Tripod mount ring for 100mm macro

I own the 100mm macro and was considering purchasing the tripod mount ring for it. It's a bit pricey so I started looking at the knock offs on ebay. Does anyone have any experience with the 3rd party mount rings off ebay? Are they any good, other than the price?

I have the combo you are asking about. I find the tripod collar is really not needed so I'm glad it's a cheap one. However, it seems to be nicely made and as useable as Canon's.

The 100 has a ring? Wow...so small though.

Wow, you mean it didn't come with the lens !

_aravena wrote in post #7738803
The 100 has a ring? Wow...so small though.

Yep, it does. and its like $60-80

Forget the ring and buy a focusing rail far more useful for macro work as you don't have to touch the camera or lens when close focusing.

I use the bottom one with great results.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Macro_Focusing_​Rails.html

cookie99 wrote in post #7739982
Forget the ring and buy a focusing rail far more useful for macro work as you don't have to touch the camera or lens when close focusing.

I use the bottom one with great results.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Macro_Focusing_​Rails.html

Thanks for the tip, I just ordered that same one at the bottom.

Don't buy either! Just hand hold everything! I've never used a tripod for any macro shots, and never will!

ErnieT wrote in post #7747025
Don't buy either! Just hand hold everything! I've never used a tripod for any macro shots, and never will!

Post images.

ErnieT wrote in post #7747025
Don't buy either! Just hand hold everything! I've never used a tripod for any macro shots, and never will!

I think that using a macro rail or tripod in a controlled environment can only be beneficial to me. Simply put, it can only eliminate risk of camera shake and mirror vibration using mirror lock up so I can't see why I would not want to use these accessories.

If using a tripod you can't beat a focusing rail. I used one in my film days.

The tripod ring comes in handy for keeping it all in balance once you start adding on extention tubes and flash. The rail is a great focusing aid especially when using the tubes. Get both.

I've bought two of the knock-offs, though not for that lens. I bought one for the 70-200/2.8, which is a lens I don't own, but it perfectly fits the Zeiss Jena Sonnar 300/4 in my collection. I also bought one for my 70-200/4L. Both seem to be well made and match the Canon lenses very closely.

Canon's prices for these are outrageous, and the market is giving them some competition.

Rick "who refuses to pay over $100 for a freaking tripod ring" Denney

carloman wrote in post #7748326
I think that using a macro rail or tripod in a controlled environment can only be beneficial to me. Simply put, it can only eliminate risk of camera shake and mirror vibration using mirror lock up so I can't see why I would not want to use these accessories.

I agree. In a controlled environment, tripod, focus rail, MLU, cable release and lens tripod collar are essential and I use this configuration for stationary subjects.

There are those who do not agree about the lens tripod collar, but it sure makes rotating the camera plane easier. But, be aware that the collar for the 100 macro may not allow 360 degree movement on most camera bodies.

If shooting insects that move at the slightest notion, free hand with flash designed for macro usage is the only way to go IMHO. The brief duration of the flash stops camera and subject movement. With patient bugs, I've found this method usable up to 3x life size.