My First Macro Lens

Im looking at getting my first Macro lens and want to know if this is a good by:

http://www.wexphotogra​phic.com …acro-is-usm-lens/p1033229

Can anyone recommend this lens?

One of the best, in my opinion. Very sharp, nice build, pretty quick focus.

As far as if it's a good buy or not... I don't know the going price on your side of the pond. They're about $950 here.

TheMightyDaff wrote in post #17194978
Im looking at getting my first Macro lens and want to know if this is a good by:

http://www.wexphotogra​phic.com …acro-is-usm-lens/p1033229

Can anyone recommend this lens?

In a word: yes.

It's a stunning macro lens; very sharp, very nice bokeh. AF is reasonably quick. The IS is impressive (you can attempt some handheld close-up work). It also makes a pretty good portrait lens. Build quality is decent. Not much not to like really (though the non-L version is cheaper, and would probably be fine if you plan to only work on a tripod, as it's not that far behind in sharpness).

I think people are reading your question two ways. If by 'a good buy,' you mean 'a good price for this lens,' then I can't answer, because I only know US prices. If you mean, 'is this an inexpensive way to start with macro,' the answer is no. This is a truly superb macro lens. However, you can get excellent results with considerably less expensive lenses, like the canon 100mm non-L.

Whether the difference is worth it depends on what you are going to shoot.

Kind of reminds me of the guy going to a ferrari shop, chosing the next best ferrari and asks if this one is good

great lens, but there are other options that rival its optics for less money. Tamron 90mm 2.8 VC is one.

The price you linked to is about $1116, which seems to be about standard. Amazon USA has it for about $949, so they either lowered the price to something more reasonable or its an automatic rebate

TheMightyDaff wrote in post #17194978
Im looking at getting my first Macro lens and want to know if this is a good by:

http://www.wexphotogra​phic.com …acro-is-usm-lens/p1033229

Can anyone recommend this lens?

Before making a final decision, take a look at the link below, they are used, but the vendor does have an excellent reputation.

http://www.mpbphotogra​phic.co.uk …100mm-f28-l-is-usm-macro/

If your going to use mainly for macro with flash the IS plays no real part, if shooting in damp or dusty conditons the weather sealing may come in handy, if not save some money and get the none L 100mm macro....... Just my opinion.

When I owned the 7D, my absolute favorite lens was the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro. It was super sharp and as good as any L lens in my opinion. Anyone with a crop camera should have the 60mm in their arsenal (imho).

I have the 100mm f/2.8L now with my 5DIII and it is an excellent lens.

BTW As you've linked Wex, I'm assuming you're in the UK. I've bought from HDEW Cameras a couple of times before, always found them to be good, and I've not had any problems registering both bodies and lenses with Canon (even though the gear is definitely imported). I don't have any relationship with them other than having been a customer:

http://www.hdewcameras​.co.uk …8l-macro-is-usm-228-p.asp

what about the sigma 180mm 2.8.it is a little more in cost but longer range?

Chef678 wrote in post #17196356
what about the sigma 180mm 2.8.it is a little more in cost but longer range?

Assuming you've got a set of macro lenses that all go to 1:1 (i.e. a 36mm long object would fill the width of a 36mm wide full frame sensor) then the advantage of a macro lens with a longer focal length is working distance. I.e. you can get the shot without getting as close to your target, which can be useful if you have a nervous subject such as an insect.

The Canon teleconvertors aren't compatible with the 100L macro, but you can use extension tubes to get even closer (for more magnification). I have found that you can use a tube on the lens, then a TC (e.g. the 1.4x) on the body (lens<->tube<->TC<->body) with good results (essentially 140mm f/4). Stopped down (as you often are for macro work) the quality losses caused by the TC don't seem to bite too hard.

TheMightyDaff wrote in post #17194978
Im looking at getting my first Macro lens and want to know if this is a good by:

http://www.wexphotogra​phic.com …acro-is-usm-lens/p1033229

Can anyone recommend this lens?

YES anyone can recommend this lens for the image quality, this lens is considered as a Rolls-Royce or a Ferrari of the Canon macro lens

Reservoir Dog wrote in post #17196418
YES anyone can recommend this lens for the image quality, this lens is considered as a Rolls-Royce or a Ferrari of the Canon macro lens

I agree with you but I think it feels cheap compared to other L lenses........

KILLERCLOWN wrote in post #17196439
I agree with you but I think it feels cheap compared to other L lenses........

To not have a tank super armored body, it feel lighter for me