Fun with new macro lenses

[Blazer88]

I got my Sigma 150mm F/2.8 EX DG macro lens yesterday and my new EF-S 60mm F/2.8 lens today. I dumped the 100mm F/2.8 in favor of the Sigma so I could get more reach and then decided on the 60mm for a small prime and general tank shots (the Sigma is a beast, not real easy to work with). I still have a pretty steep learning curve but I'm liking it so far.

Here are the first shots with the Sigma 150mm that I have processed, I'll post more as I get time.

Green Slimer:

Unknown SPS (focus looks a bit soft, oh well):

Yuma Ricordia:

Star Polyps:

Orange Crush Acan:

Green Paly:

Pink/brown Zoa:

 

[nUgZ]

Good grief man those are some badass shots. I especially like the slimer. Keep up the GREAT work!!

 

[Jeff]

WOW! Nice job

 

[jeffbrig]

I can't believe how tight you are on some of these. Is the Sigma 150 just 1:1 magnification? Seems like a little more than that, I don't think I get that close with my Canon 100.

 

[Blazer88]

The Sigma is 1:1 but at 15", unlike 6" for the Canon (which is why I sold it). The Slimer in the first pic is 15" deep in my tank, there is no way to get that magnification with the Canon 100mm. These were nearly uncropped or very lightly cropped pics as well, I just resized them to 800x600. I did use a 1.4x TC on a few of the shots (I'll have my 2x TC next week ). It's been a busy week since I purchased the Sigma 150 macro, Canon 60mm macro, 2x teleconverter, and a set of Kenko extension tubes. I'll process and post some more tomorrow as I fumble with the learning curve. Thanks for the comments!

 

[jeffbrig]

I understand the longer 1:1 working distance, but you seem to be getting more magnification on some of those shots than I feel like I can get on the 100mm Canon. When I'm really trying to go for a tight macro, I manually set the lens to its closest focus distance, then move the camera towards the subject until it's in focus. That should be my tightest 1:1 magnification, but I haven't seen anything come out as big as what you have in the 2nd pic above.

 

[edwing206]

Those are some kickass pics. Good job.
That ric is amazing.

 

[Rosseau]

Blazer I hope all the compliments aren't going to your head!

Great shots once again.


Other than the size difference have you found that the Sigma is equally capable as the Canon?

 

[Blazer88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9548743#post9548743 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rosseau
Other than the size difference have you found that the Sigma is equally capable as the Canon?

I would say both yes and no. It is equally capable in terms of macro capability (both 1:1) but not in terms of ease of use. The Sigma is larger and heavier which requires a more stable tripod, though the tripod ring that comes with the Sigma is extremely handy. I really only plan to use this lens for real macro shots with tubes and/or TC's, tripod, and shutter release. I will probably also look into a focus rail setup with this lens. This is why I also bought the Canon 60mm F/2.8 macro lens which is much smaller, lighter, and easier to use for fish/tank shots since that can be pressed against the glass or handheld. The 100mm is an amazing piece of glass, no doubt. It was just sort of in the middle of what I wanted in terms of reach and ease of use. I'll post a picture of the lenses next to each other so you can see the size difference.

 

[Blazer88]

Here are a few quick pics with the 60mm F/2.8 macro from last night, all handheld. They are nothing special as I was just testing out the lens but so far I'm happy with the focus speed and the sharpness is on par with the 100mm F/2.8. I just need different fish to photography, lol.

Two-spot Tang at full speed:

Here is a shot showing the difference in sizes between each lens. As you can tell, the Sigma 150mm w/tubes and TC attached is quite large and not real easy to handle. I thought it would be easier to just get the 60mm F/2.8 as a general tank lens so I don't have to keep taking off the tubs and/or TC's when I just want to take some general shots. Plus, the 60mm is much easier to use without a tripod.

 

[Blazer88]

Here's the last of the pics from from last night with the Sigma 150mm. Enjoy!

Montipora Cap w/1.4x TC and extension tubes:

Blue Paly (full frame, only cropped sides)

Xenia colony, handheld w/high ISO:

Firefish, handheld w/high ISO:

I liked how you can see the texture on the feeding tenticle of my green brain:

 

[solinar]

nice!