Canon 100?

[Nordwil57]

Hi all. After giving away my old Sigma 100-300 Macro zoom to a relative a few years ago, I'm finding I miss the Macro capabilities it had. Surely it wasn't the best quality, but I enjoyed what it could do.

Recently getting the blessing to make yet ANOTHER photog related purchase (she is a saint), I am wondering what my best option would be for a good quality macro lens. The MPE-65 is out of my budget range, and may lack some flexibility.

That said, I've heard good things about the 100. I don't want to be RIGHT on top of the subject, but dont necessarily need the distance the Sigma gave me. (I also dont want the WEIGHT the Sigma gave me, as I'll probably carry it on trips along with the 100-400 and the 12-24 and 17-85 as shown below)

Does this give you a reasonable amount of separation? Quality good? Are there better alternatives? ( I could pick up some Kenko extension tubes as well, assuming the "off" brand ones seen on E Bay arent as good quality?)

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Stompert]

From my perspective, the 100 serves quite well! I'm still awaiting the "ok" for my own kenko extension tubes but I'd get them if I were you. The quality of the images is blasting!

It's my most used lens, most expensive one as well. I'd get it if I were you ;)!


Hi all. After giving away my old Sigma 100-300 Macro zoom to a relative a few years ago, I'm finding I miss the Macro capabilities it had. Surely it wasn't the best quality, but I enjoyed what it could do.

Recently getting the blessing to make yet ANOTHER photog related purchase (she is a saint), I am wondering what my best option would be for a good quality macro lens. The MPE-65 is out of my budget range, and may lack some flexibility.

That said, I've heard good things about the 100. I don't want to be RIGHT on top of the subject, but dont necessarily need the distance the Sigma gave me. (I also dont want the WEIGHT the Sigma gave me, as I'll probably carry it on trips along with the 100-400 and the 12-24 and 17-85 as shown below)

Does this give you a reasonable amount of separation? Quality good? Are there better alternatives? ( I could pick up some Kenko extension tubes as well, assuming the "off" brand ones seen on E Bay arent as good quality?)

Thanks for any suggestions!

[John_B]

Nordwil57,
The Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro is an excellent lens and my personal favorite :) It will give you more magnification that any macro zoom lens can give with better sharpness and colors.
It also makes a great lens for portraits etc....
And its the overall most used macro lens according to this POTN poll -=TOP TEN=- Which macro lens do you use? <-- click to see (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=160960)

[Nordwil57]

Stompert, thanks for the heads up about the extension tubes as well. I'll study up on them.

On another note, I had a reversing ring on my old Nikkormat...was fun, but too limiting!

John, Thanks for the plug for the 100 and the link. I was checking the link out a bit yesterday and was amazed at the support for that and the 180 as well (That would be too heavy and too expensive!)....great shots by the way!

It sounds like that would be the lens to get. Seems like between $400-$450 is reasonable according to Craigslist and the POTN marketplace. I will certainly keep my eyes open!

Is everybody in agreement then that one of the inexpensive Macro zooms (Sigma or Canon 100-300) are not in the same league for Macro then? Dont know why I'm even asking, even my WIFE says go for the good quality, and the resale would certainly be there if I fell out of love with it.

Last thought, the runner up in the list was the 60mm...seems a lot smaller (lighter?) and $100 cheaper....only drawback would be having to get closer to the subject? (and the loss of 40mm for using it as a walk around?)

[Robp412]

Yepp, heard very good things about the 100mm. I need to start investing in more glasss.

[Cyclop]

The Canon 100mm f/2.8 "Macro" lens is excellent glass!

[Nordwil57]

Picked up the 100 last week, along with a Manfrotto 3021 Tripod....love the glass so far both for Macro and DOF at 2.8! Will play more using the tripod when time allows!
Thanks again for helping me make the jump!

[Here and There]

Congrats, the 100 is a great lens!

[Nordwil57]

Here's a couple with the new lens. C&C welcomed and appreciated.

[EdBray]

I had a EF100 Macro f2.8 sharp as a tack and I loved it. After buying a 135L and then an 85L i decided I could do without it and sold it, big mistake. I have since bought a s/h Sigma 105 macro, nice lens and very sharp but in use not on a par with the EF100.

Buy one, I doubt you will regret it.

[CameronCorner]

I love my 100 mm Macro and use it for all manner of pics - landscape, portrait, macro. The quality is just awesome.

I don't think I would ever fall 'out of love' with it. LOL

[Cyclop]

I have nothing but good to say about the Canon 100mm "macro" f/2.8 lens!

[Nordwil57]

I am starting to understand the love affair with this lens!

[CameronCorner]

I've had my 100 mm 2.8f macro for almost a year and I LOVE IT. It rarely comes off my camera and as someone else posted above, I use it for everything - portrait, landscape, macro. Incredible colour, dof, bokeh and sharpness.

Glad you went ahead and purchased it, I hope you have a long and happy relationship with it. :)