Holy macro, choices, choices-lens help pls

photographz

I've always had an interest in macro, so I'd like to get a setup to shoot some. I have a Rebel XT.

So I think I've settled on the canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. I'm looking to shoot just about anything and everything I can-from bugs (especially butterflies) and flowers to leaves and details in larger scenes that usually get lost in a landscape type photo. I'm wondering if I should also look into an extension tube (if so, suggestions?) for the bugs and butterflies, so as not have to to get to close and have them leave just as I get the focus set.

so really, I guess the questions are-is this the best lens for all around macro using a rebel and should I look for an extension tube (or tubes) and if so, suggestions on which ones?

ziggy53

photographz wrote:

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so really, I guess the questions are-is this the best lens for all around macro using a rebel and should I look for an extension tube (or tubes) and if so, suggestions on which ones?

The Canon EF 100mm, f2.8 USM Macro is a great macro lens. Understand that using extension tubes will move prime focus "closer" to the camera.

If you want to shoot at a greater distance from the subject you could use a longer focal length macro. You can also use a diopter to shift infinity focus. For instance a Canon 500D will shift "any" lens (that it fits on) from infinity focus to a focus distance of 500mm, or about 19.7 inches.

I use a 500D on both the Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L and f4L lenses.

Candid Arts

Extension tubes won't allow you to stay farther away from the subject, but infact do the exact opposite. They actually lessen the minimum focusing distance so you can get closer to the subject.

The 100mm (from what I've heard) is a great lens. I'm actually expecting to get mine in a couple days. I've had the 60mm for about a year and it's great (I just don't like getting that close to bugs). I'm pretty sure the 100 has the same optics for the most part, so I expect great results from it as well.

And remember, the 100mm on your rebel (1.6x crop body camera) will have the affective focal length of a 160mm.

rpcrowe

My macro requirements
This is my macro setup...

Focal length of 90-100mm this provides decent distance between the lens and subject which is better for little creepy crawlies and allows easier lighting. Shorter focal lengths of 50mm and 60mm do not allow enough working room. Longer focal lengths such as 180mm are heavy and I cannot hand hold them very easily.

Decent autofocus and availability of manual focus.

Good Bokeh since much of any macro image is out of focus.

I personally use a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP (not the latest Di model) macro lens and absolutely love it. This was my best buy in photo gear since I got it for $125 USD (shipping included) used on eBay several years ago. The IQ is amazing and it is also a very nice portrait lens due to the focal length, f/2.8 aperture and great creamy bokeh. This model has been replaced by the Di model but, if you can find one at a good price snap it up. It provides IQ equal to my "L" lenses.

However, I am sure that I would be equally as happy with a Canon 100mm macro but, could never have found one at the price I paid for my Tammy.

I use a Siegelite bracket and a Canon 550EX flash with a Lumequest Softbox. This gives great lighting and the cost was minimal. I got my Siegelite for $5.00 at a garage sale years ago and they are often found, used, on eBay for less than $20. The softbox is a left over from my film days but, there are Chinese knock-offs available on eBay for less than $20. The softbox gives lovely lighting, IMO more pleasing than ring lights.

I shoot in aperture priority since I want to keep my f/stop at about f/16 for a combination of depth of field and lack of diffraction problems which sometimes occur at smaller f/stops.

photographz

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll try to find a good deal on the canon. DUH on the tubes-I've been hunting a good tripod combo and I think my brain is going into a meltdown sorting through the zillions of combos out there!

Robinivich

photographz wrote:

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll try to find a good deal on the canon. DUH on the tubes-I've been hunting a good tripod combo and I think my brain is going into a meltdown sorting through the zillions of combos out there!

Happens to the best of us! I'll second all the recommendations here, and add that while I don't believe the canon "tele-extenders" (really teleconverters, and a major possible source of confusion) fit the 100mm macro, if you later find you want more reach, you could also pick up a third party teleconverter (like a kenko or tamron 1.4x, that dont have protruding glass that sticks into the lens) it would give you more reach/magnification, either 1:1 macro at 1.4 times the distance, or 1.4:1 magnification at the normal minimum focus distance.