Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16586300
I just got it & I love it! I really haven't had a lot of time yet to play with it Over the weekend i'll have more time !! I have the Canon T3i, what do you have?

Congrats I don't think I'll get mine till Monday or so! I have a 6D ^^ I upgraded from T2i not long ago. Upload a picture here when you get time

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16586323
OK- I have a question...Just got my Canon 100mm macro(not IS) I didn't have a lot of time to play with it. These were the first few shots I took, but it seems to have really good focus but in a strip? Is that because of my settings? I was just wondering because in the spring when I want to shoot flowers & bugs I don't want the focus in a strip?? Thanks in advance for the advice

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/118265​44693/
frost by
Jennifer Nilsen410, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/118266​94374/
frost by Jennifer Nilsen410, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/118265​51223/
frost by Jennifer Nilsen410, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/118266​99704/
frost by Jennifer Nilsen410, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/118262​79185/
macro by Jennifer Nilsen410, on Flickr

You may have to learn about focus stacking and get a macro rail. You may also need to try using off camera flash and a tripod so you can stop the lens down to get a wider DOF. Don't go any lower than around f13 though if you want the image to stay sharp ^^

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16586323
OK- I have a question...Just got my Canon 100mm macro(not IS) I didn't have a lot of time to play with it. These were the first few shots I took, but it seems to have really good focus but in a strip? Is that because of my settings? I was just wondering because in the spring when I want to shoot flowers & bugs I don't want the focus in a strip?? Thanks in advance for the advice

I only looked at the exif on one of your shots, but yes, settings play a huge role with this lens. When shooting 1:1 the DOF literally becomes paper thin, this is why you are only seeing a "strip" in focus.

To get more in focus you really have to stop the lens down when you are planning to shoot really close. Unfortunately the trade off is a huge loss of light, either forcing you to slow your SS down, crank your ISO or both. You can combat this by using a flash, or adding more ambient light.

An example of opening up the DOF by stopping down and adding flash (diffused)

F/9, 1/160SS ,ISO 250

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lenzfreak/11040​094454/

Dlee13 wrote in post #16586617
You may have to learn about focus stacking and get a macro rail. You may also need to try using off camera flash and a tripod so you can stop the lens down to get a wider DOF. Don't go any lower than around f13 though if you want the image to stay sharp ^^

Thanks I will have to look into that. I was thinking of the light ring for the end of the lens, because I know you need more light. I'll also try to use a flash Thanks for the advice!! I appreciate it.

The F stops here wrote in post #16586643
I only looked at the exif on one of your shots, but yes, settings play a huge role with this lens. When shooting 1:1 the DOF literally becomes paper thin, this is why you are only seeing a "strip" in focus.

To get more in focus you really have to stop the lens down when you are planning to shoot really close. Unfortunately the trade off is a huge loss of light, either forcing you to slow your SS down, crank your ISO or both. You can combat this by using a flash, or adding more ambient light.

An example of opening up the DOF by stopping down and adding flash (diffused)

F/9, 1/160SS ,ISO 250

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lenzfreak/11040​094454/
Ladybug40 by LenzFreak, on Flickr

Thanks, I'll have to play with more settings & more light. Does your lens move in & out like all other lenses when you focus? I just thought it weird mine doesn't & since I never had a macro lens I didn't know if that was normal? lol. I know with my 50mm you have to move your feet!! Thanks again

I don't usually take videos, but this little guy was pretty cool.

http://vt.tumblr.com …mz3akfPyER1si7q​sr.mp4#_=_

Here's a photo as well

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16588048
Thanks, I'll have to play with more settings & more light. Does your lens move in & out like all other lenses when you focus? I just thought it weird mine doesn't & since I never had a macro lens I didn't know if that was normal? lol. I know with my 50mm you have to move your feet!! Thanks again

All focusing is internal, as with almost all primes (and some zooms) the lens does not extend when focusing, the 50 1.4 prime is one of the only ones i can think of off the top of my head where front element extends while focusing.

The F stops here wrote in post #16589387
All focusing is internal, as with almost all primes (and some zooms) the lens does not extend when focusing, the 50 1.4 prime is one of the only ones i can think of off the top of my head where front element extends while focusing.

ok- thanks!! I know my 50 1.8 doesn't extend. I just wanted to make sure the lens was ok Hopefully I'll have time this weekend to play with my new lens (with extra lighting!!) Thanks again for the advice

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16588032
Thanks I will have to look into that. I was thinking of the light ring for the end of the lens, because I know you need more light. I'll also try to use a flash Thanks for the advice!! I appreciate it.

If you don't already have off camera triggers then you should try the Yongnuo RF-603 triggers since they are pretty cheap and have worked well for me. That's just an alternative though, you can still go for the macro ring light if you like. No problem ^^

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16589474
ok- thanks!! I know my 50 1.8 doesn't extend. I just wanted to make sure the lens was ok Hopefully I'll have time this weekend to play with my new lens (with extra lighting!!) Thanks again for the advice

No prob, looking forward to seeing what you produce

Dlee13 wrote in post #16589477
If you don't already have off camera triggers then you should try the Yongnuo RF-603 triggers since they are pretty cheap and have worked well for me. That's just an alternative though, you can still go for the macro ring light if you like. No problem ^^

I had a remote trigger but It died so I just got the shutter release with the cable. Thought I might try that one. The wireless one didn't last long at all but it was really cheap! I just looked at the one you recommended & it looks good I'll see how the one works that I just got & if I don't like it the Yongnuo looks good!

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16590615
I had a remote trigger but It died so I just got the shutter release with the cable. Thought I might try that one. The wireless one didn't last long at all but it was really cheap! I just looked at the one you recommended & it looks good I'll see how the one works that I just got & if I don't like it the Yongnuo looks good!

Oh these ones can be used for triggering the shutter as well but their main use is firing flashes off camera. Pocket Wizard do some entry level triggers that are quite good but I'm not sure what model it is.

GREAT news, I got a call from UPS and my lens has arrived so I have to go pick up it. I will hopefully be able to upload later tonight

Dlee13 wrote in post #16592411
Oh these ones can be used for triggering the shutter as well but their main use is firing flashes off camera. Pocket Wizard do some entry level triggers that are quite good but I'm not sure what model it is.

GREAT news, I got a call from UPS and my lens has arrived so I have to go pick up it. I will hopefully be able to upload later tonight

That is great news!! Can't wait to see how your shots come out!!

Jenndragonflys wrote in post #16592495
That is great news!! Can't wait to see how your shots come out!!

I GOT MY LENS

This is one of my first test shots which makes me love this lens so much. I focused on his left eye and shot it at:

ISO 3200
1/50th
f2.8

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