Macro: Canon 100 L IS vs. 60 EFS.

Looking into a macro lens.
While the new 100 L has the all important IS, the Canon Ring Flash does not fit.
For the Macro Junkies, how much do you use a is ring flash as this may steer me in the direction of one of the two macro lenses.
Thanks.

I use one, but only because I have one. I think on the whole the twin macro flash is a better set up, or just a diffused normal flash or two,

I think there're other possibilities that let you use a 100L.

You have 580EXII, so you could buy THIS

I don't have the macro ring flash and I prefer using available light usually. I use multi-deflected flash set up from time to time for table-top shots but that's a minority.

This image was taken with 7D + 100L at 1/25 s handheld. I don't believe I could do this without IS.

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Ring flash isn't necessary. I just use regular flash with some kind of diffuser.

I thought there was an adapter that lets you use the Canon ringflash (or the twin flash) on the 100L, the same as for the 180L.

I have the 100mm IS L and I use a 550EX on-camera with a Sto-Fen diffuser, works perfectly, no need for extra doo-dads or special flash units. Although the twin-head flash is on my list, it's not a necessity.


1/200, f/8, ISO800, 550EX on-camera with Sto-Fen...

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This is pretty much at MFD with the 60 f/2.8 Macro. You are almost touching them with the front element at this point.

This is wide open at ISO 100, at 1/320. Handheld. No cropping. No flash. It's still feels like there's a tiny bit of motion blur, or missed focus due to movement.

If insects are your thing, I think the 100mm is the much better option over the 60.

Another thing to consider is the fact that the 100mm L focuses faster than most macro lenses. I had the Sig 180mm f/3.5 and it was a slug compared to the L.

Oh, the other thing, the 60mm does not have IS, although it does have USM. The AF is decent on the 60mm.

.

I love my 100mm f/2.8L IS...

I need to get a diffuser or something, right now i just bounce my 580eXII off the ceiling...its not really the best solution..

Having owned both, the 100L is the way to go, if you have the money you'll kick yourself if you dont get it

Yes, there is a stepdown/adapter ring from 67-58mm. I have one so I can continue to use my MR-14 for my purposes. I think for insect macro, if you want better lighting, go with the MR-24. Having the ability to provide more directional lighting can improve the look of the image. With the ring flash, you're stuck with uniform illumination (which works fine for my line of work).

Nick5 wrote in post #10948820
Looking into a macro lens.
While the new 100 L has the all important IS, the Canon Ring Flash does not fit.
For the Macro Junkies, how much do you use a is ring flash as this may steer me in the direction of one of the two macro lenses.
Thanks.

Actually it will fit, the MT-24EX that is (don't have the MR14EX - so can't comment), but you have to buy an adapter for the 100 L IS macro. I believe it is the Microlite Adapter 67. I don't use the ring light a lot, but it does work with the adapter and works well, once you learn its in and outs. HTH.

WesternGuy

I have the Canon 100mm 2.8L IS and it is an incredible lens. These pics are taken with this lens, a 7D and the pop up flash without a diffuser: (I have two 430exII and a macro ring led light but I'm not using them as so far the pop up flash is working well for me)

actprivate wrote in post #10951575
I don't believe I could do this without IS.

Dude, I don't think I could do that WITH IS...arachnaphobia-city!