lens1sm.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8650/lens2sm.jpg

[goatydude]

Love this lens dont know if people realize how good it is. Mine cost $150 second hand. Same price as the nifty 50 1.8 but a much better lens, Ive owned both.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/canno1_2008/raymonds%20webbing/raymondstestprocessing20007.jpg


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/canno1_2008/home%20studio/2coinssplashforweb.jpg


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/canno1_2008/Close%20to%20home/wattleweb1.jpg


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/canno1_2008/home%20studio/popperisolatedwhite1forweb.jpg


http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/canno1_2008/home%20studio/fruitcocktail0017final.jpg

Cheers
Daniel

[goatydude]

With the 5DMarkII

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/4101206455_c7f2b56a12_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/4093313905_0c0f22c4b5_o.jpg

Love the frog shot very nice!

[nWmR12]

These were taken in Costa Rica with the rebel Xt

[Riveredger]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5309526241_5dd8377c0f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/94598818@N00/5309526241/)
IMG_1292_DPP.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/94598818@N00/5309526241/) by Riveredger (http://www.flickr.com/people/94598818@N00/), on Flickr

[jobv2]

too many lenses, not enough money.

[kitacanon]

too many lenses, not enough money.

Seek not and you shall find....well, that's what I've experienced......just roaming through ads and thriftshops I've found a lot of great stuff without looking for anything in particular....I think the trick is to not NEED the stuff...

[btmlinedan]

This lens can produce great results, but lacks the USM motor that the 100mm macro has so is a little slower to focus. Supposedly it's not a true 1:1 ratio, but a 1:2 ratio. I'd like to get a little bit closer than it will allow, but nothing some cropping wouldn't take care of. The front element extends but does not rotate. The focusing ring could also be a little stiffer. If you are shooting objects that aren't moving, this is a great lens for the price, just don't expect to be wowwed by it's noisy motor that isn't lightning fast. I wouldn't use this for portraits or any other human work except when necessary. here are some samples :



http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6355648525_1c84df0a42_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355648525/)
Natural Eye Color (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355648525/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6355657089_e62ac54a89_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355657089/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355657089/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6355661155_61ea321e57_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355661155/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355661155/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6355665125_ef632ce8c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355665125/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355665125/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6355668825_51ec7f59e2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355668825/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355668825/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6355672571_60568fcf94_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355672571/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355672571/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6355676411_3ac6904e52_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355676411/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355676411/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6355679673_0dec8e975f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355679673/)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro Test Shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/btmlinedan/6355679673/) by btmlinedan (http://www.flickr.com/people/btmlinedan/), on Flickr

[davidfitness83]

So you guys wouldn't recommend this lens for portrait work ? I know it lacks the usm and it is loud but is It that important if you are stills and portraits ? I read that this lens is the sharpest 50mm that canon makes.

[LudwigVB]

Ken Rockwell is certainly of that opinion and I would agree with him when it comes to the 50 f/1.8. I've never tried the 1.4 or 1.2 but, anyway, I tend not to take Mr Rockwell too seriously.

[seanp3]

I just ordered this lens as I like what I've read about it and the photos shown here. I do have a question though. When taking a closeup (macro shot) do you typically use the AF or manual focus? Just curious

[nWmR12]

Depends on the subject and how close you are to the subject, for the most part I use the AF since it quicker than MF since the focus ring is quite long, If I want more precision I have to MF it since there is no Full time manual focus either, so if you want to manually focus it the AF must be turned off.

Hope that helps.

[seanp3]

Depends on the subject and how close you are to the subject, for the most part I use the AF since it quicker than MF since the focus ring is quite long, If I want more precision I have to MF it since there is no Full time manual focus either, so if you want to manually focus it the AF must be turned off.

Hope that helps.

Sure does. Thanks! I should have it next week some time. Can't wait to play with it

[BobbyT]

I just picked one of these and a life size extender. I am liking it so far. Not much good to shoot here macro wise this time of year but I snapped a few. Hoping it snows so I can try some snowflakes.

http://images59.fotki.com/v791/photos/2/949682/10391665/untitled6-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v303/photos/2/949682/10391665/untitled2-vi.jpg

http://images54.fotki.com/v104/photos/2/949682/10391665/untitled18-vi.jpg

[BobbyT]

http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/2/949682/10401794/IMG_6940Edit-vi.jpg

http://images59.fotki.com/v791/photos/2/949682/10401794/IMG_6942Edit-vi.jpg

http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/2/949682/10401794/IMG_6944pola-vi.jpg

[Kyles]

why has this lens not been updated like the 100mm?

[LudwigVB]

I guess probably because the longer focal lengths have proved more popular.

[professorman]

I just picked up this lens and I am loving it! I have it mainly for ring shots. It should work great for that purpose since I dont need it for SERIOUS macro work like other lenses.

I am now considering to sell my nifty fifty. Do you guys keep your nifty 'just because' or do you sell it after getting this lens? I need a cheap macro lens, and this fits the bill perfectly.

Why do people stack Extension tubes for macro and not Teleconverters? I played around with my Tamron 1.4X & my 2X converter, as well as stacked. IQ was a huge hit stacked. Does the IQ stay the same with the extension tubes? I read that the life size converter is simply a 1.3X extender with a 22mm tube built in. So, in theory, if I get a set of extension tubes an use my teleconverter, I would be good as far as macro goes.

I have a 5D2 and 7D. This lens seem to be better on the crop body to get more distance so that I can properly light my subject with the increased working room. The 7D also have its wireless flash trigger which is great for macro work. I think I am going to start using this as my main 'product photography' lens.

[BobbyT]

http://images112.fotki.com/v113/photos/2/949682/10512312/IMG_8598-vi.jpg

http://images18.fotki.com/v342/photos/2/949682/10541830/IMG_9259-vi.jpg

[nWmR12]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5239/6920141474_2cd0ae52e9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwmr12/6920141474/)
Which way? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwmr12/6920141474/) by NoahWmR12 (http://www.flickr.com/people/nwmr12/), on Flickr

[Greg_C]

Dragonfly Just hangin'
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/2012/image59891.jpg

[08photog]

this guy was posing for me this afternoon on a pathway, he patiently waited for me to change my lense, so I thought i should post his portrait.
handheld f8 1/250 iso 400,

click the little pic to see original http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5196/7185237512_355a053fa1_t.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/08photog/7185237512/)
IMG_7640 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/08photog/7185237512/) by 08photog (http://www.flickr.com/people/08photog/), on Flickr

[rixtix]

I love my 50mm f2.5 It is one of the sharpest lenses around.

[etaf]

i just picked up one of these lenses 2nd hand from a local store and have been having a lot of trouble with the camera and sharpness - well we ended up changing the camera
and now this lens is awesome, i actually sold my 50mm 1.8 as i now had this lens

also we compared to the 100mm macro in store and there was little if any difference