Do you use 100L Macro for portraits ?

Got 100L Macro couple of months back. Tried macro photography, but haven't had much luck and effort to learn macro. I just use 100L more for portraits on my 5D Mk II these days. I can say this lens is amazingly sharp edge to edge for portraits and bokeh is just amazing wide open. I guess I need extension tubes to get real close macro shots, the ones I like on sample pictures thread for this lens.

Now the dilemma is to keep it or get something like 100 f/2 or 85mm f/1.8 for portraits. Anybody use this lens more for portraits than for macro ? I know it's designed for macro and focus is slow compared to 85 f/1.8, but still usable from 0.5m to infinity. Still a worthy prime with amazing IS in my opinion.

Some of my favorite portraits I have ever taken are with my Sigma 105 macro.

If it works. Use it.

I use mine for portraits more than I use it for macro. It is a really nice multipurpose lens.

Grand_gator wrote in post #14868966
I use mine for portraits more than I use it for macro. It is a really nice multipurpose lens.

+1

i actually find that this lens is quite fast at focusing when not doing macro work.

I don't use it for portrait. I have better lens for that.

OP your f4IS can produce better portrait than the 100L anyway...I would use that if I'm you.

In a pinch, I will use mine for portraits and it does a good job. However I much prefer my 100mm f/2 in that focal length for portraits. When I need something longer, I go to the 135mm f2.

I have used it [well non-L actually] for protraits & yes it gives a good result.

Certainly sharp enough & with a bit of thinking can get nice looking blur from it too for head shots/tight crops. I sometimes find the f/1.4 of the 50mm or f/1.8 of the 85mm TOO shallow a DOF.

Only when the portrait situation comes unexpectedly, in which case I use it without hesitation, otherwise it's the 135L.

I use the non-L lens for portraits and really like it, since it's the longest prime in my bag. I'd just as readily use the L version for the same.

Does anybody use extension tubes with 100L macro lens ? I am interested in buying macro tubes.

Umm interesting understanding usage of 100L Macro. I am so spoilt with IS, that it is indeed very useful. I am going to keep it using as a prime and get some extension tubes for real close up macro shots, the kind of ones I like to take and see. Also 100mm focal length is somewhat in middle of 85 and 135, so it's pretty good one as well. Agree it's not between f/1.2 and f/2.0, IS definitely helps.

These days I use it more for portraiture than macro

I use mine for macro, portrait, reach, etc. Its a great lens for all.

ateet wrote in post #14870135
Does anybody use extension tubes with 100L macro lens ? I am interested in buying macro tubes.

Umm interesting understanding usage of 100L Macro. I am so spoilt with IS, that it is indeed very useful. I am going to keep it using as a prime and get some extension tubes for real close up macro shots, the kind of ones I like to take and see. Also 100mm focal length is somewhat in middle of 85 and 135, so it's pretty good one as well. Agree it's not between f/1.2 and f/2.0, IS definitely helps.

Check this out

http://markusjaisphoto​.com …-usm-with-a-14x-extender/

Now I may need to get a set too

I went to a butterfly place around here to practice my macro shots. This specific place has "photographers only" hours. Its great because there are no kids, just adults with their gear.
Got some great shots, and practiced using my lens and 430exii together for macro.

Id say go out, practice makes perfect.

It is nice for that! I seem to use my 85 1.8 more though on my 5DII. However, the 100L Macro is laser sharp and it is nice having image stabilization on a prime. I need to use this lens more really