All you sharpness junkies out there ( 100 2.8 Macro) ...

[pixel_junkie]

... drop whatever you're doing and go pick up a CANON 100 2.8 Macro right now! I'm thoroughly blown away by it. Just got it, went outside to take some random shots with it to test it out and the entire time I was thinking " Why haven't I though of getting THIS lens earlier?!" The color rendition and the amount of details it picks up can make a picture of a tree bark look interesting. A truly spectacular lens!

[sethmo]

Post up some pics!

[picturecrazy]

The 60mm is just as good. Really, it's hard to go wrong with either; they're both so good! congrats on your purchase.

[drPheta]

Agreed. I only wish the AF were faster on it, but I digress. This lens is fantastic.

[pixel_junkie]

Very first shot with it bellow. Wasn't even trying ...

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/7.jpg

[dawei213]

W...o...w....

Definitely sharp and colorful!

[nostalg1a]

that's awesome!

[Kittygraphix]

Is that tree bark????!!!!!!!! WOW ok, so my next priority is to get a 100 f2.8 indeed!

[pixel_junkie]

Is that tree bark????!!!!!!!! WOW ok, so my next priority is to get a 100 f2.8 indeed!

It is, and that is as random of an image as it gets. Zero effort. Imagine what you can do with this thing if you put some thought into it.

[Dorman]

One of my favorites and my most fun lens for sure.

[Molnies]

Nice!
Ordered this lens earlier today together with the 100-400L (just got a mail from B&H, it's been shipped - woohoo!)

[jeff127]

Yeah its a great lens. I got mine on saturday and love it. :D

I do agree with Peter though that the AF is slightly annoying, in every other aspect though its excellent.


Jeff.

[Kittygraphix]

Yeah its a great lens. I got mine on saturday and love it. :D

I do agree with Peter though that the AF is slightly annoying, in every other aspect though its excellent.


Jeff.


Annoying as in it takes awhile to AF? It has trouble in low light? I only have a zoom macro (70-300) and I thought the slow AF in lower light was due to the f/4 and the fact that it's not a prime. Is it not better on the prime f/2.8?

[drPheta]

The USM motor on the 100/2.8 is just a turtle. It doesn't hunt (at least mine hasn't that much), but it goes "whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir--> lock". Whereas my 70-200/2.8 go "whir-> lock". My 17-40 goes "whiir-> lock". That's the only downside to the 100/2.8 macro (and it's not built like a tank, but no biggie there).

[silvex]

The USM motor on the 100/2.8 is just a turtle. It doesn't hunt (at least mine hasn't that much), but it goes "whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir--> lock". Whereas my 70-200/2.8 go "whir-> lock". My 17-40 goes "whiir-> lock". That's the only downside to the 100/2.8 macro (and it's not built like a tank, but no biggie there).

I don't understand why is yours SO slow? Is this the MkII ? My 100 is BLAZING fast as the 50f/1.4 . With mine I just click and click away ( when not using for macro). You might need to set the limiter to 48 not 31 when not within close range.

[Canon Soldier]

wow, i really want one of these now i just don't think i can justify the cost being a noobie at macro (and everything else). Everybody says macro is super hard and that you need some fancy flash and a fancy tripod and fancy technique so if i thought i could do it i would get it, but i know i can't so i wont. "sigh"

[shadowkipper]

Omg I'll have my very own in like.... 6 days!

Damn you payday, hurry up!!!!

[Grentz]

I got one on monday and I have to say the same.

I played with it a bit, just messing around, and the shots are the sharpest I have ever seen out of my camera! It is just fantastic...makes everything else look like crap though :p

AF on mine is not really that slow, better than a lot I have tried, and it is very accurate from what I have seen so far.

[versedmb]

... Everybody says macro is super hard and that you need some fancy flash and a fancy tripod and fancy technique so if i thought i could do it i would get it, but i know i can't so i wont. "sigh"

Not true at all.


Nearly all of my macro is done in natural lighting and most of it hand-held.


On a crop cam I prefer the 60 macro though; easier to hand-hold at slower shutter speeds and doubles as a nice macro lens as well....



These were all taken hand-held with natural light, 60 macro..
http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220178321_uWDq8-M.jpg










http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220178361_grx36-M.jpg








http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220183610_znmXP-M.jpg








http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220184019_dLYHz-M.jpg








http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/279017539_aA7hP-M.jpg







http://brownphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220183949_wdBj7-M.jpg

[timnosenzo]

Yup, love my 100 Macro! :)

[pixel_junkie]

I don't understand why is yours SO slow? Is this the MkII ? My 100 is BLAZING fast as the 50f/1.4 . With mine I just click and click away ( when not using for macro). You might need to set the limiter to 48 not 31 when not within close range.

Yep, that is it. Makes a huge difference. When the limiter is set to 0.48m, I'd say it focuses as fast as my 10-22 and the 50 1.8. I'm telling you, there's no down side to owning this lens outside of the price, but then you get what you pay for so ...

[BigBlueDodge]

The Canon 100mm and 60mm macro are the only lenses I've ever owned that I would consider sharp wide open, and I've owned alot of Canon and third party glass. Those babies set a new level in sharpness. When ever you think you got a sharp zoom lens, just whip out the 100mm macros, and watch that zoom lens run off and hide like a whipped puppy.

I find the 100mm (on FF) and 60mm (on crop) are wonderful dual purpose lenses, they obviously are fantastic macro lenses, but work out nicely as informal portrait lenses. It's like getting two lenses in one.

[V8Rumble]

Someone posted are 1DsMIII raw shot taken with the 100 f/2.8. Detail is insane! Having it on my hard drive probably isn't a good idea. lol

[rdc640]

i took a couple in a shop the other day with it, took some of some batteries as theres a lot of small detail on um and omg, ive never seen anything like it!

gonna wait til im state side in 6 weeks, £225 bargain ;)

better than £379 than in jessops ;)

[BSBXTi]

Why did you post this hahaha Its one of the lenses on my "buy" list :D

[Tsmith]

I need one

[ashdavid]

I just don't understand why you are so slow in finding this out? :p

Congrats!

[Canon Soldier]

ohh that tohrn thing is sooo sharp! when i first started photography i really wanted to do macro until ileanred how hard it is. Maybe in a few years i can own this uber cool lens---going to the archive right now my eyes are ready fro some treats!

[MDJAK]

The 100mm macro, my first prime. Image quality was simply in a word superb. It was also the first lens I sold as it saw little use.

[pixel_junkie]

Any of you guys who have this lens use the optional tripod collar? Is that thing worth $140?

[monokrome]

Once you get the 100mm macro get a 25mm extension tube and see what you can do. This was my first image with the pair. It was raining like crazy, so I didn't have more time for a better shot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2378023851_ccff50d3d5_b.jpg

[Canon Soldier]

no why would you need a tripod collar for such a relatively small lens?

[gary88]

Come on now, I'm trying to save up for a 5D, and you guys just had to go and post these images :p

[monokrome]

If you wait a little longer and the stars line up the summer the 5D will be cheaper.

[silvex]

100 at f2.8

http://silvex.smugmug.com/photos/212562221_jamSw-XL-2.jpg

http://silvex.smugmug.com/photos/224098211_4banH-XL.jpg

[nordstern1]

:shock:WOW! AWESOME SHOTS! my eyes are bleeding...:cry:

now i want one...:mad:

[Chandler.]

Ah yes, the 100 macro. Without a doubt my favorite lens. I bought my first camera, the Rebel XT without the kit lens, and bought this sucker instead. This lens is on my camera 70% of the time. And I've used my flash with it for less than 5% of all the pictures I've taken with it.

Here's a stack of DVDs, taken with the 25mm extension tube. The level of detail it captures is impressive IMO.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4315/img25041qu1.jpg

[artyboy]

yes it does hunt, but its optical prowess totally overshadows it! sold mine due to lack of use for what i shoot.

[Rankinia]

The 180 is just as sharp too. Wonderful lens. As is the 50mm macro. I would say my sharpest pics come more offen from my 50mm.

Adam

[cstyker]

What about using this lens for more general purposes suitable for its focal length? Like automotive, portraits etc... I'm sure the answer is YES but does it perform well in when not macro?

[bauerman]

When do the sharp pics get posted?

[pixel_junkie]

When do the sharp pics get posted?

Huh?! As in what you've seen so far doesn't impress you much?

[ashdavid]

When do the sharp pics get posted?
LOL!:lol:

[Chandler.]

What about using this lens for more general purposes suitable for its focal length? Like automotive, portraits etc... I'm sure the answer is YES but does it perform well in when not macro?

The answer is YES!

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6771/photovoyage2621ee2.jpg

[bauerman]

When do the sharp pics get posted?

Tongue in cheek comment. I just hate emoticons. Wonderful pics.

[Chandler.]

Tongue in cheek comment. I just hate emoticons. Wonderful pics.

I used to hate them too, but when I realized how much time it took me to explain to others my misinterpreted sarcasm, I started to use them.

[|)\/8]

... drop whatever you're doing and go pick up a CANON 100 2.8 Macro right now! I'm thoroughly blown away by it. Just got it, went outside to take some random shots with it to test it out and the entire time I was thinking " Why haven't I though of getting THIS lens earlier?!" The color rendition and the amount of details it picks up can make a picture of a tree bark look interesting. A truly spectacular lens!

Mine is 2 days old. Here are the first two shots I took with it, these were hand held. Both were shot at f/6.3. I am very pleased as well.


http://www.dykstra.us/images/IMG_9979.jpg

http://www.dykstra.us/images/IMG_9980.jpg

[monokrome]

I used to hate them too, but when I realized how much time it took me to explain to others my misinterpreted sarcasm, I started to use them.


Red text will work.

[bacchanal]

When do the sharp pics get posted?

April 22nd.

[Kittygraphix]

April 22nd.


HAHAHAHAHAHA let's hope!

[ekie]

anyone got samples of this on a 5D? :lol:

[WMWARD2]

Try it as a portrait lens! Incredible lens for the price!

[silvex]

yes it does hunt, but its optical prowess totally overshadows it! sold mine due to lack of use for what i shoot.

It will hunt under VERY dim lighting (VERY dim). The lens will focus using AI Servo (on bodies that support it) and will keep up with the subject.

[Grentz]

no why would you need a tripod collar for such a relatively small lens?

Balance. The 100mm is not that light in reality and proper balance can make using it on a tripod easier.

Still, I dont think I will shell out for the collar ;)

[silvex]

Any of you guys who have this lens use the optional tripod collar? Is that thing worth $140?

I was going to get it and is a special order item. I instead bought a head that will let me swivel vertically. Instead I bought an extra plate for my 322RC2 head.

[adam LC]

.....When ever you think you got a sharp zoom lens, just whip out the 100mm macros, and watch that zoom lens run off and hide like a whipped puppy....
I love my 100mm macro, but I can honestly say that my 24-70 is just as sharp.

Don't limit the 100mm macro to just macro shots either, it does great portraits:)

[Pinto]

Any of you guys who have this lens use the optional tripod collar? Is that thing worth $140?

Balance. The 100mm is not that light in reality and proper balance can make using it on a tripod easier.

Still, I dont think I will shell out for the collar

I was going to get it and is a special order item. I instead bought a head that will let me swivel vertically. Instead I bought an extra plate for my 322RC2 head.

I'm just about to push the button on this lens too. Is there any general consensus on whether the collar is a good investment for tripod work? I've also heard many say that a focusing rail is a must. Any opinions on this?

[Chandler.]

I'm just about to push the button on this lens too. Is there any general consensus on whether the collar is a good investment for tripod work? I've also heard many say that a focusing rail is a must. Any opinions on this?

Invest in a great head instead of a tripod ring. It will achieve the same thing for you.

[Dorman]

I've used it extensively on a tripod, for me the collar is definitely not needed if you have a decent tripod head.

[Grentz]

I love my 100mm macro, but I can honestly say that my 24-70 is just as sharp.

Don't limit the 100mm macro to just macro shots either, it does great portraits:)


wow? you serious?

either you have an insanely good 24-70 or a crappy 100mm macro :p

Seriously, I have never seen anything come close to the 100mm macro, even from the 24-70.

[gardengirl13]

My 200 prime comes close but the macro is still sharper.

I used it to photograph my husbands band playing a gig and I had no trouble with the AF. Sure it may be a tad slower then my 200, but when shooting macro with the narrow DOF you really need to MF more any way so it doesn't matter.

[staceyann]

I love my 100mm macro, but I can honestly say that my 24-70 is just as sharp.

Don't limit the 100mm macro to just macro shots either, it does great portraits:)

Does anyone have sample photos of portraits? Would like to see them here.

[Mike-DT6]

Does anyone have sample photos of portraits? Would like to see them here.

The 100mm f/2.8 Macro has its own thread in the lens archive. There are a few non-macro photographs posted in there if you have a read through it:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=158427" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=158427)

Mike

:-)

[Johan Groenewald]

Does anyone have sample photos of portraits? Would like to see them here.
263554
There you are.:lol:

[staceyann]

263554
There you are.:lol:

Cool, it can be used as a portrait!

[bacchanal]

There you are.:lol:

1. That's a funny hat
2. That shot is in LANDSCAPE orientation

:p

[ChrisBlaze]

i love this lens

http://www.chrisblaze.smugmug.com/photos/278201401_Hajxy-XL.jpg

http://www.chrisblaze.smugmug.com/photos/280783779_uR5ob-O.jpg

[Mike-DT6]

Nice shots there. :-)

Regarding your second shot, is it common practice to position the Speedlite 58000 behind a chainlink fence?

Mike

:-D

[pixel_junkie]

Nice shots there. :-)

Regarding your second shot, is it common practice to position the Speedlite 58000 behind a chainlink fence?

Mike

:-D

Now THAT's funny!!! Ha ha ha! Good one. :lol:

[Molnies]

Regarding your second shot, is it common practice to position the Speedlite 58000 behind a chainlink fence?
That would give the reversed effect (dark lines with white space between them)... lol

Great shot, Chris!

[sjake48]

Great reply Mike. I didn't get it at first until I went back and looked at the picture again....almost laughed myself out of my chair!!:lol::lol:

[Mike-DT6]

That would give the reversed effect (dark lines with white space between them)... lol


No Fredrik, I'm talking about a Speedlite 58000! Think about it ;-)

Mike

[strobe monkey]

Nice shots there. :-)

Regarding your second shot, is it common practice to position the Speedlite 58000 behind a chainlink fence?

Mike

:-D

I thought he used a DIY snoot made of black straws on that one:lol:.

On the serious side, do you guys prefer to put a uv filter or a hood just to protect the front element?

I ordered the 100 macro and waiting for stock hopefully by the end of April so I'm just planning ahead.

[adam LC]

wow? you serious?

either you have an insanely good 24-70 or a crappy 100mm macro :p

Seriously, I have never seen anything come close to the 100mm macro, even from the 24-70.
This is all I could find at the moment, I know I have better somewhere else though:) 24-70 @ 70mm f/3.2 1/800... and 100% crop, that's a shallow DOF! Unprocessed of course.

[tonylong]

Here's a portrait:)!

http://www.pbase.com/tonylong/image/81440746.jpg

[Grentz]

This is all I could find at the moment, I know I have better somewhere else though:) 24-70 @ 70mm f/3.2 1/800... and 100% crop, that's a shallow DOF! Unprocessed of course.

Very nice, they are both very sharp ;)

My 24-105 is very sharp, but not quite that sharp. Guess it all depends on the copy you get as well!

[adam LC]

Very nice, they are both very sharp ;)

My 24-105 is very sharp, but not quite that sharp. Guess it all depends on the copy you get as well!
Thanks, I love my L!

But getting back on topic, my 100 still often takes my breath away. I've said it many times before; the 100 should be an L... if it had better build quality/weather sealing etc, it probably would be. Value for money wise, it's damn hard to beat!

[Savas K]

Here are some 100mm Macro using a 5D.

Exterior detail:

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/5D%20photos/100mm%20Macro/_MG_7435.jpg

Interior miniature set piece, behind glass, making a polarizer necessary and having to go handheld at high ISO:

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/5D%20photos/100mm%20Macro/_MG_7449.jpg

Indoor shot, held at bay and framing limited by a security barrier:

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/_Savas/5D%20photos/100mm%20Macro/_MG_7454.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

Does anyone have sample photos of portraits? Would like to see them here.

http://www.emilkara.com/Images/Kali_EK2.jpg

[Pinto]

I'm just about to push the button on this lens too. Is there any general consensus on whether the collar is a good investment for tripod work? I've also heard many say that a focusing rail is a must. Any opinions on this?

does anyone have a secret to making the optional tripod collar work decently? the motion on mine is so nasty i gave up - but then had a reason to use it. the problem appears to be the very poorly molded plastic piece that goes between the collar and the lens. since it's useless as-is, i'm going to try sanding it down/relieving some areas of the plastic piece, but don't want to re-invent a solution?
Yikes! Can the tripod mount really be that bad? I guess that answers the question if I want one.