180mm 3.5L, 100m 2.8L, or Sigma 180 2.8?

Which should I get? Haven't heard much of anything in terms of good or bad for either of the 180's, but have heard pretty much nothing but good things about the 100. I mostly macro shots of spiders, flies, bees... literally any sort of bug actually :]

I would use this review as place to start. There are different considerations for comparing a lens in the 100mm range to a lens in the 150mm-180mm range. For a review that compares the Sigma to the Canon, see this review. BTW, the Sigma is a 150mm, not 180mm.

ed57gmc wrote in post #15964230
I would use this review as place to start. There are different considerations for comparing a lens in the 100mm range to a lens in the 150mm-180mm range. For a review that compares the Sigma to the Canon, see this review. BTW, the Sigma is a 150mm, not 180mm.

I'll take a look at the reviews, thanks! And here's a link to the sigma 180
http://m.bhphotovideo.​com/mobile/detail?R=83​7868_REG&

All are great but what about the 150mm? I use mine almost always with a 1.4x extender on....mostly on tripod for my natural light macro: http://orionmystery.bl​ogspot.com …g-with-natural-light.html

You should also consider the 100mm classic, depends how much you think the IS will help you. I find most problems are down to subject movement which the IS will not help with.

Its a bit old now but you might want to look at my macro kit page http://www.zen20934.ze​n.co.uk …raphy/Macro_Equ​ipment.htm.

I haven't used any but the 100mm 2.8L. I shoot hand-held with IS at least 95% of the time. Usually with a flash (even in bright daylight), especially if I'm using extension tubes. I couldn't be happier with this lens.

That being said, I'd take anything that Kurt says as gospel. We all have our own ways of doing things, but he's a master at this bug stuff.

Maybe Brian (LordV) will chime in. He's full of great info as well.

Get Sigma 180mm f2,8 OS. I bought it couple of months ago and I like it. Canon 180mm is quite old design, no OS/IS and it has f3,5. Sigma is also cheaper.

I've got 100mm IS macro and Sigma is more nice to use for insects since they fly/run away if something comes too close. Sigma comes with APC-S hood extender that is quite useful hood itself if you want to use short hood to get longer working distance.