Hi,
I am abit confused wrt which macro would be optimal for the 7D?
The 100mm f2.8 IS USM seems to be the lens of choice?
Please advise.
Thanks
Tony
General_T Senior Member 252 posts Joined Aug 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario More info | Sep 07, 2011 14:18 | #1 Hi, Canon 5D Mk III | 24-105 F4 L IS USM | 100 F2.8 L Macro IS USM | 70-200 MK II F2.8 L IS USM|580 EX II
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rick_reno Cream of the Crop 44,642 posts Likes: 134 Joined Dec 2010 More info | Sep 07, 2011 14:50 | #2 i've got a 7d and have used the 60mm and both 100's on it. i sold the 60, it had great IQ but required me to get in really close to get a shot. In the 100's, I can't detect any IQ difference in the L vs non-L. The L version feels better, more solid. I've stopped using the non-L 100, the 100L is so good I have no reason to use it. If you like IS - and it can be useful in macro - get the L. If you don't need/want it, go for the non-L and save some money. They're all very good.
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amfoto1 Cream of the Crop 10,251 posts Likes: 84 Joined Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, California More info | Sep 07, 2011 15:04 | #3 I'm happy with the 100/2.8 USM... The now-discontinued model prior to the L/IS version. I don't plan to upgrade any time soon.  EF 100mm f2.8 USM macro lens at f11. EOS 30D at ISO ISO 200, 1/200 shutter speed. 550EX Speedlite and Off Camera Shoe Cord. Handheld. The 7D has a unique focus-related feature for macro... At close focusing distance, AI Servo will updated four times as often as it does normally, at non-macro distances. AFAIK, this only works with lenses it recognizes, that includes the two 100mm (current L & prior USM model), EF-S 60mm f2.8 and 180/3.5L. This unique 7D feature gives sort of an image stabilizing effect, except that it even works with slight subject movement (which regular IS can't). I usually use manual focus to shoot macro, but will be experimenting with this. Won't work with non-Canon lenses... But I have to say I'm impressed with the images I've seen taken with the Tamron 60mm f2 lens... It's larger aperture also would be nice to use it for portraits, among other things. There actually are quite a few really good macro lenses... It's hard to go wrong with Tokina 35mm; Canon, Zeiss or Sigma 50mm; Canon or Tamron 60mm; Sigma 70mm; Tamron 90mm; Canon, Zeiss or Tokina 100mm; Sigma 105mm; Sigma 150mm; Tamron or Canon 180mm... and probably some others I'm forgetting. On a crop camera, I recommend around 90 to 105mm as the most generally versatile, especially for outdoor, handheld shooting. The Canon 100s have the combined advantages of: - Faster, more accurate USM (some Sigma have similar HSM) - Focus limiter - Internal Focus (IF) design - Optional tripod mounting ring - Compatibility with Canon Twinlite & Ringlite mounting system - Takes advantage of that special 7D macro focus mode. The newer Canon adds: - Hybrid Image Stabilization (don't expect a whole lot of help at high magnifications, maybe a stop's worth... but will be nicely effective using the lens at non-macro distances, probably three or more stop's worth) Canon also offers the MP-E 65mm.... That's a manual focus only, ultra high magnification lens. It starts at 1:1 (lifesize) and goes to 1:1, and can't focus anywhere near infinity. This is a range that was typically covered by macro bellows in vintage, manual focus film systems. With modern electronically controlled lenses, a bellows isn't very practical, so the MP-E serves the purpose. It's a fairly specialized lens. I'd suggest one of the less specialized lenses to start with. All except the Canon 50/2.5 Compact Macro can do 1:1 on their own. The Compact Macro shoots 1:2 (half life size) on it's own needs a 1:1 converter attached to get to the higher magnification. Any of the lenses can be combined with Macro Extension Tubes for higher magnification. Since longer focal lengths need greater extension to increase magnification the same amount, Extension Tubes are more effective on shorter focal lengths. All the above listed lenses will work fine on a crop camera such as the 7D. Some of them are EF-S or crop only, so can't be used on full frame, film or 1D series cameras. edit: Experienced macro shooters might choose various focal lengths for their own reasons (personally I use 45mm TS-E, 90mm Tamron, Canon 100mm and 180mm... and have others in different camera systems). The reason I generally recommend 90mm to 105mm range to most people who are relatively new to shooting macro is because they give reasonably good working distance and are fairly hand holdable. Shorter lenses put you pretty close to the subject. This can be good in some situations, but for most outdoor usage too close to living critters risks scaring them away, or you getting stung or bitten... or you might cast an unwanted shadow on the more sedate subject. Longer lenses at macro magnifications render a very shallow depth of field, making it necessary to stop the lens down more. Already harder to hand hold, longer focal lengths will be even more difficult to keep steady due to lower shutter speeds that you end up using. So you are more likely to want to use a tripod. Ever notice that all 150 to 180mm macro lenses come with a tripod mounting ring? Alan Myers
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coirchlid Senior Member  384 posts Likes: 2 Joined Aug 2010 Location: O'ahu, Hawaii More info | Sep 07, 2011 15:14 | #4 I got the 100L because weather sealing and IS are important (IS really is worth the extra $500). Its a very versatille and high-quality lens. If not, than the 100 nonL macro would do, or if you want a more specialized macro lens and have more money get the 180L (also not weather wealed). 60mm seems to short for me. Bottom line: I think the 100L is the best macro for the 7D. Its the only one I have experience with, but I have no reason to cosider the others and am fully content with my 100L for what it is. -Matt G
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pitabread Senior Member  834 posts Joined Nov 2005 Location: Great White North More info | Sep 07, 2011 15:38 | #5 I chose the 100mm f/2.8L IS and have no regrets. If you have the cash, imho it's the lens to get. Bodies: EOS 7D, Rebel XT/350D
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Sep 07, 2011 17:31 | #6 Hi, Canon 5D Mk III | 24-105 F4 L IS USM | 100 F2.8 L Macro IS USM | 70-200 MK II F2.8 L IS USM|580 EX II
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Sep 07, 2011 17:32 | #7 Hi, Canon 5D Mk III | 24-105 F4 L IS USM | 100 F2.8 L Macro IS USM | 70-200 MK II F2.8 L IS USM|580 EX II
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Sep 07, 2011 17:32 | #8 On a side note - how do you delete one of these double posts? Canon 5D Mk III | 24-105 F4 L IS USM | 100 F2.8 L Macro IS USM | 70-200 MK II F2.8 L IS USM|580 EX II
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stover98074 Senior Member  421 posts Likes: 2 Joined Apr 2010 More info | Sep 07, 2011 17:35 | #9 You can use manual focus tubes and macro lenses for under $125. A lot of macro is manual focus so you will only be slowed down with the manual selection of the aperture. Canon XSI, Asahi Pentax Auto Bellows, 50 Fujinon EP, 80 El Nikkor, 105 El Nikkor, 135 Fujinon EP
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lungdoc Goldmember  2,101 posts Likes: 1 Joined May 2006 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Canada More info | Sep 07, 2011 17:45 | #10 The non-IS 100mm is probably the best value, especially used as they rarely get heavy use, lots of people just try macro and don't use them much. If you check out the macro forum most of the guys use flash for macro to allow bigger depth of field with smaller apertures; usually with a bracket and off camera cord (7D could use the wireless capability I suspect tho might be in too tight). As such the value of IS for the macro shots may not be as great as you'd think. All the lenses are killer sharp so I think those differences will be minimal. Mark
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Sep 07, 2011 18:02 | #11 Nobody asked you what you want to shoot.  But for indoor tripod work with flowers, I actually find the shorter working distance of the 60 handier a lot of the time and use it more than the 100 for that purpose. E.g., this was with the 60 and a tube, though I don't recall how long a tube (several images stacked for more DOF):  If you think you are going to do both kinds of work, I would go with one of the 100mm lenses. Check out my photos at http://dkoretz.smugmug.com
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Sep 07, 2011 18:08 | #12 I debated a lot between the Canon 100 L and non-L. Finally went for the non-L and have had no regrets about my decision. The focus of the non-L is a tad slower I hear between the two. ____O
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KenjiS "Holy crap its long!"  More info | Sep 07, 2011 18:18 | #13 For me it would be, with price as no object, between the Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS and the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 OS Gear, New and Old! RAW Club Member
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pitabread Senior Member 834 posts Joined Nov 2005 Location: Great White North More info | Sep 07, 2011 18:22 | #14 General_T wrote in post #13066254  The 100L f2.8 IS it is - once the funds are avail that is!! Be prepared to start saving for a Flash as well. Bodies: EOS 7D, Rebel XT/350D
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lungdoc Goldmember 2,101 posts Likes: 1 Joined May 2006 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Canada More info | Sep 07, 2011 18:25 | #15 Who says price is no object? Isn't it almost always...esp when the OP says 'when funds are available'. Don't get me wrong, I am sure the L is a superb lens. I just think the amount of "gain per dollar" for many users will be very small and the funds often better used elsewhere. Mark
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