macro focal length for FF

I was looking to get a 100mm macro, but then I noticed there is also a 180mm macro. So why would you choose one focal length over the other?

Not sure if it's relevant, but I already have a 85mm and 135mm so I was hesitant about getting a 100mm macro.

Apollo.11 wrote in post #10426735
I was looking to get a 100mm macro, but then I noticed there is also a 180mm macro. So why would you choose one focal length over the other?

Not sure if it's relevant, but I already have a 85mm and 135mm so I was hesitant about getting a 100mm macro.

If you want more working distance get the 180mm...otherwise get the 100mm, its better in every way.

100mm L rocks.
BTW, how's that 70-200 mk II?

windpig wrote in post #10426834
100mm L rocks.
BTW, how's that 70-200 mk II?

Yeah, I've really been eyeballing the 100L, but since I've never done macro before, I'm a little hesitant. Plus, I'm not sure what I'd do with the 85 and the 135. Seems I would have too many lenses that are close in focal length. I wouldn't mind getting rid of the 85, but the 135 would be difficult.

I don't have the 70-200 mk II. I passed up on on a smoking deal for one. So now have the mk 1 with a little cash burning a hole in my pocket.

You could go for the Sigma 150mm, it's f/2.8 and has a greater working distance than the 100mm macros. From what I've heard the 180mm macros are much less wieldy and require tripods while 100mm focal lengths are much easier to manage for hand held photography.

lonelyjew wrote in post #10426890
You could go for the Sigma 150mm, it's f/2.8 and has a greater working distance than the 100mm macros. From what I've heard the 180mm macros are much less wieldy and require tripods while 100mm focal lengths are much easier to manage for hand held photography.

but isn't the 150mm on a FF similar to a 100m on a crop? a 100mm on FF would be similar to a 60mm.

I don't understnd why this is relevant ? You're asking about a FF.

And, yes, you are more or less, right.

180mm is an awkward FL for other uses, and it is heavier, so handheld is not very practical.

bohdank wrote in post #10427369
I don't understnd why this is relevant ? You're asking about a FF.

I guess I'm asking because of the comments on the 180 or 150 being an awkward focal length or needing a tripod. Is that still the case if on a FF?

I have a Sigma 150 on a FF. I think the working distance is excellent. 100mm would not work as well for me.

Does it need a tripod. Not necessarily but it is a "fat" and heavy lens so it's not the lens that I turn to when I am shooting people, outside, although it is more than capable of doing that.

When you get into macro/near macro, it is very hard to get sharp images without a tripod. Mostly because you lose a lot of light when focused in that close, and DOF is about nada, so stopping down is usually necessary... which brings you to slow shutter speeds. A tripod is absolutely necessary if you want to do any focus stacking.

My POTN reply on macro working distance vs. price user dilemma:
http://postit.rutgers.​edu …ro%5FWork%5FDis​tance2.pdf
Jack

thanks for the article jack. i found it interesting that you ignore crop factor on small sensors.

i've never done macro, but am interested in learning to take insect photos. what's a good focal length for that?

bohdank wrote in post #10427425
I have a Sigma 150 on a FF. I think the working distance is excellent. 100mm would not work as well for me.

Thanks for the input bohdank. do you have any other pics using 150?

Apollo.11 wrote in post #10428178
thanks for the article jack. i found it interesting that you ignore crop factor on small sensors.

i've never done macro, but am interested in learning to take insect photos. what's a good focal length for that?

Lots of great info https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=123

I have a few that I have put up on my site. Bear in mind, I have barely used it. I do have some portraits I have done with it but I haven't uploaded them, nor will. The IQ is great but the portraits are fairly hohum, imo.

I hope I don't bore anyone with the quantity of images I have linked.