Advice for using my new macro lens

bchaplin

Hi,

I just purchased a Canon 100mm macro lens for my new xTi camera. I had lots of fun playing around with it when I visited Maryland (where, unlike Boston, there are actually some living plants and animals outdoors!).

But here's a picture of a tiny bug I found sitting on some lamb's ears in the garden. My question - is this as much of a close-up as I should expect with this lens? Are there settings I should change, or do I need to add extension tubes to get the amazing close-ups I've seen displayed in this forum?

Thanks!

Lord Vetinari

I severely doubt that shot it is at minimum focus (max magnification). The FOV should only be 22.5mm wide at max magnification. Try winding the focus down to the minimum value and then focus by moving the camera towards a subject such as a coin (best done with manual focus). The focus point will only be about 5" in front of the lens.
Brian V.

WilliamClark77

The 100/2.8 will focus much closer. Look on the side of the lens and make sure the focus range limiter is on .31 and not .48. You use the limited .48 range when shooting farther away to keep it from taking forever to focus by hunting through macro range hen it's not needed.

bchaplin

Thank you for both comments - that helps a lot. This stuff is all very new to me and I'm still learning every time I pick up the camera!

WilliamClark77

If that doesn't get ya going good enough ask more. I have the xti and 100/2.8 also. It's a great macro combo.

Skippy

bchaplin wrote:

Hi,

I just purchased a Canon 100mm macro lens for my new xTi camera. I had lots of fun playing around with it when I visited Maryland (where, unlike Boston, there are actually some living plants and animals outdoors!).

But here's a picture of a tiny bug I found sitting on some lamb's ears in the garden. My question - is this as much of a close-up as I should expect with this lens? Are there settings I should change, or do I need to add extension tubes to get the amazing close-ups I've seen displayed in this forum?

Thanks!

I see you've had some good advice already.
I too have the Canon 100mm Macro and it is one sweet piece of glass.
Once you get used to using it, you will be amazed at the how close you can get, and just how sharp this lens is

I'd learn to use the lens first before thinking about getting extention tubes,
you can add them anytime ... keep shooting ..... Skippy
.