I feel rich! So which one?

[CyberPet]

OK, finally got paid for my book translation and of course I've decided to spend half of it on camera gear. :D

Here's my list that I'm doing:

1. Tripod mount ring (A) for my Canon 80-200/2.8 L lens
2. Battery grip (number I forgot, but the one for the 350D)
3. UV filter for the Canon 50 mm/2.8 II that I'm getting for free (yes, I do have friends)
4. Another 1 GB Sandisk Ultra II card
5. Macro lens... I'm thinking of the 60 mm one from Canon instead of the 100 mm.

So question is.... is the 60 mm one good enough? (if not I'll have to scratch something from the list to afford the 100 mm).

Advice please. :)

[BrandonSi]

you have an 80-200/2.8L?! Old school! Where'd you get it?

[CyberPet]

Brandon, I bought it used from a friend. It's such a nice lens!! I love it to bits. (they will have to pry it off my cold and dead fingers).

http://www.the-halls.se/brides/diverse/IMG_1965.jpg

[BrandonSi]

Brandon, I bought it used from a friend. It's such a nice lens!! I love it to bits. (they will have to pry it off my cold and dead fingers).

http://www.the-halls.se/brides/diverse/IMG_1965.jpg

So Jealous! Can't wait till next week, I order my 70-200 /4! :)

[condyk]

I'd go for the grip with an XT ... looks like the guy above has gone for that too :p

[CyberPet]

condyk, well the wish list is more like I can buy 1-5 if I go with the 60 mm Macro. Or I have to scratch something off the list (most likely the grip) if I'll go with the 100 mm Macro.

So, is the 60 mm Macro good enough?

[cactusclay]

Thats a nice shot there. I think if I were going to get a macro lens, I would go for the 100mm one that can also be used on a full frame or 1.3 crop, rather than get hooked on the efs lens. The 100 is 1 to 1 too. What is the 60, I don't even know?

[tim]

I'd not bother with the UV filter, unless the cost of replacing the lens is a lot higher than the cost of the filter. If you do I prefer B+W filter, they're easier to clean.

I have the 100mm macro, I love it, it's great for macro and portraits, and it's *incredibly* sharp. I've not compared the 70-200 IS and the 100mm lenses for sharpness, but I suspect the macro would be sharper. I'd rather have it longer than shorter, so personally I wouldn't bother with a 60mm macro lens.

[CyberPet]

The Canon EF-S 60/2,8 USM Macro is listed as 1:1 scale. So anyone wonder why I'm confused... NOW YOU KNOW! :D

[cactusclay]

If you ever think you might upgrade to a 1D body, then the 60 would not work.

[tim]

1:1 means that at its minimum focusing distance it will reproduce an object the same size on the sensor as it really is. The advantage of the 100mm macro is working distance: you can get further away and still get the same 1:1 ratio. This is useful for skittery animals, or if you just like being further away. That photo you put on my business card for me, that's taken with the 100mm macro lens, hand held.

[KevC]

Grip, grip! That's what I would get first, I shoot my drebel in the portrait orientation almost always.

I'd avoid the 60mm EF-S macro, it's nice but the 100mm gives you much more "bang for buck" methinks. More working distance! Or you can save a bit of money and get the Tamron 90mm. Or maybe the Sigma 105mm?

That's an awesome shot btw!

[ed rader]

>>So Jealous! Can't wait till next week, I order my 70-200 /4! :)<<

duuuude -- i ordered mine on sunday and i was hoping it would be here today!

it did not come :evil: .

but the UV filter came .

maybe tomorrow :cool: ?

ed rader

[gasrocks]

My vote = 100 macro and more Cf cards.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

100mm f/2.8 macro all the way! I had one for a few days but sent it back because I wanted a good sports/zoom lens. (Got the 70-200 f/4L) Anyway, had fun with it the few days I had it, and even with the 100mm the working distance felt some what short to me. So, 60mm def wont cut it....

I really doubt this little guy would have stuck around if I had gotten any closer to his face.:lol:

[csnudelman]

B&H, New York has the 60 and the 100 priced the same, $450. I have a 20D and was going to get the 50mm f/2.5 macro because I feel half lifesize is all I will need. But now I think I will get the 100mm f/2.8 macro because it fills a not so needed void between my 24-70L f/2.8 and my 135L f/2, still the 50mm is cheaper and I understand very, very sharp.

[ttmatsu]

The 80-200 has been out of production for a while so the tripod ring is not stocked by dealers. Unless you know someone that has a collar that would fit, finding one is a long shot. Canon does not currently make a ring that fits (unlike the 70-200 f4 which also accepts the less expensive black ring from the 300mm lens) the 80-200.

I agree that a UV filter is not worthwhile for the 50mm which you can replace for $80 (I think you meant f1.8?) unless you are specifically getting it for UV reduction but I've found that on a dlsr, a UV filter is useless except to serve as protection for the front element. A polarizing filter is another story. Hoya super multi coated is not that hard to clean. You wear glasses, just use the microfiber cloth your optometrist or optician gave you with your glasses (or ask for an extra one). If you get a multi coated filter, don't use harsh window cleaners since they may strip the coating, just use eyeglass cleaner (like the one at your optometrist or Costco's optician counter) or water along with your microfiber cloth. Smudges, fingerprints and plain old dust come right off - unlike with lens tissue which causes all the complaints about hard to clean filters.

I'm also with the majority in recommending against going with EFS lenses. I also 2nd the recommendation of going with the Tamron SP 90 f2.8 macro. It's a great lens but it is about $80 MORE expensive than the Canon 100 f2 because it was designed to compete with the L seriers. Both are great so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Personally, I would go for the macro lens. Even though you may buy it for it's macro capability, it can also be used for portraits and anything else you want to use that focal length for. Unless you have big hands and want the additional bulk of the battery grip (or you just want to use AA batteries), more quality glass is always going to be my choice.

Nice rich colors in the photo but there is so much lean by the groom, makes me want to use photoshop to straighten the photo.

[buze]

Petra, I wonder if it wouldn't be this particular nifty fifty in fact :D

http://oomz.net/petra1.jpg
http://oomz.net/petra2.jpg

[buze]

As for my vote, I'd say a cheap Sigma 28-135 macro (the lens pict was done with it) and a neutral gray filter for the fifty. I'm using one with my 50 & 85 and really like to be able to open wide in plain daylight in the 350D (limited to 1/4000s)

And you can save and buy something truely outrageous next ! :D

[CyberPet]

well, the thing is... you can say yes or no to the UV-filters all you want, it doesn't make a dent in the pocket. However the difference between the 60 mm and the 100 mm Macro *IS* the same price as the battery grip. And I really want the battery grip. Honestly. :D

So you guys are saying that the 60 mm Macros nothing? It's crap? It's junk? It's worthless?

[Alexandre Gabriel]

Here is a review about the 60mm.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-60mm-f-2.8-Macro-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

It is definately NOT crap! ;)

But I would buy the 100mm macro (grater distance, better bokeh, same price), some junk filters (for protection only) and mantain your budget...

[buze]

The thing is, since you have a nice 50 already (well, on the way) the 60 will only be really useful for the macro mode... 10mm is nothing after all... Thats why I suggested some other "macro" thing. I paid my Sigma 28-135 about £35 on ebay, and I indeed use it only for Macro, that is... rarely :D

And for cheaper than the 60, you can get the 85 f1.8, which is a superb lens, faster, and complements the 50 beautifuly...

[Homer]

Definitey go for the 100mm macro over the 60mm. They are both 1:1 macro but with the 100mm you don't have to be up as close to your subject to get the full 1:1 macro. Also if you ever upgrade to a 1 series body, your 60mm won't work on it.

[blue_max]

Hello Petra,

Glad the translation has put some money in your pocket!

It's unfortunate you have the 80-200 AND the 50. Both the lenses you are considering are covering very similar ground. Are you definite that you want a macro lens.

How about a nice wide angle or large telephoto?

Can you be pursuaded?

Graham

[condyk]

I would go Canon 100mm if taking bug shots, but something as decent optically yet cheaper for shots of static subjects, i.e. wedding photo detail shots ;)

My new Sigma 105mm f2.8 Dg is really nice and sharp and decent value compared to the Canon. Works well for me I have to say, but the barrel moves in and out which makes it a less attractive option to some.

What about using tubes instead?

[lost]

Petra, the places I look have the 100 and the 60 listed as the same price. If you do a little pricing around you may get the 100 AND all the other thing on your list

[cfcRebel]

If i were u, i'd scratch off 1Gb Sandisk, UV filter from the list. And get the grip + 100mm. :)

[slin100]

The 80-200 has been out of production for a while so the tripod ring is not stocked by dealers. Unless you know someone that has a collar that would fit, finding one is a long shot. Canon does not currently make a ring that fits (unlike the 70-200 f4 which also accepts the less expensive black ring from the 300mm lens) the 80-200.


Not true. The Tripod Mounting Ring A for the 200/2.8L fits the 80-200/2.8L.

[ddelallata]

I'd get the battery grip and 100 f/2.8 and get the rest after your next book translation :) What language did you translate it to??

[CyberPet]

Well, the tripod ring for the 80-200 is on order already, since I do need it to be able to shoot indoors (wedding photography). So that one you can't talk me out of. :P I might (with some luck) get it in time for the wedding I'm shooting on July 9th. But no guarantees.

I went against everyone here and did order the 60 mm Macro anyway. I'm stubborn, I know. The battery grip is on back-order (and have been since March). I'll see if I like the 60 mm, if not I can always return it and replace it for the 100 mm.

And yes, this is for purely Macro, nothing else.

So I know you all gonna hate me, but I decided to get a macro lens I could afford. If I won't like it, then I might be able to convince hubby I can trade it in. Luckily on online orders, here in Sweden, you have a 3 weeks "cooling off period". So it'll give me time enough to test it out and decide if I like it or not.

I *could* have bought the 100 mm if I didn't need to buy hubby a new sander and a circular saw plus new lawn furniture. But hubby seem to like to have some "toys" too. So I better keep him happy, so I can conintue buying toys.

I have a nice wide angle coming in later, a friend is sellling a 20-35/2.8 L lens to me later this year. So I'm going to stick it out with the kit lens until then.

[lost]

I dont mean to pry but where did you buy the Lens. It seems that here in the US the 60mm and 100mm are comparably priced.

Feel free to tell me that is none of my business.

[CyberPet]

lost, I bought it from a camera store that offers online shopping (same place I bought my 350D and all other camera gadgets I've purchaced the last 3.5 years). The price difference between the 60 mm and the 100 mm is 1.500 SEK (that comes down to about $195 USD difference). I've also checked other online venues here in Sweden and the difference is about the same, the price is higher on other websites, so I'm not shopping at the most expensive one.

Prices are high in Sweden in general due to our sales taxes (25%, yes I know "ouch!") and it might not be cheaper to import from another country since you will have to pay import taxes and tax on the value of the lens. So including shipping, taxes and more taxes, the price will end up pretty much the same anyway.

It is costly to be "on the top" :D

[martook]

The funny thing is that the 60 and 100 mm macros are about the same price "over there", but here in Europe, there is a pretty big difference in price - especially since we get a rather large rebate from Canon on the 60 mm lens. I'll probably get the 60 mm in a few months as well, just because it's so "cheap".


Petra:
Well, you should try and order from Germany instead... lower prices in general, and only 17% VAT, so there can be quite a difference in prices. The problem is that there seems to be a major shortage of lenses coming to Canon in Europe, basically every lens is on backorder both in Sweden and Germany, and they have no idea when they will be delivered. I want my 17-40 L nooooow! :(

By the way...
I ordered the BG-E3 from dustinhome.se yesterday, got it delivered today. 1200skr including shipping, so a good price, and they have them in stock.

[lost]

Sorry, I was just curious because I was looking at macro lenses. I decided to try the nonstandard method of lens reversing first.

If I do decide to get a macro I may go with the 150 2.8 sigma or the MP-E 65.

Go big or Go home :)

[martook]

lost: A big webshop in Germany is http://www.technikdirekt.de/ and they have pretty good prices... a lot cheaper than all places here in Sweden :(

[CyberPet]

martook, ah... I'll see if Dustin still has it. If so, then I'll just cancel my order at Cyberphoto since it'd be nice to have the battery grip while using the 80-200. I still have an order there for the tripod mount ring anyway, so it'll be at least two shippings from them depending when the items comes in stock. The 60 mm lens will arrive monday (they shipped it today as I can tell from their order confirmation info). I'll let you know what I think about it, if you're interested. :D

[Headcase650]

Have you considered the sigma macros, they are usualy less expensize than the canons. The new sigma 150 2.8 macro is getting incredable reviews and also allows the use of a tele converter.

[martook]

Petra: I hope you were able to order one from dustin, I see that they are out of stock again now :(
You planning on getting the BG E1 hand strap as well? I've got mine on backorder, and I think that'll be a great thing to have.
Yeah, please tell me how you like it! It's "cheap" for a macro lens, and supposed to be very very sharp, so I think it's a good lens.

[kenyc]

lost, I bought it from a camera store that offers online shopping (same place I bought my 350D and all other camera gadgets I've purchaced the last 3.5 years). The price difference between the 60 mm and the 100 mm is 1.500 SEK (that comes down to about $195 USD difference). I've also checked other online venues here in Sweden and the difference is about the same, the price is higher on other websites, so I'm not shopping at the most expensive one.

Prices are high in Sweden in general due to our sales taxes (25%, yes I know "ouch!") and it might not be cheaper to import from another country since you will have to pay import taxes and tax on the value of the lens. So including shipping, taxes and more taxes, the price will end up pretty much the same anyway.

It is costly to be "on the top" :D

Yes, it is costly to be "at the top" :) Do you have income tax as well in Sweden? or does that 25% take care of it? There is ongoing talk here in the U.S. about a national sales tax and doing away with the income tax.

Have fun with the new goodies!

KAC

[CyberPet]

martook, yeah I saw that.... bummer! I guess I better stick with the order at cyberphoto then and hope for the best. I haven't order the strap, but it's a good idea. I liked the strap my friend has on his 1Ds, even if the camera is a lot more heavy than mine, it felt great and stable. Now I wrap the neckstrap around my arm/hand to get some stability.

kenyc, yeah we have income tax too... depending on how much you make you pay anything from 30% and upwards. So the sales tax is on your already taxed money.

Although I don't complain, we get to seend the kids to university and they can take care of their poor parents (now if I only could have children), plus we have a great health care system, even if it does have some faults too. At least you don't have to be rich to get the professional care you need.

But discussing taxes is a completely different area and it's a hot issue too, that can get you a bad taste in the mouth (Swedish proverb). So lets stay away from that.

[CyberPet]

buze, just wanted to let you know (in case you check the forums while on vacation) that the lens arrived this monday (27th)!!! It's GREAT!!!

(for you who don't know, buze is a guy with a VERY kind heart and he actually gave me his 50 mm 1.8 II lens... he's amazing!!!)

THANK YOU BUZE!!! (merci!)

The battery grip was on back-order, so I just happen to find one in a store where I'm visiting now (not my home town). The whole Sweden is almost dried out from battery grips, but this store had one on display. I BOUGHT IT! :D

And while I was there.... OMG, I'm crazy. I bought a Crumpler Shrinkle (backpack camera bag) and a Lastolite Tri Grip reflector. Darnit... how am I going to get it all home on the plane... :D

[buze]

Great, I'm sure that 50 ended up in capable hands! now we want samples! :D

....while I sort out about 800 shots from the short holiday...:D

[adamM]

the 60mm isn't crap! it's great! Checkout the canon MTF graph, it's incredible. Yes, it's got a closer minimum focusing than the 100... and yes, if you ever get a non-EF-S camera, you'll have to sell it (probably not that hard) but it's smaller and lighter and razor sharp.

On some of the other forums, people prefer the 60 to the 100...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=14039159
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=14007328

I don't have the 100mm... so i won't dare make a comparison, but i'm very happy with the 60mm and use it for a lot more than just macro... it's a nice portrait lens too.

cheers,
adamM

[Ikinaa]

Petra,

I bought the EF-S 60 Macro three weeks ago for my 20D. First I wanted the EF100 too, but decided against it because of the price (379Euro-50 for the 60 is cheap... compared to the 500 Euro for the 100)

And I think I made the right decision.

Here are some examples...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=80739 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=80739)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=80726 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=80726)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=80733 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=80733)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum...ead.php?t=79855

As for interesting online-prices, check this german site : http://www.geizkragen.de/
You enter an item and it tells you where to get the cheapest... but be careful, the cheapest is not always the most reliable...

[Lotto]

Petra, are you home yet? We need smaple shots... LOL

Congrats on the new equipment. Bet you are excited as a little girl in the candy store:D

[foxbat]

I'd get that UV filter after all and put it on your new macro lens just for protection. More than once now I've had a bug I was focussing on end up sitting on the filter, i.e. not the front element. And that's with a 105mm.

[CyberPet]

LOL, yes Lotto I was like a kid in a candy store!!! :D
Not home yet, but I'll be home around midnight (local time) on friday.... so I'll try to post images on saturday. Hopefully examples of both the 50 mm that I got from buze and some macro's with the 60 mm.

foxbat, that's what I use the UV-filters for... protection! Got some Hoya's that works fine.

[CyberPet]

Just have to share my joy! The tripod mount ring is in the mail!!! At least a few weeks earlier than the store thought it would take. And the price was LOWER than I expected. WHOO HOOO!!!!!! :D