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View Full Version : Canon 100mm macro, ON THE WAY!


Livinthalife
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 10:15
Well after much debate, and my terrible indecisiveness. I made a decision to order the 100mm macro!!!! I've purchased close up filters, used reversed lenses, and always found drawbacks.

Now I finally purchased the real macro lens. I have heard nothing but good reviews about this lens. Also saw that is a great portrait lens as well. Certainly I will be putting this lens to some REAL use.

When it arrives I will post pics ASAP!
Thanks everyone here who has posted samples, and given me advice when comparing this with the 150 Sigma.

timnosenzo
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 10:21
Love this lens, probably the sharpest lens I own. Enjoy it!

Spaced_K
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 10:31
This is the one lens im looking at after i get my 5D + 24-105mm + 17-40mm.

Primes are the way to go when you have got a full range and the 100mm Macro is one i like as i love Macro work.
Good purchase.

bhowdy
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 10:32
If your experience is like mine, you will be very pleased with the 100 Macro. It is a fine fine lens. Probably my second most used lens, after my 100-400.

Enjoy it and congrats!

r1ch
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 10:32
I for sure like mine, you will like it too, it will change your perspective on things and you will run around looking for bugs, flowers and little things to take pictures of.

Livinthalife
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 11:10
See what I mean, not one single negative comment about it! :) You guys are making the anticipation worse! I already paid for the fastest shipping available!

airfrogusmc
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 11:13
Its a great lens...CONGRATS.

Odd Socks
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 16:27
I bought a canon so I could get this lens!

Jaetie
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 23:25
I bought a canon so I could get this lens!

scary!

ooo
13th of March 2008 (Thu), 23:47
Congrats, I've been using this lens a lot as a medium telephoto. I can't wait till spring sets in so I can do some macro with it. I love this lens and I tend to leave it on my camera half the time along with my 17-40. Birds require a bit more reach though =(

Livinthalife
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 09:30
Well just checked the tracking info from UPS, says it won't be here until MONDAY!!! Is there a chance I can get it today or tomorrow??? I hope so....

thanks for all the encouragement guys!

Bill Pham
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 09:32
ooooh i hate that. i also hate my 100. everytime i put it on it's make me want to run out and shoot some insects. j/k i love mine too :D:D:D.

Bill

oaktree
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 10:58
Been wanting to get a macro lens for over 50 years. The 100/2.8 is the one i finally got. You'll like it. Congrats.

Sfordphoto
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 13:59
Considering getting it myself

adblink
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 15:11
is there any other 100mm macro from canon? or is there just the 2.8?

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:11
Congrats! I'm getting this lens for myself as well. After a lot of help here on the forum, having read reviews and seen pictures, I want this lens as well. :D

On top of that, I'm still able to profit from the Cash Back promo of Canon (getting 50 euros/78 USD back)

Looking forward to your pictures!

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:15
is there any other 100mm macro from canon? or is there just the 2.8?

I believe there are 2. The 100mm F/2.0 USM (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.0-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) and the 100mm F/2.8 USM (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx)

Dorman
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:31
I believe there are 2. The 100mm F/2.0 USM (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.0-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) and the 100mm F/2.8 USM (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx)

Half right, the 100mm F/2.0 is a fast medium telephoto prime, but it does not do macro. You lose a stop of speed going to the 100mm F/2.8 macro, but gain the ability to close focus up to 1:1 lifesize.

Also Andy, to make your wait easier.... you're going to be BLOWN AWAY by the IQ and sharpness of this lens, so good and so versatile! :)

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:44
When exactly can you see the sharpness in this lens? Especially in macro shots? Because, it's supposed to be good for portraits as well, so I hope to get a very sharp result as well shooting portraits (that's why I chose this lens because it should work for both)

Dorman
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:55
When exactly can you see the sharpness in this lens? Especially in macro shots? Because, it's supposed to be good for portraits as well, so I hope to get a very sharp result as well shooting portraits (that's why I chose this lens because it should work for both)

It's extremely sharp for macros and portraits, and its a sharp telephoto as well.

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:57
Yeah, I'm curious how it does the telephoto job as well. I never worked with a fixed focal length lens (or how do you call those lenses) So, it'll be kind of strange not to be able to zoom in maybe....

Dorman
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 18:59
Yeah, I'm curious how it does the telephoto job as well. I never worked with a fixed focal length lens (or how do you call those lenses) So, it'll be kind of strange not to be able to zoom in maybe....

I shot some events with it before I had my 70-200, it delivered sharp enough images that I could crop to get the framing I wanted without losing too much image quality. It was less convenient than a zoom in that situation though.

As for portraits it's so sharp you may need to soften the images a little bit.

adblink
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:10
Yeah, I'm curious how it does the telephoto job as well. I never worked with a fixed focal length lens (or how do you call those lenses) So, it'll be kind of strange not to be able to zoom in maybe....


its called a prime lens

SurplusCorn
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:12
It's a sweet lens, that's for sure. It's near 'L' quality as well and is good for portrait, street photos too... nice!!

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:14
As for portraits it's so sharp you may need to soften the images a little bit.
It's a sweet lens, that's for sure. It's near 'L' quality as well and is good for portrait, street photos too... nice!!
I'm getting more and more curious about what results this lens will produce...!:lol:

its called a prime lens
Thanks! I'm still learning the English photography language! ;)

SquiderM3
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:32
I've recently purchased this lens after reading all the positive reviews on this site and after an afternoon of shooting everything I could, I was, dare I say, rather disappointed. I was expecting tack sharp but wasn't getting much better than my kit lens. The lens is on an XTi, am I doing something wrong? I am a newb at this photography thing and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

mdw
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:36
Yeah, I haven't got the lens myself yet. I don't know for how long you are using your DSLR already, but I know I had difficulties in the beginning as well to get my photos sharp.

I suppose it takes some practice with a new lens, and you need to figure out things like the amount of light, shutter speeds etc.

With all the good reviews and photos I couldn't think its something with the lens. But it might of course be that there is something wrong wit that particular lens...

D.C.
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:41
Waiting for flower season in Montana. 40D + 100 macro live view. It should be fun. Enjoy yours.

xa-coupe
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:42
I've recently purchased this lens after reading all the positive reviews on this site and after an afternoon of shooting everything I could, I was, dare I say, rather disappointed. I was expecting tack sharp but wasn't getting much better than my kit lens. The lens is on an XTi, am I doing something wrong? I am a newb at this photography thing and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I have one and it is as sharp as I can want. It's probably my most used lens now.
One 'feature' I have noticed is the autofocus isn't as 'intelligent' as my 50 1.4 and I have to sometimes manually focus as it just wont do what I want. If you are getting images that aren't as sharp as you want, change it to manual and see if you can improve. Mine is on a 350D ( Rebel XT ?? )

sebr
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 19:50
Well after much debate, and my terrible indecisiveness. I made a decision to order the 100mm macro!!!!

Congratulations! I love this lens!!!

I've recently purchased this lens after reading all the positive reviews on this site and after an afternoon of shooting everything I could, I was, dare I say, rather disappointed. I was expecting tack sharp but wasn't getting much better than my kit lens. The lens is on an XTi, am I doing something wrong? I am a newb at this photography thing and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I guess we will need more information. Here are a few pointers.
- If you are at close range with a wide aperture, the depth of field becomes very shallow. Try increasing your f number (you may then need to have higher ISO).
- make sure your shutter speed is fast enough.
- check for focusing issues using a fixed objects and center focus.

Hope this helps,

Livinthalife
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 20:22
Also Andy, to make your wait easier.... you're going to be BLOWN AWAY by the IQ and sharpness of this lens, so good and so versatile! :)

I'm really becoming disgruntled here...My hands are beginning to shake!!! Thanks Dorman for trying to feed my hunger with more beautiful comments. Can someone just lie to me and tell me it sucks, just so I can make it through the weekend....;)

EcoRick
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 22:10
It is one fun lens. I've just started playing around with it and can't wait for spring. I'm sure you'll have a great time with it.

kelstar
14th of March 2008 (Fri), 22:15
Congrats on the new lens. Mine arrived last week and I'm loving it so far.

silvex
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 00:26
Congrats! Let's see some bug porno...:shock: :)

steved110
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 05:25
I've recently purchased this lens after reading all the positive reviews on this site and after an afternoon of shooting everything I could, I was, dare I say, rather disappointed. I was expecting tack sharp but wasn't getting much better than my kit lens. The lens is on an XTi, am I doing something wrong? I am a newb at this photography thing and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

It is almost certainly user error, as this is one lens that you never read 'good copy, bad copy' threads about!

Camera shake is probably part of the problem - you need a shutter speed of at least 1/100th, preferably higher, to counteract shake. The macro lenses magnify everything , including shake!

also consider depth of field, as mentioned by a couple of other posters. Often to get good depth of field, you are using small apertures which slow down the shutter speed even more.

If you have a speedlite, you can use the flash to light the subject, set a shutter speed within the flash synch limit ( 1/250 usually) and set the aperture to suit the depth of field you want ( this means using the manual setting) The ETTL systemn will use the flash to light the subject so you won't have to worry about a thing. Any flash will do, but you get best results with the dedicated macro flashes - MR14 EF and MT 24 EX. Sigma make a ring flash also.

I've just gotten my 100mm macro, a week ago, and haven't even taken her out the box - I got a chewed up hand at work so am waiting to heal :evil:

steved110
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 05:29
Oh, another point, the AF on this macro lens is sluggish in comnparison to other USM lenses, but almost all macro is done with manual focus.

the AF is serviceable however, but you need to be careful of the focus limiter switch, if set wrong the AF will bug the cr*p out of you!

GerBee
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 05:32
Negative Comments OK then:

It does not have IS ~ I think this could be a very useful addition if it were feasible or possible with such a lens.

It's a tad on the heavy side.

It's AF speed is sedentary.

I'm sure I can think of a few more .... !!!

mdw
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 05:48
So what are the results with this lens if you don't immediately buy the macro flash, extension tubes and other stuff?

I really don't want to spend anymore for it, at the moment, than "just" the lens...

xa-coupe
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 05:52
no extension tubes, no flash, just the lens. About 80% crop.


http://www.missingbits.com/pics/mar08/fly2.jpg

GerBee
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:25
http://www.pbase.com/ger_bee/image/78818693

Though I am told by the experts that the tips of the snail's eyes should be the focus point ~~~ but the snail is eating, so that's where I focussed.

One of my first shots about last year. :)

So what are the results with this lens if you don't immediately buy the macro flash, extension tubes and other stuff?

I really don't want to spend anymore for it, at the moment, than "just" the lens...

mdw
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:30
Thanks, guys! :D
Looks neat!

Who uses this lens regularly for portraiture?

Sorry Andy, just let me know if I'm taking over your thread! :p

Chad0321
15th of March 2008 (Sat), 08:34
Great lens for the money and it takes great macros and portraits.
enjoy it Andy.

Livinthalife
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 01:06
Negative Comments OK then:

It does not have IS ~ I think this could be a very useful addition if it were feasible or possible with such a lens.

It's a tad on the heavy side.

It's AF speed is sedentary.

I'm sure I can think of a few more .... !!!

Think I'm going to have to put the lens up for sale when I receive it now ;)

no extension tubes, no flash, just the lens. About 80% crop.


http://www.missingbits.com/pics/mar08/fly2.jpg

I got a nest of wasps on my balcony, I wonder if they will allow to get as close? I hope I'm not allergic!

Thanks, guys! :D
Looks neat!

Who uses this lens regularly for portraiture?

Sorry Andy, just let me know if I'm taking over your thread! :p

Help yourself, It isn't really "my" thread. This Potn man! We are all here for the same reasons!

Thanks everyone for the support!

xa-coupe
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 03:51
I got a nest of wasps on my balcony, I wonder if they will allow to get as close? I hope I'm not allergic!


I *am* allergic so you won't be seeing wasp pics from me !

I did so much research on the lens before getting it and was pleasantly surprised with how well it did on everything. I do sound like a canon salesman don't I ??

Spaced_K
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 04:46
I used to have the excellent 60mm Macro lens on my 1.6 crop 40D and the 100mm will be the same view on my soon to be 5D.
I loved my 60mm and really regretted selling it, but for Macro and the need for money i got the Nifty and a set of extgension tubes (plus £200 !!!).

So now ive spent all this money on a 5D i think Macro would be better with the 100mm rather than the cheaper alternative as i could use it for portraits. Thing is, i "need" (my wife hates me using that word) to get the Macro Flash for £100 which would help.

Has anyone got any examples of the 100mm as a portrait lens ?
Sorry to hijack, but im sure the OP wouldnt mind :D

Karlos
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 06:10
This was taken outside on an overcast day, lens was on a Canon 30D body.

Absolutely no post processing at all, no sharpening, no cropping etc... this is straight out of the camera, resized and saved for web.

http://acidtrax.net/bb/img/30d/100mmportrait.jpg

Livinthalife
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 10:03
I will certainly be using it for portraits as well...Should be here tomorrow....;)

mdw
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 18:32
I will certainly be using it for portraits as well...Should be here tomorrow....;)

We'll expect some pictures tomorrow then! ;)
I'll be ordering my lens tomorrow as well, but it needs to be shipped, so I'll remain waiting for a while...

This (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/img_5365.jpg) is a great portrait shot I've found here (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/index.php?s=harn) which has been made with the 100mm lens. I hope I'm able to make similar shots like this in the future!

Dorman
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 19:09
We'll expect some pictures tomorrow then! ;)
I'll be ordering my lens tomorrow as well, but it needs to be shipped, so I'll remain waiting for a while...

This (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/img_5365.jpg) is a great portrait shot I've found here (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/index.php?s=harn) which has been made with the 100mm lens. I hope I'm able to make similar shots like this in the future!

That's a great example of what the lens can do, also remember that the photographer had excellent lighting on this one which really helps, especially for portraits.

Livinthalife
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 21:11
We'll expect some pictures tomorrow then! ;)
I'll be ordering my lens tomorrow as well, but it needs to be shipped, so I'll remain waiting for a while...

This (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/img_5365.jpg) is a great portrait shot I've found here (http://www.pinoyphotographer.net/index.php?s=harn) which has been made with the 100mm lens. I hope I'm able to make similar shots like this in the future!

Nice find! Unfortunately, i have no lights, and a very small dedicated "studio". ;)

adblink
16th of March 2008 (Sun), 23:05
there is a USM and non-usm version of the 2.8 macro right?

Livinthalife
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 08:47
there is a USM and non-usm version of the 2.8 macro right?

Yep! I heard there isn't much difference it optics though.


On another note it should be here VERY soon. It arrived at Austin UPS yesterday at 6. Should be here first thing this morning right????

mdw
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 09:19
Are you getting nervous?! :D

I just came back from ordering my lens at the store. I'm very happy, because I've made an interesting deal with the salesman. Haven't been able to find one this cheap on the internet. I ordered the lens-hood and a UV filter as well, and those 2 are very expensive... :(

Anyway, I have to wait another week...

Livinthalife
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 09:26
What kind of deal did you get Roger, if you don't mind sharing.

I need a hood, but will get one later. Nervous, kinda. I think I'm more afraid of UPS not knocking at the door like usual. They always just leave a note to pick up the package from the UPS office or some crap. I hope they knock on the door, I will be here all day. :)

BeccaJ
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 09:29
Yep! I heard there isn't much difference it optics though.


On another note it should be here VERY soon. It arrived at Austin UPS yesterday at 6. Should be here first thing this morning right????

I'm very jealous right now. :lol:

Livinthalife
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 19:39
WELL It has finally arrived. Kept hearing sounds outside and running out the door, nothing....Not until 4PM did it arrive! UPS webpage said it was out on delivery from 450AM??? WTH? anyways, I got it. I love it. It IS awesome! Thinking of hocking the 70-200 now. This 2.8 is much nicer. Sharpness is NICE!!!! The AF is way better than what I had thought, though in macro scenarios, you don't use (as menitoned before). I am pretty satisfied with this lens for sure. Good thing I got a heavy tripod to get those decent shots....I hope I can achieve those shots! Well here are a few shots from this evening. I hope to use more it's macro capabilities later. Need more light for sure.

The cliche dollar shot
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3165.jpg

Dandelion
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3212.jpg

Wife & Daughter
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3182.jpg

Daughter
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3190.jpg

Wife (no makeup, she HATES this picture)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3205.jpg

I would like to think I don't live in the ghetto, but with a car like this in our parking lot, I don't know!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3170.jpg

sebr
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 19:51
Seems you got a great copy and have quickly learned how to use this baby. Enjoy !

Livinthalife
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 19:57
Thanks Sebastian! I hope to achieve some of the other shots I have seen around here though. Takes lots of patience, and experience!

Dorman
17th of March 2008 (Mon), 20:30
Glad you received it and that you're liking it Andy. Yes, the macro side of things takes alot of patience, alot of light, and steady hands! It is a sublime portait/telephoto lens as you've already discovered. This is easily one of, if not THE most versatile lenses in my bag and in the Canon lineup. You're inspiring me to get mine out and to shoot the hell out of it!

Cheers

mdw
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 05:16
What kind of deal did you get Roger, if you don't mind sharing.
Sure? :)

I bought the lens with ET-67 lens hood and a HAMA UV filter for 749 euros (755 USD) with Canon's Cash Back I'll get another 50 euros (78 USD) back so that makes: 429 euros (676 USD)
It's because of the price of the lens hood and filter that the price is a bit higher, because the lens alone was 419 euros (660 USD)

I love the BOKEH you'll get with this lens! It really seems excellent for portraiture and such.
With shooting macro I think it will take a bit more time to 'understand' your lens. Have fun with it and I'll keep an eye on your photos! :)

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 10:48
Thanks Brad and Roger.

Roger, I know this camera thing is a BIT more expensive in Europe, so hearing the prices that I have heard, it does sound like you got a good deal. I will probably pick up a hood later on. Looking forward to seeing some of your shots as well when your lens makes it in.

Brad, go out there and rediscover your lens! I had the 50 1.8 and NEVER used it, but after seeing some more shots here, also re-inspired me to use it. Now it's sold :(

mdw
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 10:53
Roger, I know this camera thing is a BIT more expensive in Europe...
Is it really?
What's the going rate for it in America then?

Dorman
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 11:11
Yes I used it like crazy for the first year that I had it, I'll get back out there though - the problem is it usually stays at home while a 70-200 takes it's place in my bag. Definitely get the hood, it's a must - especially when working with close focus distances and that beautiful front element.

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 11:52
Is it really?
What's the going rate for it in America then?
$469 USD @ BH photo
I always hear that things in UK or Europe in general are much more expensive. I hear it's th ehigh tax rates, right?

Yes I used it like crazy for the first year that I had it, I'll get back out there though - the problem is it usually stays at home while a 70-200 takes it's place in my bag. Definitely get the hood, it's a must - especially when working with close focus distances and that beautiful front element.

I'm thinking the 70-200 will be at home now I got this lens!;)

I'm worried the hood will block light when doing macro though. But I DO need a hood when doing my portraits. I hate putting the cap on everytime I turn. I think the hood is a lazy man's lens cap. It's good for walking around with. But when in the bag, Cap ALWAYS goes on.

mdw
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 12:06
$469 USD @ BH photo
I always hear that things in UK or Europe in general are much more expensive. I hear it's the high tax rates, right?
If photography gear was priced like this in the Netherlands I would have bought it long time ago, even with my student salary! :D
It's quite a big difference! We have 19% tax that comes on top of the price in the store.

Officially the price for this lens was 724 USD I got it for 661 USD. But still, if this lens is 469 USD in America, it is a huge difference in my opinion! That's over 255 USD difference... :-|

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 12:33
If photography gear was priced like this in the Netherlands I would have bought it long time ago, even with my student salary! :D
It's quite a big difference! We have 19% tax that comes on top of the price in the store.

Officially the price for this lens was 724 USD I got it for 661 USD. But still, if this lens is 469 USD in America, it is a huge difference in my opinion! That's over 255 USD difference... :-|

Yea, sorry bout the differences. But each country handles the taxes, import duties differently. Trust, me the low prices come at a cost living in America, The grass isn't always greener on the other side. BUT if you want something from America, Order it to my address, and I will ship it out to you. You should save a bit of money either way. :) I would have to remove the lens from the box to "test" it and and send it to you as a gift so you aren't charged for import duties :)

Dorman
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 12:52
Andy you'll want the hood when doing macro work so that you don't accidentally bump into the object you're shooting! I've never found the hood to be problematic with blocking out light.

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 13:02
Andy you'll want the hood when doing macro work so that you don't accidentally bump into the object you're shooting! I've never found the hood to be problematic with blocking out light.

Okay, will do. The min distance is like 6 inches, so your right. That should be more than enough space to let the light in. I just don't want the hood to shadow over the object, you know what I mean?

What kidn of setup do you have anyways Brad? Do you have an off shoe camera cord, and flash bracket? How do you shoot macro?

Spaced_K
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 15:37
Man, you need to post up some pics.
I got this lens + hood today (thanks Karlos) but havent had a chance to play with it yet as my 5D is coming tomorrow !!!!!

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 16:25
Man, you need to post up some pics.
I got this lens + hood today (thanks Karlos) but havent had a chance to play with it yet as my 5D is coming tomorrow !!!!!

I posted some pics on the page before. I got a few more shots today which I will post in this same thread when I get them loaded.

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 16:32
Here is one more. I really some sort of lighting though. My flash just isn't the easiest to work with. I have the flash aimed at the subject from the top, triggered by the onboard flash(which is covered). What pain this is. I need an off shoe camera cord, bracket and MORE stuff....JEEz haha

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b386/atgrzymala/IMG_3389.jpg

xa-coupe
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 16:46
Nice pictures andy, you now know why most people rave about the lens !
I use an ebay $40 radio flash trigger.. it works about 90% of the time which is okay as its 40 bucks.. not $500 is for a pocket wizard.

Dorman
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 17:50
Okay, will do. The min distance is like 6 inches, so your right. That should be more than enough space to let the light in. I just don't want the hood to shadow over the object, you know what I mean?

What kidn of setup do you have anyways Brad? Do you have an off shoe camera cord, and flash bracket? How do you shoot macro?

I either shoot available light, or I use off camera flash. I have a 580EX and a 430EX and the cactus ("poverty wizards") wireless triggers. That gives me two off camera light. I have had some success with previously bouncing on camera flash into a reflector and I've made a ghetto ringflash as well.

Livinthalife
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 18:36
I saw the cactus triggers. I think in a month or two, invest into those OR bracket and cord. Triggers are nice for portrait work, while the bracket willl be better for macro stuff....HMMMM.

Cactus triggers, I know I need a transmitter, but do either of you know if they can trigger the Sigma 500 DG super? Or do I need to purchase the receiver to connect to the flash as well?

2 Flashes would be ideal. Tell me about the ghetto ringflash!

Jamie Holladay
18th of March 2008 (Tue), 18:38
Congrats Andy hope you enjoy it.

mdw
1st of April 2008 (Tue), 04:14
Hi all,

I picked up my copy yesterday! :) It looks like a great lens, but I'll need some more practice with it to get sharp results. It's heavier than I'm used to, but that works better.

Here are some firsts results. I'll post some more in the next few days! :p

1.
http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/1425/img8888ou3.jpg

2.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8435/img8890ao8.jpg

3.
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1333/img8925ky7.jpg

ooo
1st of April 2008 (Tue), 07:34
Congrats, looks plenty sharp to me already.

Livinthalife
1st of April 2008 (Tue), 10:24
Looks great to me as well!

I haven't been using a tripod though, gotta use one for optimal results. Are using one?

mdw
2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 05:24
Thanks for the replies! :D

I haven't been using a tripod though, gotta use one for optimal
results. Are using one?

For these pictures I haven't been using a tripod either. I have quite a good one though, so I've made some pictures of a cd with it yesterday.
Those are here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=479423).

One more question; are you guys using a lens collar for you lens when using a tripod? It's just that the lens is kind of heavy and I don't really know if it's good for you camera and/or lens to use it without a lens collar...

Thanks!

mdw
27th of April 2008 (Sun), 11:50
Hi!

Are you guys using a lens collar for you lens when using a tripod? It's just that the lens is kind of heavy and I don't really know if it's good for you camera and/or lens to use it without a lens collar...

And does anyone use the Close Up Lenses that are available for the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro US which you can buy them on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.nl/Close-Up-Lenses-for-Canon-EF-100mm-f-2-8-Macro-USM_W0QQitemZ170204530986QQihZ007QQcategoryZ30070Q QcmdZViewItem)?

They´re supposed to magnify you´re subject even further than you´ll be able to do now only with the lens. Any opinions and experience?

Dorman
27th of April 2008 (Sun), 12:33
No tripod collar for me - I've never found it to be an issue. It will all depend on the quality of your tripod head though.

I've not tried any close up or magnifying lenses with the 100mm macro, but I have used extension tubes to increase the magnification with great results.

adblink
27th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:03
I JUST PICKED UP MINE YESTERDAY! :D

found a seller, spoke with im for awhile, paid and picked it up, all in one day.

couldn't be happier!

Bill Pham
27th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:08
I JUST PICKED UP MINE YESTERDAY! :D

found a seller, spoke with im for awhile, paid and picked it up, all in one day.

couldn't be happier!

looks like you got to update your sig :D:D. you'll love it btw.

Bill

adblink
27th of April 2008 (Sun), 15:12
looks like you got to update your sig :D:D. you'll love it btw.

Bill


aaaah good point! :D Don't want to update it yet, until I have some shots to prove it! lol. Its hard to find subjects outside, when right now in So.Ontario spring just started, so no flowers, no bugs, nothing!

mdw
28th of April 2008 (Mon), 10:41
I've not tried any close up or magnifying lenses with the 100mm macro, but I have used extension tubes to increase the magnification with great results.

The extension tubes are quite expensive. The lenses are a little less expensive so I would prefer those.

No-one ever used those lenses?!

Livinthalife
30th of April 2008 (Wed), 00:33
The filters? I had filters for my 28-75 and they were good then, but then I put them on the 70-200 and they looked terrible, I was using HOYA. I don't know how good they would be on the 100. My buddy uses his 100 with a 50 1.4 reversed on it for some awesome SUPER macro shots!

mdw
30th of April 2008 (Wed), 04:24
yeah, maybe I should just buy them and try it. They're not that expensive.

I'm not looking for those super up-close macro shots, but I would like to get a little closer than I can now.

:arrow: Does anyone have a shot with the 100mm without ext. tubes or other attributes which shows how close you can get with this lens? In other words, what is the maximum you can get with this lens can get in macro shots?

Dorman
30th of April 2008 (Wed), 08:45
You have the 100mm macro, go shoot some things as close up as you can! The maximum you can get is a magnification of 1:1 and the closest you can get is the minimum focusing distance.

I know the tubes are more expensive than you are looking for - however for increased magnification they are the best solution. They come as a set which will retain autofocus (set of 3 that is around $160) - there are some ways to get tubes a little cheaper - you can buy an individual one rather than the set, or you can buy the non-autofocus ones if you're fine with manual focusing.

Cheers.

adblink
30th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:46
i bought my set of auto focusing tubes for $100. I see them go up for sale in the classifieds section all the time.

mlav
30th of April 2008 (Wed), 13:54
The macro is so cheap, everyone should have one. Not sure why I pissed away $80 on the closeup filter garbage.