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11/22/2010 03:10:10 PM · #1 |
| what kind of lens do you use for macro? do i need a special lens? extension tubes? |
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11/22/2010 03:13:34 PM · #2 |
| Your 50/1.8 with extension tubes would give good results. A dedicated macro lens is the most flexible option, but at a higher cost. A good macro lens will also typically serve double duty as a very good prime for general use (except where fast AF is required). |
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11/22/2010 03:16:14 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Your 50/1.8 with extension tubes would give good results. A dedicated macro lens is the most flexible option, but at a higher cost. A good macro lens will also typically serve double duty as a very good prime for general use (except where fast AF is required). |
is there a special size tube i would use, ie how does tube size correlate to magnification?
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11/22/2010 03:22:11 PM · #4 |
| It's really hard to beat the 100mm f/2.8 macro, it is one of my most versatile lenses, and perhaps even more fun than the massive 100-400L... |
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11/22/2010 03:22:58 PM · #5 |
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro MF
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L Macro USM
The above are Canon's offerings. The 50mm is out of date and not seen much. The 60mm EF-S is great bang-for-the-buck but only works on cropped sensor cameras (which your current camera is). The 65mm is a wildly-expensive, extreme closeup, manual lens, not what youw ant probably. The 100mm f/2.8 USM is the old standby, a great lens. The 100mm f/2.8L IS is the evolution of that,w itht he latest generation of stabilizing technology, fantastic lens. The 180mm is terrific but large, heavy, and pricy.
We have the 60mm (got it for the 20D, use it on the 7D) and the 100mm L (got it for the 5D, use it as an all-purpose lens, love it.
R.
(Thanks, Doc, for reminding me about the 180)
Message edited by author 2010-11-22 15:47:31. |
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11/22/2010 03:26:54 PM · #6 |
There is a formula that I don't recall for certain to figure out how much closer you can get with an extension tube. The extension tube does not actually change focal length or magnification, but allows you to focus at a closer distance. I think it is the size of the tube divided by focal length. So a 50mm lens with a 32mm tube would allow you to get about 64% closer. The longer the focal length of the lens, the less effect the tube will have.
I have a set of Kenko tubes, which are probably the most popular make. Less expensive than the OEM tubes, and better than the cheap ebay ones. Mine were $165 for a set of 3. They have contacts to pass through the signals to the lens, so they support auto focus and TTL functions. You can get less expensive tubes that have no electrical pass through and are completely manual.
Message edited by author 2010-11-22 15:27:48.
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11/22/2010 03:42:18 PM · #7 |
| Canon Macro lens - 180 mm - F/3.5 - Canon EF |
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11/22/2010 03:47:16 PM · #8 |
Sigma EX Macro lens - 150 mm - F/2.8 - Canon EF
Strong reviews on this one! |
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11/22/2010 04:06:43 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by mike_311:
is there a special size tube i would use, ie how does tube size correlate to magnification? |
With the lens focused at infinity, 50mm of extension will give 1:1. You'll get slightly more with the lens focused at minimum focus distance.
If you do get extension tubes, make sure they have contacts to maintain communication with the lens, or you will lose the ability to set aperture. |
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