Which macro lens?

All - I am in the market for either a 65 or 100mm Canon macro lens. I would use it primarily for flowers, bugs and critters. I have full frame, 1.3 and 1.6 body cameras. While I've read many reviews over and over, the answer eludes me. What should be the deciding factors for picking one over the other. Both are within my budget and this would be my first macro lens. Thanx...


.............old

oldtimingman,
Do you mean the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 or the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x?
If you mean the EF-S 60mm, it won't work on the 1.3 camera. If you mean the MP-E 65mm, its really more a macro specific lens and its starting point is 1:1 It needs to be very close to subject which makes lighting much more complex but is superior if you want strong magnifications.

I suggest you go with the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, its a hidden L lens to my eyes

If you go by this poll on POTN -=TOP TEN=- Which macro lens do you use? the mass majority choose the Canon 100mm f/2.8

I think they will both be useful. I have the MPe-65 and it is built for getting in REALLY close. It will go to 5X lifesize. This brings a host of of other challenges like lighting, support, etc. But don't let that scare you - it is an awesome lens.

The 100mm macro will allow you to be further away from your subjects - great for those more elusive critters that you just can't get with the 65. I do plan on getting one of these too. Macro = fun.

Also consider the MT-24 for lighting (or maybe the ring flash). It will help you tremendously.

Don't over look the Sigma 150mm macro. It gives you more working room and the IQ is excellent. Build is solid , also comes with the hood and tripod collar.

for strictly macro purposes, get the 100mm 2.8.

You can also take a look at the Tokina at-x 100mm Macro has great reviews, Im pretty sure is a EF mount (Full Frame), some one correct me if I'm wrong.
But if I had the money would choose Canon 100 macro

If you want 1:1 to infinity then Canon 100 macro
If you want 5:1 to 1:1 then the MPE 65

IMHO, I would say get the 100 macro first. It offers more working distance to subject (bugs don't always like people right in their face) and is very forgiving since can focus at infinity like any other normal lens.

The MPE starts where the 100mm ends, so it doesn't work like other lenses you are used to.

If its your first macro lens then def the 100mm. Its a superb lens and I'd agree with the above post that its a hidden 'L'. Its simple to use, fun and great quality.

PhatheadWRX wrote in post #8301503
IMHO, I would say get the 100 macro first. It offers more working distance to subject (bugs don't always like people right in their face) and is very forgiving since can focus at infinity like any other normal lens.

What kind of working distance are we talking about? I'm in the market also for a macro, but doesnt have to be top of the line since its for work.

sorry to hijack OP's thread

Sigma 150.

40dbaby wrote in post #8301636
What kind of working distance are we talking about? I'm in the market also for a macro, but doesnt have to be top of the line since its for work.

sorry to hijack OP's thread

The 100's min foucus, where you get 1:1 magnification, is 12 inches from the sensor. Pretty sure the lens is about 6" long so the subject is a few inches infront of the FE

Exactly. All working distances given in specifications are sensor to subject. What counts on real life is subject to hood distance.

oops.......I meant the 60/2.8...


........old

Another vote for the Sigma 105 2.8. My Sigma 105 seems as sharp as the Canon 100 - it's a really great lens.

40dbaby wrote in post #8301636
What kind of working distance are we talking about? I'm in the market also for a macro, but doesnt have to be top of the line since its for work.

sorry to hijack OP's thread

Working distances:
EF 100 F/2.8 Macro: ~14 cm
EF-S F/2.8 60 Macro: 9.4 cm
MP-E 65 F/2.8 Macro: doesn't matter, you're very much closer.

The 100 and 60 both have IF (Intenal Focusing). Because of this they have more WD than traditionally focusing lenses, i.e., the lenses that rack out the optics for focusing when getting closer than infinity. Actually, the EF-S 60 has more WD than any ot the traditional ~ 100 mm 3rd party macro lenses.

A potential disadvantage of IF lenses is that the FL shortens a bit when focusing closer. The EF-S 60 is a 50 mm lens at 1:1, the EF 100 is an 82.5 mm lens at 1:1.

Kind regards, Wim