Macro lens opinions

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clariasync

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Zak
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Hi all,

I've joined TP hoping to learn a bit more about macro photography.

I've been offered the Canon 100USM macro and the Sigma 180mm lenses by a friend of a friend.

Both seem reasonably priced and within my price range.

Which is the best to go for?

Thanks

Zak
 
The Canon 100mm would probably be the best to start with as the sigma is a heavy lens at 960g which you may find difficult to hand hold , against the Canon at 600g
 
I'd say the Canon 100mm USM would be a better bet - it's a great lens, very sharp and easy to use.
 
I don't know anything about either of these lenses, I myself use a Canon 50mm f2.5 and Sigma 150mm f2.8 but generally...

I'd recommend the longest lens possible to give an increased working distance. I'd also recommend choosing a lens with USM/HSM with full time manual focus override if at all possible as although manual focus is almost certainly best for macro I find that being able to use auto focus to get somewhere near and then tweaking it using manual override is a great help.
 
I use a Sigma 180mm most of the time as I like the increased working distance when taking pics or reptiles who often attack there reflection on the lens ...but there heavy and hard to hold steady free hand...I also have a Sigma 105mm thats a great all rounder...If you dont need the working distance go for the 105mm Sigma or a Tamron SP90 ..Both cracking all round macro lenses...
 
For general macro (flowers etc.) I'd say get the 100mm.
If you plan to photograph skittish insects though, the 180 has a clear advantage. But to handhold the 180 you'll need very good hand-holding technique, it's really more suitable for tripod work.

The 100 is lighter, faster (f/2.8 vs f/3.5), probably faster focussing, smaller, and a better length for doubling as a portrait lens.

Personally I like my sigma 150mm. It's a nice compromise, not as large and heavy as the 180mm, but longer working distance than the 100mm.
 
I agree. It's a bit of no brainer really. If you're a bug hunter you don't want a tripod, so a lighter lens with a necessarily shorter focal length. Of course with bugs it is nice to be able to put some distance between you and the subject, so a longer lens would be better, but this is going to be heavier and need a tripod. If you're going to handhold the bigger lens you will need a faster shutter speed which will mean wider apertures and less depth of field.

So the Canon 100mm wins.

If you're not after bugs then buy what you like and stick it on a tripod.
 
I've managed to get hold of both for this weekend, so I'm hoping to do some side by side shots.

I'll let you know which I go with!
 
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