Life size converter for the 50mm macro lens

I just ordered the 50mm macro lens from B&H, (should be arriving today). B&H recommends buying the life size converter but I'm a little mixed up in regards to the purpose of it. Is it more like a teleconverter or do you need the converter to get normal use out of the lens?

It allow you to take 1:1 macro shots. The Compact Macro is limited to 1:2 (half-size) shots without it.

Even though Canon says that it only works with the 50mm, it works will ALL ef & ef-s lenses. You use in manual focus mode, but the results are outstanding. I use it on my 100mm macro and it's awesome. I even use it on my Sigma zoom lenses and it works just as well. It's a much more versatile tool than Canon literature would lead you to believe. Here are a couple of posts:

http://forums.steves-digicams.com …-all-ef-mount-lenses.html

On the following thread, scroll on down to the second post, towards the end, there is good info there.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=41922

You don't need that expensive converter. For most macro shots, 1:2 will do just fine. When I need closer focus on mine, I simply use an extention tube. I would wait till you get the chance to use the lens. You can then judge if you need to get closer than 1:2 allows. At that point you can make a decsion on tubes or the converter.

nightcat wrote in post #12719006
You don't need that expensive converter. For most macro shots, 1:2 will do just fine. When I need closer focus on mine, I simply use an extention tube. I would wait till you get the chance to use the lens. You can then judge if you need to get closer than 1:2 allows. At that point you can make a decsion on tubes or the converter.

I don't have experience with the 50mm lens per say, but I have found the converter to be a very useful tool to have in my bag, but I didn't pay Canon's list price for it either. I got it brand new on ebay for $160 total. It's worth every penny to me at that price because it's so versatile, but that may not be the case for someone else.

PS: if you look to buy it used or on ebay, be careful that someone isn't really selling you the life-size adapter, which is basically a glorified extension tube. Here is a link for a life-size converter listed on ebay now here in the US:

http://cgi.ebay.com …enses&hash=item​415b5ed16d

Whether or not you need better than 1:2 depends on what you shoot.

1:2 isn't true macro, and when I'm shooting very small critters such as ants or small jumping spiders I need even more magification than 1:1.

From what I've read, the Life Size Converter works well, but adds more glass (potential IQ loss) and may cost you some light (probably 1 f-stop), and it's expensive. It's basically a 1.4X teleconverter with 8.3mm of extension.

Kenko tubes are cheaper, have no glass, but also cost light, and you'll have to get closer to your subject. But you have the option of using one, two, or all three tubes, giving you a bit of an option on amount of magnification you want.

If you're set on the LSC, I just checked the price on B&H and it's $279.95.

In this rare case, going to the Canon site can maybe save you some $. Looks like the price is $231.99 ONLY UNTIL 9 JULY:http://shop.usa.canon.​com …uct_10051_10051​_172381_-1

Hope this helps

The 50mm macro + life size converter costs as much or more than the 60mm f2.8 USM or 100mm f2.8 USM, though. So I don't really consider it a great solution for 1:1. I would say if you are happy with 1:2 (which unless you shoot bugs, you probably will be) keep the 50mm. If you need 1:1, send it back and order the Canon or Tamron 60mm macro or the Sigma 50mm - all of which do 1:1 without an adapter.