Need a macro lens, which one ?

[Rob612]

OK folks, its time do buy a macro lens. Currently, there are three possible options:

EF 50mm Macro
EF 100mm Macro
EF-S 60 mm Macro

I've already done a search, but I am still confused.

As far as I understand, the 100mm is the one that a lot of people likes, but with the 1.6 factor of the XT isn't it a little exagerated ?

Any suggestion ?

[tim]

I have the 100mm macro, it's a great lens, and i've never seen a bad comment about it (though i've never looked). 100mm isn't too long, i'd actually like to have some extension tubes to make it longer. Personally I don't buy EF-S lenses, in case I upgrade to full frame. I'm actually considering getting a film camera some time in the not too distant future, something i'd not have imagined myself doing a while ago, but because my lenses are all EF they'll fit fine :)

[roanjohn]

The 50 is 1:2........while the 100 and 60 are 1:1. Winner 100 and 60.

The 60 is EF-S.......while the 50 and 100 are EF. Winner 100 and 50.

2 Points for the 100!!!! :-)

So get the 100.........

Ro1

[Jon]

The 50 has a working distance of about 200 mm sensor-to-subject at 1:1 (with the LSA)
The 60 has a working distance of about 240 mm sensor-to-subject at 1:1
The 100 has a working distance of about 400 mm sensor-to-subject at 1:1
Clear winner: the 100.

The 50 + LSA $481 (all prices B&H, USA, after rebate)
The 60 $449
The 100 $469-20=449.

Winner 100 and 60.

That's 4 points for the 100. The other two aren't even in the running!

[steven]

Which one comes down to working distance, how much do you want?

With the 100mm you get around 1 foot at 1:1.
For the 50mm it is around 9inches for 1:2.
And I would the 60mm around 8 inches for 1:1.

How close do you want to get?

[ScottE]

The difference is how much working distance and depth of field do you need.

The 100 mm gives a greater working distance which can be helpful if you are working with subjects that can fly away. However, the apparent depth of field is less than with the shorter lenses, which can be a problem at macro distances.

I favour the 100 mm length, because I need the extra working distance for much nature related work. People who photograph their hobbies often like the shorter lengths because of the greater depth of field and the fact that they don't have to be so far away for some subjects.

Scott

[Jon]

If you run the numbers, you'll find that at the same magnification, the DoF at, for instance, 1:1 will be identical across the board. And the narrower AoV of the 100 will make it easier to get a uniform background to isolate your subject against.

[Rob612]

OK, got the message. I'll go for a 100 :)

Thanks, everybody.

[BlueTit]

After a similar discussion here last week I bought the 100mm for my 20D and I am delighed with it. It's great for non macro work too. The working distance is more suitable to nature shots, which I bought it for, but if you are photgraphing still small objects (model trains or something) the other two might do.

Good luck with it.

[Naytwan]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/naytwan/0432a936.jpg

Took that a couple of days ago with my 100. Also, you can get greater magnification with a T-Con and the 100 (manuel focus).

[Rob612]

OK, OK, I see no doubts here... I'll try to order my 100 tomorrow :)

[britt777]

100mm can't go wrong...good luck!

[J Rabin]

Rob. I just field tested my 60mm EF-S Macro. Here are my notes:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=69799&highlight=60mm

For a first and only macro, the Canon 100mm is the ticket. Some of the posters are mistaken on working distance from lens front. The 100mm has a WD of 15cm, the 60 about 10mm, 50% difference. The 180mm, which my colleague has, is a whopping 27-28cm! THAT is an awesome optic. Handholdable in calm air, no coffee morning, and after 3 months of wrist excercises at gym.
Stay away from the Sigma 105. Though finely sharp, the barrel extends when focusing. Yucch. I have heard wonderful things about the new Sigma 150mm f/2.8. Priced at 1/2 the Canon 180, with about 24cm lens front WD. Now that's something.
Enjoy a small world. I was out shooting tent caterpillars today. Jack

[khiromu]

Sigma 150/2.8 Macro is also collecting good reviews. It may be a little long, and it may be a little too expensive, though.

[Naytwan]

Sigma 150/2.8 Macro is also collecting good reviews. It may be a little long, and it may be a little too expensive, though.

I just picked that up, haven't played with it yet though.

[raylks]

You would feel the lens is too long when you are shooting Macro. A longer working distance is always preferrable.

[digitaltourist]

Sigma 150/2.8 Macro is also collecting good reviews. It may be a little long, and it may be a little too expensive, though.

By the time you add the tripod collar and the lens hood to the Canon 100 the Sigma is cheaper. The Sigma also comes with a very nice case. I have the Sigma and would recommend it highly.