what MACRO lens for a Cannon 5D?
- Thread starter deadmanh
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"Umm fish?"
Premium Member
Canon 100mm macro. Hands down it's the best compromise between outstanding quality (well, no compromise on the quality), working distance, and price.
I went with a sigma 180mm with a 5dmkii because with full frame i wanted a little more working distance. but one downside to the 180mm lenses is they are not only more expensive but much much heavier then the 100mm. there is also a sigma 150mm that has had some good reviews and is fairly priced. good luck and im sure you will enjoy any of the ones your considering. I have only used my 180 so far so i cant really compare. Next i want the macro zoom lens MP-E 65mm but id get one of the others first I think.
"Umm fish?"
Premium Member
Fun lens, but it's not a macro zoom. At least not in any normal sense. The farthest working distance at the lowest magnification is only about 3 inches, so it's not very useful for tank shots. Definitely fun, though.
I wouldn't suggest the MP-E if this is your first macro lens. For one thing it wouldn't be terribly useful for tank shots as the working distance is so small, plus it can be a very challenging lens to use. Besides, its really made to be paired with an equally great standard macro. Best to get used to working in the macro realm before jumping into the super macro. I've heard great things about the 150mm Sigma, you'll find the 100mm Canon is extremely popular (for good reasons). If you need more working distance though you'll find the 150mm Sigma holds its own without going all the way into 180mmL price.
ducklabdad
New member
For a great macro with some versatillity I would hands down go with the 100mm Canon or the Tamron 90mm, you would not be sorry!!
something to mention... the 180 only provides working distance, it is still the same 1:1 magnification, it is L glass, might be faster focusing, and maybe a better image as a result... debate that forever. but GENERALLY should not produce an image that the 100mm cant also produce. albiet at a longer working distance. in all honesty, even if you have the greatest water clarity in the world, bringing your subject closer to the tank wall should help when possible.
I like the canon 100mm. the tamron is the stuff for nikons, because the nikon 105mm is like 900$ with VR and all that jazz. but if your going 100mm, may as well get the canon lens for the money.
I like the canon 100mm. the tamron is the stuff for nikons, because the nikon 105mm is like 900$ with VR and all that jazz. but if your going 100mm, may as well get the canon lens for the money.
That's wrong actually. Because depth of field is impacted by focal length, you get much better bokeh from the 180 than you do with the 100. The wasp picture is an excellent example of it. The 180 does a much better job of blowing the background to just color.
From a magnification standpoint your assumption is correct.
throw in the MP-E too for good measure
"Umm fish?"
Premium Member
The other issue is that the 5D is a full-sized sensor. So, whatever lens won't have the "crop magnification" factor that you get with the smaller sensor size bodies and whatever lens you use won't feel like it has as much reach as on the lower-end bodies. That might push me to consider ponying up the extra money for the 180.
