Advice for buying macro lens

[Eugene.S]

1.I have a chance to buy slightly used MPE-65 for the same price of 100 mm macro usm
(new one). I need professional advice about both lenses.
2.What the difference between 70-200 IS ( i have ) and 100 mm macro. Can I use my
70-200 as a macro? Thanks to all canon guys.

[Leorooster]

1. the MPE-65 is a very specialized macro lens, meaning it can only be used as macro lens while the 100mm can be used as a regualr lens (e.g., for portrait). If you're a very experience with macro, MPE-65 would be perfect, as it's an extreme macro lens (see #2). If you are a beginner, I would recommend the 100mm since the MPE-65 is not easy to used.

2. 70-200 is a zoom lens while the 100mm is a true macro lens. By definition, only lenses provide a 1x magnification (or greater) are true macro lens. The 100mm has a 1x (life size) magification, therefore, it's a true macro lens. BTW the MPE-65 is capable of producing a 5x magnification (i.e. 5x life size on the sensor).

You can use your 70-200 to take close-up (not true macro by definition), see the following for more info re macro:

http://www.beautifulbugs.com/howto.htm


Hope this helps.

[TammieO]

Don't forget the MPE-65 is manual focus only.

[ddelallata]

I'd get the 100 f2.8 for macro work.

[Eugene.S]

Thank you for your opinions! I just got 100 mm 2.8 macro usm.
This is a great lens. It's probably the sharpest lens I have. Focusing is quick, In low light focusing speed goes down. This is quick example. ( very small company label from my guitar )

[Leorooster]

Eugene, Congrats on your purchase. Can't wait to see more pics from you. Enjoy it!