Best macro lens and range?

ConCon wrote in post #14968878
...why is IS less useful with macro work?

I shoot macro almost exlcusively hand-held, usually at f/11, often with extension tubes. IS is a life saver (or image saver) for those of us with less than steady hands. It also helps me get a good focus.

If you have the money and dont use a tripod, I say go IS. Handheld you will need it, even 1 stop. If you plan to always use a tripod, IS is useless.

I'm a newbie to macro photography, so I'm a bit confused as to why IS isn't seen as essential.
If you're shooting a bug in the wild on a flower, by the time you've set up the tripod, the flash and everything, wouldn't it have buzzed off? I'm guessing there's a big advantage to doing macro handheld unless you have dead bugs in a studio.

Mornnb wrote in post #14969235
I'm a newbie to macro photography, so I'm a bit confused as to why IS isn't seen as essential.

Its because at macro magnifications, IS has reduced efficiency, it will only give you maybe 1 stop of stabilisation, so its not too useful.

I don't have IS on my macro lens, but I do acknowledge its usefulness, and I only have the non-IS due to budgetary reasons.

If I put 50mm of extension tube on my 15-85mm lens, will it be a 1:1 lens at the 50mm length?

I just ordered the Canon 100L f/2.8 macro online 5 minutes ago, from B&H. They have been closed for a couple of days for the Rosh Hashanah holiday and I couldn't wait any longer. I have heard nothing but good about that lens. -rick

Darts wrote in post #14966716
The only lens in your group that I've used is the 100L. Great lens. I've owned
this lens for about a year and a half and it is my favorite. I take a lot of macros. If you want to see what this lens can do, go to www.flickr/photos/dart​s5/.
Good luck,
Darts

+1 for the 100L, love it!

I have the 100L with IS and the 180L. Can recommend either. 100L is a little more versatile but love the180L when I need the extra working distance.

You will be very happy with the 100L

I like my 100mm and have had it before there was an USM or L version.

If I was buying now, I think I'd want some type of stabilization. From your list I'd go with the Sigma 150mm. Actually though I'd go (and if the price drops, I still might) go for the new Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS. It has the working distance, it is an f/2.8, and it has stabilization. Plus it is far enough from my 135L to justify buying (the Sigma 150mm OS is not).