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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Macro lens for 10D?
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 02/20/2004 02:06:03 AM · #1
I am thinking about getting a macro lens for my 10D, and I know very little about macro lenses. I have had many Canon lenses over the years so I'd prefer to stick with Canon unless there's a very good reason to go with another brand. So, what should I be looking for? Does any lens in particular stand out from the rest? Which macro lens would you buy for a Canon 10D, and why?
 02/20/2004 02:26:16 AM · #2
Obviously the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is a very nice choice if you want to use Canon equipment. I chose the Sigma 105mm EX f/2.8 instead. It was about $80 less than the Canon, and as far as I'm concerned, its as good as the Canon and better in some aspects. The Sigma comes with a lens hood.

Some will tell you that the AF on the Sigma is slower, and that may be true. However, in my personal use of a macro lens, I never use AF. I have also never used the Canon 100mm lens but I think the resulting image quality that I have seen from both lenses is comparable in every aspect. There are quite a few people around here who are using the Sigma and I have not hears ANY complaints about it. I have not heard any complaints about the Canon either.

I hope this short ramble was useful to you in some way :)

02/20/2004 02:42:17 AM · #3
First, we need to know want you intend to shoot and what your budget is like.

There are four "classes" of macro lenses that we're looking at here:

i) the 50mm range
- e.g. Canon 50mm, Sigma 50mm
- Cheap, light, portable but short working distance and limited magnification (at least on the Canon model). Good for maybe static objects, or if you intend to stack extension tubes for very high magnification.

ii) the 100mm range
- e.g. Canon 100mm, Sigma 105mm, Tamron 90mm
- A compromise between price and working distance. Decent working distance (around 0.29m is normal).

iii) the 180mm range
- e.g. Canon 180mm, Sigma 180mm, Tamron 180mm
- Magnification stays the same as the 100mm range lenses, but gives you a bit more working distance (about 0.5m, I think) which is good for shy insects.
- Quite pricey

iv) the specialised lenses
- e.g. Canon MP-E 65mm --> highly specialised, cannot shoot anything greater than 10cm away, for very high magnifications from 1:1 to 5:1

So... have a look and think about what you need first.

:)atwl
P.S. I have the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 macro, which according to some tests is actually sharper than the Canon's ;-)

Message edited by author 2004-02-20 02:44:49.
 02/20/2004 04:02:59 AM · #4
Originally posted by Adrian Tung:
P.S. I have the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 macro, which according to some tests is actually sharper than the Canon's ;-)


What made you decide to purchase the Tamron instead of the other options?
 02/20/2004 04:09:50 AM · #5
It was mainly price and this article, although it's availability in my area (as compared to the Canon and Sigma) also played a part.

:)atwl
 02/20/2004 06:49:08 AM · #6
I have the Tamron 90mm F2.8 also and Im very happy with it.

Canon vs Tamron Macro

Message edited by author 2004-02-20 06:54:25.
 02/20/2004 07:20:53 AM · #7
Originally posted by scab-lab:
I have the Tamron 90mm F2.8 also and Im very happy with it.


What he said, although the autofocus is loud and slow...so if you're going to depend on quick AF, I'd avoid the Tamron at all costs. When shooting macros, I don't use AF, I just move back and forth till I'm in focus. :)

I purchased mine used (Bargain condition) from KEH.com.

Message edited by author 2004-02-20 07:29:58.
 02/20/2004 08:14:47 AM · #8
Canon 180 rocks :-) best macro I seen for quality.
Canon 100 2nd
Tamron 90 3rd
Sigma 105 4th

And thats hard to say as I love to use either Canon L or Sigma EX. Incidently the 180 is an L :-)
 02/20/2004 10:20:27 AM · #9
Originally posted by micknewton:
I am thinking about getting a macro lens for my 10D, and I know very little about macro lenses. I have had many Canon lenses over the years so I'd prefer to stick with Canon unless there's a very good reason to go with another brand. So, what should I be looking for? Does any lens in particular stand out from the rest? Which macro lens would you buy for a Canon 10D, and why?


Myself I bought the Canon 100 2.8 macro. It allows fairly close up shots, (ie can be quite close to an object and have it in focus) plus it is a nice lens for doing general shooting if you like a bit of a telephoto. (which I do). Very clean and crisp lens.
 02/20/2004 11:19:20 AM · #10
If money is no object get the 180mm L canon. I have the canon 100mm and love it. the canon lenses seem to eliminate flare.(the L lenses anyway) I like to put the sun in the photo sometimes for the effect of flares but the L lenses just wont do.(I break out a sigma for those shots now) However, why would you worry about getting flare in a macro shot? Lots of people love the sigmas, and produce great shots.

what is AF? OHHH I get it. Its when you hold a camera and your hand automatically focuses it?

;)
 02/20/2004 11:27:59 AM · #11
I like the 100mm macro as a great macro lens and also a pretty good single person portrait lens. I'd guess the 180mm L macro is fantastic too but a bit more specialised ? Though it'll make a good medium telephoto. Working distance is certainly an important consideration if you are wanting to do much bug macro photography. the butterfly stuff that I do is made quite challenging with the 100mm. I think the 50mm would be close to impossible to get good results - certainly much harder.

I find you can get flare with the L lenses if you try, though maybe the UV filter is to blame in this case.
70-200F4L



Message edited by author 2004-02-20 11:31:48.
 02/20/2004 01:50:35 PM · #12
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I hope this short ramble was useful to you in some way :)


Absolutely!

BTW, I crack up every time I read your tagline.

02/20/2004 06:07:43 PM · #13
Originally posted by Adrian Tung:
First, we need to know want you intend to shoot and what your budget is like.

I̢۪ll probably be shooting lots of insects since we have an abundance of them here in Oregon. My wife hates spiders so those are definitely on the menu. Flowers, small plants, etc.

I̢۪ve thought about the MP-E 65 because I like the idea of being able to go to 5:1, but I̢۪ve heard that they̢۪re difficult to use and require a MR-14EX ring lite or MT-24EX twin lite flash, both of which are pretty expensive themselves. And, of course you̢۪re limited to getting really close. If I go this route I̢۪ll try my 550EX on an extension cord.

I̢۪m also considering the Canon 180mm f/3.5L. I can afford it, but I don̢۪t know if it̢۪s really worth the price. I̢۪ve read good and bad about this lens. People seem to either love it or hate it. Most of the complaints have to do with slow AF or the weight. But, I hear that AF isn't important for macro work, and I don̢۪t mind heavy lenses because it usually means they̢۪re well built.

I̢۪m not dead-set on any particular lens yet, although I̢۪m leaning towards either the Canon 180mm or the Canon 100mm. I̢۪ve only got one lens right now, the Canon 35-350L. All the L lenses that I̢۪ve had over the years have been good. Very expensive and very good. But I haven̢۪t talked myself into anything yet.

I appreciate your input. Thanks!
 02/20/2004 07:42:40 PM · #14
I got the Canon 100 2/8. One thing I like about it is that it's 'fixed' length. The actual size of the lens does not change with the focus, which I personally appreciate.
I have heard good from both lens as well. I think somehow it's a matter of personnal taste, not really resulting quality or performance for both.
Lionel
02/20/2004 07:57:44 PM · #15
I dont think the MP-E 65 really compares. It would be a great addition to any of the other lenses. But figure on getting a rail to help focus it.

Niten's rule 1 for outdoor photography(non sports): Never use autofocus
so dont even consider speed of auto focus.
 02/20/2004 08:20:17 PM · #16
This site has some good info on Canon equipment and lens choices photonotes site worth a look if you haven't already.
Specifically this article may be of interestlenses article

Message edited by author 2004-02-20 20:23:22.
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