Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

How about a photo that isn't a macro? I shot this with the 100mm 2.8 IS using the Brenizer Method. I was close enough to the Miata that it more than filled the frame of the viewfinder. Total number of overlapping images was 125. After cropping, about 100 images were used. Focus point was the driver's side headlight. I used custom white balance (one of the first photos I shot), ISO 200, manual for aperture and shutter speed (f/2.8 & 3200th), and turned off autofocus after the initial shot of the headlight.

Why don't I already own this lens?

I do not know , but I love it.

Canon 6d + 100mm F2.8L Macro IS

If I get one of these, how much use can I get out of it without buying extra gear? Like special flashes for macros. I'm assuming the bugs above were not simply sunlit. I'd love to start playing around with some closeup shots.

The 100L macro can be used just like any other lens. No need to buy extras to use it. Do a search for Pringles on this site and you will find many people use a regular flash with simple home made modifiers to use this lens. Even that is not needed to get started but just telling you about it to let you know macro shooting does not need to be expensive.

Of course if you get into it you will soon be looking at extension tubes, focus rails, stacking software....

Ascenta wrote in post #18401224
If I get one of these, how much use can I get out of it without buying extra gear? Like special flashes for macros. I'm assuming the bugs above were not simply sunlit. I'd love to start playing around with some closeup shots.

If you are not that close to the subject, then natural light is often fine. For instance, big bugs like butterflies and dragonflies are good in natural light. Smaller bugs like wasps are often also good that way.

But as you get closer (read: as the magnification increases), problems with light and with camera shake increase. Then you might benefit from flash to increase light and stop motion. Or boost ISO. It's your choice.

And if you opt for flash, then you will want to make a diffuser to soften the light. There are lots of examples on line.

Ascenta wrote in post #18401224
If I get one of these, how much use can I get out of it without buying extra gear? Like special flashes for macros. I'm assuming the bugs above were not simply sunlit. I'd love to start playing around with some closeup shots.

We don't know what equipment you already have. If you have a decent tripod, off camera flash capability, and a reflector, I'd say you're in pretty good shape to start. But even w/o the latter two, you'll get cool images. The EF100 f2.8 makes a pretty fine general purpose short tele lens as well. Try some portraits with it. You'll like it.

Ascenta wrote in post #18401224
If I get one of these, how much use can I get out of it without buying extra gear? Like special flashes for macros. I'm assuming the bugs above were not simply sunlit. I'd love to start playing around with some closeup shots.

All the images below were taken with this lens and non-especial flash.

Possibilities are endless!

EF 100mm f/2.8L, letter-size printout of a cloudy sky as background, black acrylic sheet as surface, off-camera flash:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/j8HX​7R

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/ecsA​FC

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/cjJh​9Y

Thanks for the help! In other words, I don't want to "make a big deal" out of this lens, setting up flashes and doing a bunch of extra stuff. I just want to walk around and shoot...nothing serious, just a "playing around" lens. I know my lack of effort and willingness to buy extra gear will limit my potential, but wanted to see what was possible with simply my 5D4 and this lens. The only flash I have is the EX430II, so maybe some ceiling/wall bounce would be enough?