50mm macro vs 100mm macro

[skifly]

Does the 100 give larger magnification?
Is the only advantage of 100 over 50 that you can be further away from the subject?

[Jesper]

The Canon 50mm f/2.5 macro goes only to 1:2 magnification. To get to 1:1, you need the optional life size converter for that lens. So, strictly speaking, the 50mm macro is not a real macro lens....

The Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro does go to 1:1 magnification by itself.

[SDK^]

Does the 100 give larger magnification?
Is the only advantage of 100 over 50 that you can be further away from the subject?

Both

The 100mm does life size (1:1) magnification but the 50mm only goes up to half life size (1:2), and as it's a longer lens you don't have to get as close to your subjects.

I took this of a fly with the Canon 100mm Macro USM

100% crop

http://www.sdk2003.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/macro-fly.jpg

[Olegis]

That's one UGLY fly, man ! :shock: :)
Scary crop, really. I think I won't sleep tonight ...

[wolf]

I see that fly has a couple dozen stuck pixels. :D

Nice shot!

[commando]

http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html#macro