100mm Macro - Dilemma

Pete Gl

Pete Gl

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Thinking of trying Macro photography and have been reading very good things about the Canon 100 macro 2.8 USM.

My thinking is using it for Macro photography 50% of the time and also having a 100mm prime for the other 50%. (Percentages purely arbitrary, but I think you know what I mean)

But I have this focal length covered by my 24-105 zoom.

Would there be advantages of having this lens for prime use given my last sentence?

I'd love the lens but I'm struggling with myself into blowing £450 ish.

Advice/thoughts very much appreciated.

Pete
 
The 100mm macro is a cracking lens and its a constant f2.8 - You can pick them up used is mint condition for about £350 used
 
its a lovely lens and a great portrait lens because you can focus closer so dont need to crop if you want a close up shot like you would with the 85mm f1.8.
 
It's 2.8 instead of F4, it's sharp at F2.8, decent bokeh, great for portraits . It wouldn't replace your 24-105 though, that's such a versatile lens for so many other, different photo opportunities.

If you wanted to test the water with macro you could try extensions tubes with your 50mm, reverse your 50mm or maybe even one of the raynox adapters.

The canon 100mm is a really nice lens though.
 
I have one and it's absolutely awesome! I got it secondhand for £230 if memory serves, but prices have gone through the roof now! I'm pretty sure it's the sharpest lens I own, and it's great for portraits too. I've got a 70-200 as well, but overlap isn't really an issue, they're different beasts! Same goes for the 24-105.

Chris
 
If you want a new and exciting focal length look no further than the Sigma 150mm Macro
 
If you're not sure whether macro photography is for you or not, and you already have a medium telephoto such as 70-210 or 75-300, then you might consider the Canon 500D close up lens. It simply screws onto the filter thread in front of your lens and gives the maximum magnification at full telephoto. It's an achromat, is very good quality and comes in two or three different filter sizes - if your filter size doesn't match then choose the larger c/u lens and get a step up adapter. You'll lose infinity while the c/u lens is attached but it's easy enough to whip on and off for distance shots. Shooting distance with it attached is about 18" away and you should be able to fill the frame with a medium size butterfly. You control the size of your image with the zoom as well as the (limited) shooting distance range. If your tele lens is image stabilised then you'll have an additional benefit of being able to get away without a tripod.
Don't be tempted by very cheap c/u sets on ebay; they're rubbish, but achromats like the Canon can give very good results. They can be put in a pocket in the bag just in case without adding much weight.
If you decide later that you need to photograph smaller subjects then you can think about getting the macro lens.
Mike.
 
I have the Tokina 100mm macro, and I love it. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Although I only use mine for macro, not as a portrait lens.
 
i have the tamron 90 macro, definatly my best lens buy so far.

well worth a shop visit to try before you buy.

put through literoom to crop

IMG_7577.jpg
 
Thanks everybody for replying, but, the jury's still out.

Pete
 
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