100mm 2.8 Macro or Canon Powershot G9....?

02/28/2008 02:52:59 AM · #1

Well, this might not be comparing apples with apples but I'm trying to make up my mind between Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro (for my 400D) or Canon Powershot G9. What I'm looking for is macro capability under/around 500$. I understand G9 has great macro performance and offers 12 MP resolution. I do not have any doubts about 100mm's performance, but would it be worth investing 500$ just for lens when I can get the whole camera for same price? I rarely will be shooting macros in low light and thus high ISO noise will not be a problem and I get a great carry around camera as bonus.

I don't know if this comparison (or similar) has been discussed but sometimes I feel (for the occasional photography situations like macro or extreme telephoto for me), it might make more sense to take P&S which is good for these situations than to go for new lens considering the weight and even cost might be less than the lens.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Any alternatives in lenses or camera (I'm not brand loyal)? Though I'm looking for macro at the moment, but suggestions are welcome for extreme (400mm+) telephotos also.

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f1.8

02/28/2008 02:58:03 AM · #2

I kinda like your thinking on getting the smaller camera - kill two birds with one stone. Depends on how dedicated to macro you are. If you just want to take macros now and then, I'd go with the smaller camera. I just got the 100mm and it's a gorgeous lens, but I do have problems holding it still enough for macros - really should use a tripod with it. The G9 would be easier to handle in those situations without the need for a tripod. I find my little Sony P&S does a fair job with close ups and it has the added benefit of fitting in my purse.

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

02/28/2008 03:12:27 AM · #3

I do own the 100mm macro and it is a great piece of kit no doubt but i recently tried the sigma 70mm macro.. superb and I used to own a G9 too for about a week, I was not totally impressed with it to be honest, others may beg to differ but the quality was a bit lagging IMHO. I would say, crop body, try the sigma 70mm it's really sharp, the only thing is the front element extends with focussing but does not rotate.

Canon 100mm macro is tried tested and proved to be a sweet lens, if you don't do a lot of macro get the 70mm if you will be getting into macro bigtime go with the 100mm macro.

02/28/2008 03:25:02 AM · #4

Thanks for your inputs MAK and Malethia!

I'm not inclined specifically to G9, but am open to suggestions in any P&S cameras which can actually be replacement for heavy, expensive and large lenses (for occasional "special situation" photography like macro and extreme telephoto). Another benefit of choosing P&S could be that my family members can use it for general photography. Anyway, without being inclined to any option, I want a good debate on this topic :)

Basically I'm looking for more affordable alternates to 100 mm 2.8/180mm 3.5 and 100-400mm IS for myself :)

80% of my photographic needs will still be fulfilled by 50mm 1.4 and 24-105 F4.0 (I love these lenses).

BTW, working distance might be an advantage in long macro lenses and even reproduction ratio might be better BUT I'm saying this without any concrete information for these areas in G9. Two examples, from DPC, on G7 macros (assuming G9 to be same or better)-

Message edited by author 2008-02-28 03:32:24.

02/28/2008 10:32:12 AM · #5

Bump

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

02/28/2008 07:58:28 PM · #6

Shamelessly bumping again...

trevytrev

Canon EOS-5D

02/28/2008 08:12:15 PM · #7

I own both and I would tell you that if the sole purpose is macro then I would go with the canon 100mm. If you are looking for another camera that is smaller and somewhat pocket sized with a good macro ability, then the G9 is a nice camera. The thing about the macro ability on the point & shoots(G9 included) is that the shutter response is nothing compared to the DSLR of canon. The g9 does have one of the quicker shutter responses of any P&S that I've used but it is no comparison to a DSLR. When dealing with moving insects and the such you will be much better served with the canon 100 on a DSLR. I don't know what your needs and wants are but I would recommend the lens over the G9 or any other p&s for that matter, you will not be disappointed.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

02/28/2008 08:29:13 PM · #8

I've heard a lot of good about the G9, though I don't have one. I do have a Canon S5 IS, and it does wonderful for macros. It can focus on an object that is touching the lens. If the G9 is similar in that regard, it will do nicely for you.

ryand

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

02/28/2008 08:31:10 PM · #9

The image quality is going to be a lot better with the 100 Macro and an DSLR over a EVF. I'm lookin to get a 100 macro here in the next few weeks.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

02/28/2008 11:34:59 PM · #10

Thanks everyone for your inputs! Seems like I'm getting inclined towards 100mm now considering another advantage that it will not get obsolete (atleast in near future) whereas G9 might not have long 'working' life (maybe till G12 ;)).

Anyway, inputs are still welcome ....maybe on extreme telephoto end now :)

levyj413

Nikon D7100

02/28/2008 11:43:29 PM · #11

Here's the main thing: the best camera is the one you have with you. I've had plenty of terrific shots with my P&S cameras, usually around my office building with its wonderful architecture. I simply won't haul my D200 to work with me, so I would never have taken those shots.

If you're just trying to get good macro capability, it's probably a tossup. But a solid P&S will be an asset in many ways beyond macro.

efrazier

Sony Alpha a7R

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

02/29/2008 12:03:25 AM · #12

I just bought a G9 2 days ago and I have to say from what I have played with so far it is a superb camera PACKED with all kinds of features. Although I am not into macro photography I have played with the G9 in this regard on photographing a wedding ring, I was quite impressed on how close I could get to the ring and take a picture. Just as someone else noted earlier you can almost touch the lens (~1/2 inch)with your photo subject and still keep crisp focus.

I primarly bought the G9 as a backup to my 30D & various lenses = heavy bag vs. G9 = pocket or small camera bag. As you probably know the G9 has a host of features that mimic in some ways a DSLR (full manual mode, AV, TV, hot shoe..etc.) but can also be used a fully auto P&S.

If your doing/will be doing a ton of macro photography go with the lens, if macro is something you want to play with from time to time go with the sigma lens as someone else suggested, or the G9 for a all around great P&S with DSLR features.

I'm taking the G9 to Montego Bay for a week long vacation tomorrow so I should have more to report/show.

02/29/2008 12:18:47 AM · #13

Macro will not constitute more than 10% of overall photography I will be doing. I mostly use macro for abstracts. As I said, 80% of my photography needs are being fulfilled by my 50mm 1.4 and 24-105 F4 :)

I will wait for your feedback Edward :)

cpurser

Canon EOS-5D