Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro Lens

[Darkstar22]

Is this a good lens for nice macro shots of my corals? I know this lens is not 1:1, but would it still be a good lens for real close up coral photography?
Thanks

 

[israel.kendall]

I think its a bit short. Id go with a 100mm at least. 50mm may not get you as close up as you'd like to be.

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[cerobbins]

I would also imagine you will want a longer lens. Usually with tank shots you need a longer macro lense because you cannot get close enough to the subject. I like my 100mm for tank shots

 

[Darkstar22]

My camera took a fall, and the 18-55mm zoom's motor is not working. So was looking at this lens as a replacement. 50mm for all round use, and it has macro capability too, although not 1:1. Seems to get good reviews. So just to clarify, I wouldn't be getting it specifically for coral shots. Just wondered how it would do for that.

 

[firstsalt]

I have that lens its great for almost everything.
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=monti.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/monti.jpg" border="0" alt="monti"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=Chalice.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/Chalice.jpg" border="0" alt="Chalice"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=birdsnest.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/birdsnest.jpg" border="0" alt="Day Birdsnest"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=Intensesky155.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/Intensesky155.jpg" border="0" alt="Edit 2 Intense sky 2"></a>

 

[Dino]

The 50mm f/2.8 isn't a bad lens, I've never used one but it'll certainly be sharper than your kit lens (not to mention faster).

What all doesn't work on the kit lens? Can you still adjust the aperture? If so you can buy a $5-$10 reversing adapter and use it for a cheap macro lens. How useful it would be for tank photography is questionable (unless something was extremely close to the glass because it'd have short focal distances) but hey - you're not using it for anything else .

 

[Darkstar22]

It won't auto focus, or manual. it's like the switch is jammed! Basically useless, and it's about $180.00 to have it repaired by Canon! So time for a new lens, and had macro shots in mind, but I'm still researching. Maybe the new Canon 60mm macro, or Tamron 90mm Macro.

 

[brent ward]

The 50 macro is one of the sharpest canon lenses I've used.

 

[Darkstar22]

I have that lens its great for almost everything.
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=monti.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/monti.jpg" border="0" alt="monti"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=Chalice.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/Chalice.jpg" border="0" alt="Chalice"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=birdsnest.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/birdsnest.jpg" border="0" alt="Day Birdsnest"></a>
<a href="http://s849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/?action=view&current=Intensesky155.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/Intensesky155.jpg" border="0" alt="Edit 2 Intense sky 2"></a>

Hi firstsalt..all those pics were taken with the canon 50mm macro? If so, on the coral shots can you get much closer shots?

 

[Darkstar22]

well, good news! The Kit lens is working now. Just kept messing with the focus ring, and it autofocuses, and manual too! I still want a Macro Lens though.

 

[brent ward]

I here the 60 efs macro is steller as well, but gives you 1:1. The only macro I still have is the 180L. I use my 90 ts with extension tubes and a teleconverter for tank macro shots most of the time.

 

[Darkstar22]

I here the 60 efs macro is steller as well, but gives you 1:1. The only macro I still have is the 180L. I use my 90 ts with extension tubes and a teleconverter for tank macro shots most of the time.

I've been looking at that lens, and it has great reviews. It's on the shortlist for sure!