please some advice re a macro lens

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 09:14

body cannon 550d.

would love to try some macro photos,I see there are different size macro lenses,is this just to allow one to shoot further away or do they have a different take on the subject.

I only intend to buy 1 macro lens,don't want to spend a fortune but don't mind spending enough to get a lens that will last me.
thanks

Lord-Jaffa · 13 May 2012 at 11:57

100mm macro seems like the winner. Dont even need to get the L version as the non l is superb.

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 12:08

thank you Lord of the Oranges

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 12:12

This little chap was about the size of a 1 pence piece

Taken with 100mm f2.8 Lens, not done any macro for ages, will go and get a few more today to provide examples if you like. The lens is also good for portraits

oh and my sig picture of my dogs nose was take with it as well lol

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 12:15

Salt

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 14:12

thankyou Ard yes i would love to see some more examples,looks good what you've posted
thanks

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 14:13

didn't realise you can take portraits with it

Lord-Jaffa · 13 May 2012 at 14:49

THC_SsSsSnake said:
thank you Lord of the Oranges

Np! I acutally have the L version, but optically the non L is not much different, plus you can pick it up for about £360 via grey import.

Lord-Jaffa · 13 May 2012 at 14:52

THC_SsSsSnake said:
didn't realise you can take portraits with it

Its a fantastic lens, very sharp in non macro as well. I love mine even though Ive only used it a few times (waiting for new body to arrive!).

These are jpgs out of the camera with no PP the very first few pictures I took.

IMG_2027 by Lord-Jaffa, on Flickr

IMG_2026 by Lord-Jaffa, on Flickr

IMG_2014 by Lord-Jaffa, on Flickr

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 15:03

nice ,thanks. would the Hoya close up filter set used with the 55-250mm lens give me some idea of what i can get?

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 15:04

It is a good lens, picture from trip to Chester Zoo

Lord-Jaffa · 13 May 2012 at 15:08

THC_SsSsSnake said:
nice ,thanks. would the Hoya close up filter set used with the 55-250mm lens give me some idea of what i can get?

If you want to see what macro is like just buy some kenko extenders, if you enjoy it buy a proper macro lens! You can even use the extenders on the macro lens for higher than 1:1.

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 15:19

Lord-Jaffa said:
If you want to see what macro is like just buy some kenko extenders, if you enjoy it buy a proper macro lens! You can even use the extenders on the macro lens for higher than 1:1.

Got a set of kenko extenders, work as well as the canon, but a lot cheaper, and it's the same air inside em lol

James J · 13 May 2012 at 15:31

Got the sigma 150mm macro lens (F2.8) and thats probably my sharpest lens. Arguably one of the best macro lenses you can buy is the Canon MP E Macro lens - 65 mm - F/2.8 - EF which gives 5x actual magnification to give some extreme close ups of insects especially. If I was buying again, I'd get one of those.

theheyes · 13 May 2012 at 15:39

Can definitely recommend the Kenko tubes. Probably the most fun per £ I've ever spent on gear. Plus, if you're at an event or something and don't really want to carry another lens but would like a few close ups, they weigh practically nothing and take up little space. You could fit the small one in a shirt pocket.

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 15:44

thanks Guys will check the Kenko's out dont they make coffee?

why is the 65mm macro better than the 100mm James?
thanks

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 15:57

The 100mm gives you a macro of 1:1 whereas the 65mm gives 5:1 so you get 5 times the magnification from the 65mm. It is a dedicated macro lens, will give you excellent close up shots, but you'll probably need a ring light as well to do it justice

ARD · 13 May 2012 at 15:59

This chap uses the 65mm http://www.beautifulbugs.com/

Andy90 · 13 May 2012 at 20:08

The Canon MPE-65 Macro lens is a very specialised lens. I wouldn't recommend it to Macro photographer newbie. I would take a look at this review

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-MP-E-65mm-1-5x-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

As regards Lord-Jaffas post, the non-L Canon EF 100 f/2.8 Macro lens is superb. The L version is Superb with IS

There isn't much between them optically.

THC_SsSsSnake · 13 May 2012 at 20:14

thanks Guys,those pics are amazing of the bugs,scary!!