Will Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Take These?

Alveric wrote in post #16630953
The problem with normal flashguns is the means you have to use to attach them to the camera if you're on the go, which can run the gamut from the creative to the cumbersome and frustrating and effectively ineffective in the field. A ring flash such as this one would make it easier to take photographs of skittish insects whilst allowing you to shoot at lower ISOs for best image quality; not to mention that a ring flash fits comfortably on the lens and, aside from possibly preventing the use of a circular polariser, allows for greater mobility and ease of use.

I dont really agree (not to put your viewpoint down, or imply it is incorrect). All it takes is a bracket and an off camera flash cord. Its not as elegant or streamlined, but its hardly a problem, especially considering the dual head MT-24 that is the bee's knee's for macro.

gnome chompski wrote in post #16631026
I dont really agree (not to put your viewpoint down, or imply it is incorrect). All it takes is a bracket and an off camera flash cord. Its not as elegant or streamlined, but its hardly a problem, especially considering the dual head MT-24 that is the bee's knee's for macro.

I've tried this myself, and I found it rather heavy and unwieldy, especially after slapping a home-made diffuser on the flash head. I actually found mounting the flash/PW combo on a monopod and somehow balancing it or resting it against something (tree, bush, rock or leg) a better solution, though it was definitely far from optimal.

FWIW, you can check these ext. tubes out on ebay: http://www.ebay.com …Tubes&hash=item​4acb4df6f1

I just bought them about a week ago and they seem to be quite good for the money. They are made of plastic but have metal mounts. The fit to my 60D is nice and snug with no binding on all three tubes. They even have a tripod mount on the two largest tubes. Communication between lens & camera works as advertised using one or all three together.

For about $43 not bad at all. As always YMMV.

Most of the shots need a flash. Get the 100mm USM, the 430 exII and if budget allows get a Delta flex bracket, cheap cord, and a DIY diffuser.
If you are determined to get the 100L I wold be the LAST person to discourage you. I sold my 100mm macro USM to buy it. I would never sell it.
But understand that a good flash, and usually a flex bracket and diffuser are also needed. Otherwise the flash is aims directly at the subject and too bright.

This is not my setup, but it references all the parts needed. You can get the Delta flex mount off B&H website.

kin2son wrote in post #16630819
Hey one of the photos you posted is mine (dragonfly in flight)

And yes I only used the 100L lens with no tubes thanks for asking:p

Have a look at this - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …o_Extension_Tub​e_Set.html

That's what's most people use. I have a set but it wasn't required in that shot.

Based on how kin2son replies here, you posted an image/s that were not yours, nor did you get permission. He didn't seem to object, but others might.

If the image is not yours, or you don't get permission from the owner - it is against the rules of this forum to post the picture!

You should link to them instead.

I have the Canon 100mm Macro, and I'm having issues with no IS. About to trade it in for the L series with IS. It seems awkward to put it on tripod and sit in front of a flower, bush, etc and wait for the insect to come by.

Before I owned my EF 100mm L 2.8, I had a Tokina 100mm 2.8 macro: it did not had IS and it was nigh impossible to hand-hold it and get any decent pictures without flash, especially of bugs, but even of static subjects. Tripod was a must, but tripod and bugs don't go well, unless the critters are dead or torpid, or in ambush. So, I used my tax refund to buy the Canon and sold the Tokina afterwards.

Roger70D wrote in post #16637138
I have the Canon 100mm Macro, and I'm having issues with no IS. About to trade it in for the L series with IS. It seems awkward to put it on tripod and sit in front of a flower, bush, etc and wait for the insect to come by.

I agree. I could hand hold the 100 macro USM with a fast shutter speed, but I was limited in the DOF without a tripod.
I used it so often I decided to get the 100L for the IS and it was great. I could hand hold at an even wider aperture as needed. Perfection.

so... the 100L is quite versatile ...and gets to 1:1
and with a full set of tubes (linked above) you can get to 2:1
the 100L can equally be used in non-macro uses - like a long portrait lens - though there have been many-a-thread discussing the shortcomings of that in comparison to other lenses....it can still be done.
the things though that the 100L cannot "do" is have a large working distance (the longer the FL of the macro, the longer the working area - see also Sigma 150 OS macro and canon 180L/sigma 180 2.8 OS) and to get to the higher magnifications (see MPE-65 X1-X5) which you can also see being used in the example you gave with the snowflake.

the benefit also of the extension tubes is that you can take almost any lens and change the minimal focus of it - though you won't get to 1:1. I have seen many examples with the 135 f2 and the 70-200 versions - but most work well with it.

I have to say though - that the macro area is a lot of work to get to the images that you linked. And the additional work on the software side - focus stacking- is additional cost and additional learning curve. It is a fun journey - but a journey nevertheless.

I am sure she'll enjoy the lens!

I know a few people have suggested getting the non L version. I would suggest this as well, at first. I went with the non L to see if I would like taking macro shots. It's a good move to save money and to see if she would like taking macro photos. Then, if she does like it a lot and feels that she needs the IS, then you could always sell the non L to get the L. Both lenses provide superior images. While testing both, I couldn't tell which lens I used for the pictures (technically I did, but couldn't tell a difference between the two, even with pixel peeping).

Snowflakes will definitely need focus stacking and/or the MP-E 65mm. Canadian photographer Don Komarechka has especialised in snow flakes and he's using the MP-E, among other things (such as Canon's 'ring' macro flash); but that's not a lens that I'd recommend to macro beginners. He stacks his shots. A focusing rail will become a necessity with focus stacking..