Close macro

[canon shooter]

I am taking a class on close up marco photography soon.

Input on if the 24-105L would be a good one to take to this class. Any tried this with the 100-400L. not likely since it min focus is about 6 feet. But brings it in close from there!!

[T.D.]

You can put extension tubes on either of these lenses and decrease the minimum focal distance. The more length in tubes, the shorter the MFD.

I love to use tubes on my 100-400. You can focus with the zoom.

[PhotosByEric]

If you add a set of extension tubes then the 24-105 would work for this.

Eric

[PhotosByEric]

echo echo echo:lol:

[canon shooter]

Guess neither the 24-105L or the 100-400L are true macros??

What makes a lens a true macro?

[T.D.]

Here is a sample image from the 100-400 with tubes.

http://www.capturedimaginings.com/photos/275326526_Fep58-L.jpg

[gardengirl13]

A true macro can take 1:1 with no tubes of filters/lenses on it.

Many suggest the tubes to someone new to macro, but I prefer the macro lenses themselves. I found the tubes a bit frustrating and almost made me give up macro. With a true macro lens you can focus close and far, you can move around more and have more flexability.

If you think you'll really get into macro just buy a lens. You can always sell it after your class if you don't like it and it'll cost less then renting one, or even buying the tubes. Trust me, if you buy something like the 100 you'll never want to sell it! I use it for everything from macro, to landscape to concert photography. It's a great lens!

[ef2]

Yes, what she said!

Extension tubes are a pain to use because of the constant switching and loss of focusing to infinity. If you're having the 24-105 as a walkaround, then you see something interesting to take a macro of, you'd have to put the tube on then take it off again if you don't want to macro. The results are nice though.

[gasrocks]

You will not be using your 24-105. The 100-400 maybe but it isn't the best idea. You can get a used, quality, MF macro lens for as little as $100. Why not ask the instructor what they suggest you get?

[AngryCorgi]

...marco...

...polo...

[dbdors]

I think the general definition of a macro lens is any lens that can achieve 1:2 or 1/2 size. There are lots of 1:2 50mm macro lenses out there. Vivitar used to have a cheap 100mm 1:2 lens as well.

I say get a macro as well. If you want to start cheap, consider some of the 50mm lenses as well. But depending on the type of work you want to do, you may quickly want something longer and something at 1:1 or greater.

Another options, but seems not so often chosen is a closeup lens. Canon makes a 500D that would work on the 100-400 as well.

[dbdors]

Here's a nice explanation from Wiki; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macro_lens

[Jman13]

Definitely pick up a dedicated macro lens if you'll be shooting a lot. For normal working distances, ANY of the 100-ish macros are wonderful (Canon 100, Sigma 105, Tamron 90, Tokina 100). For a bit longer working distance, consider the Sigma 150. For intimate macro, the EF-s 60mm or Sigma 70mm are both excellent.

I like the extra working distance of my Sigma 150 for shooting insects...I don't need to be right on top of them:

http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/hoverfly2.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/skipper.jpg

[Leorooster]

What are your subjects?

[ef2]

Definitely pick up a dedicated macro lens if you'll be shooting a lot. For normal working distances, ANY of the 100-ish macros are wonderful (Canon 100, Sigma 105, Tamron 90, Tokina 100). For a bit longer working distance, consider the Sigma 150. For intimate macro, the EF-s 60mm or Sigma 70mm are both excellent.

I like the extra working distance of my Sigma 150 for shooting insects...I don't need to be right on top of them:

http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/hoverfly2.jpg

http://www.jordansteele.com/images/recent/skipper.jpg

This really makes me want to get the Sigma 150 now!

[AngryCorgi]

...Marco...

...POLO!...

[canon shooter]

Anybody got any comparison shots of 24-105 or 100-400 and the 100 macro.

Just trying to see what I am not getting with mine vs "Marco".

Looks like 24-105 min focus is about 18" with magnification of 1:4

[gasrocks]

In general, most people do not do macro with zooms. Yes, it can be done but I assume you are a little more serious since you signed up for a class.

[RPCrowe]

If you use a sniping program to bid on eBay, put a snipe bid on this Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Macro lens. It is the lens issued previous to the present Di designated Tamron Macro.

The Di is "supposed" to be optimized for digital but, I can hardly see how I could get any better imagery than I get from my Tamron. Its image quality is right up there with my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens.

This Tamron is running for $102.50 with 18 hours left. A snipe bid may just get it at a bargain price. I got my Tammy for under $125 including shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tamron-90mm-Macro-for-Canon_W0QQitemZ320265711622QQihZ011QQcategoryZ1068 42QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD4VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp 1638Q2em124