Buying a macro lens

[Markulous]

Just to add my 2p's worth:
I regularly use the Sigma 105mm and 150mm and have used the Canon 100mm. Personally, I prefer the Sigma 105mm (quicker to manual focus - rarely use AF for macro). The Canon is undoubtedly better build but there it's advantage ends; no better IQ, no included hood (I consider important to protect the front element as I walk through undergrowth) and I've never found the whole 'extending or non-extending' thing an issue (just as I find no advantage to the 150mm 'standing off' more than the 105mm - but I might find a 50mm macro obscures too much light).

Oh, and if we're talking zoom or no zoom, let's not forget the Canon MP-E65mm which'll do between 1 x and 5x and a real, true macro as it won't focus to infinity (doomed to spend it's life only taking macros)........ and I've just got one!

With respect to the new 100mm IS, I'd be interested to see how it performs (not seen any definitive shots yet - not that I've really looked, TBH!). Due to trying to stabilise macros it'll only do 2 stops (4 stops as a non-macro) for twice the price!

[flake]

Well if you've bought an MP-e 65mm it won't be long before you start looking for a macro flash. Don't be tempted by the cheaper ringflash type, once you crank the magnification up you really do need to be able to direct the light to the subject. also the large circular relector obstructs you getting near to certain subjects.

If you take a look at the MT - 24EX you'll see that the base of the ring is cut flat, this is to allow you to get close. The heads pivot so they can be pointed at the subject, and they can be moved around the ring to wherever you need them to be.

If you want to use the extremities of the lens, then mirror lock up just isn't enough and you'll also need to invest in a sandbag type weight to damp the vibrations of the shutter.

If and when you do get hold of a macro flash, you really will want to use it more of the time, and I don't think you'll think much of the Sigma at that point as the micro motor struggles to move with the weight of the flash head.

If you're using manual focus most photographers would set it to macro and move to gain focus, and in this method both lenses are the same, but in terms of autofocus speed the Canon wins hands down. No there's no hood, but should you choose to buy one (and it doesn't have to be original) it's two to three times deeper than the Sigma, which is a very shallow one, and you can't use one on either when using a flash.

The there's the resale value should you come to sell the lens. The Canon will hold its value far better than any third party lens, with some selling for nearly as much as they cost new.

If the price of the third party offerings was lower and the difference greater, then they would be much more interesting, but at the moment the extra price of the Canon is more than just worth it, it makes the choice something of a 'no brainer'.

[anglefire]

Markulous,

Well, the 100mm IS macro is on my list - and there are images about POTN has a thread http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=760368 with a few images on it.

And here http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx - Which I know is Flakes favourite site. (Not!)

[flake]

LOL it's not that I don't like it, it's just that it's a bit - coloured, towards Canon and the tests are very subjective, I much prefer photozone who have tested both lenses.

I think that good though the new IS lens is, it's optically no better than the non IS version, but costs nearly twice as much. I'm not convinced from what I've read that IS makes any real difference at macro magnification, and a macro flash more than compensates for any advantage which the IS might give.

You can read the reviews for both lenses on Photozones site, just remember, there's no such thing as a 'perfect' lens

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by flake

Well if you've bought an MP-e 65mm it won't be long before you start looking for a macro flash. Don't be tempted by the cheaper ringflash type, once you crank the magnification up you really do need to be able to direct the light to the subject. also the large circular relector obstructs you getting near to certain subjects.

If you take a look at the MT - 24EX you'll see that the base of the ring is cut flat, this is to allow you to get close. The heads pivot so they can be pointed at the subject, and they can be moved around the ring to wherever you need them to be.

If you want to use the extremities of the lens, then mirror lock up just isn't enough and you'll also need to invest in a sandbag type weight to damp the vibrations of the shutter.

If and when you do get hold of a macro flash, you really will want to use it more of the time, and I don't think you'll think much of the Sigma at that point as the micro motor struggles to move with the weight of the flash head.

If you're using manual focus most photographers would set it to macro and move to gain focus, and in this method both lenses are the same, but in terms of autofocus speed the Canon wins hands down. No there's no hood, but should you choose to buy one (and it doesn't have to be original) it's two to three times deeper than the Sigma, which is a very shallow one, and you can't use one on either when using a flash.

The there's the resale value should you come to sell the lens. The Canon will hold its value far better than any third party lens, with some selling for nearly as much as they cost new.

If the price of the third party offerings was lower and the difference greater, then they would be much more interesting, but at the moment the extra price of the Canon is more than just worth it, it makes the choice something of a 'no brainer'.

Thanks for the tips/info.

I've already got the Sigma 140 DG macro flash (for my Sigma 105mm and 150mm) but am also getting a focus rail - plus going to meet up with someone who's got an MP-e 65mm who takes handheld shots (with a macro flash)! Dislike the use of flash as you need to avoid 'burn' and dark backgrounds, so tend to use it for very light fill only

Very rarely use AF on macro - way faster to use MF (and not faff around trying to get the FP on the right spot!). I also got my Sigma 105mm brand new for less than half price of the Canon and am unlikely to ever sell it - how's that for a 'no brainer'?