Wich macro lens ?

[dc3]

I just got an OK from my wife to buy the Canon xTi 400, probably because she doesn´t know that I'll need lenses that are more expensive than the camera itself.

Selecting the right lens for everyday shooting is difficult, but my main interest is in macro photography. So I probably will get the 100 mm Canon lens, but I wonder why everybody recommends 100 mm. I can understand that 60 mm Macros are to small but there are 150 and 180 mm Macros available, but for some reason no one seems to use them for Reef photography. Is it because they are only suitable for pods and smaller things or what ?

Gisli

 

[gregr]

The 180mm macro lens is a magnificent lens but I think it's better for photographing things like butterflies and dragonflies, spiders and other things that if you get too close you'll scare them away (or get bit!). You get the same magnification (1:1) but the working distance (minimum focusing distance) is longer on the 180. With the 180 you can focus as close as 15.7" and with the 100 you can focus 5.9" away. Another negative for the 180 is the size- it's a lot harder to handhold shots with that big lens.
Regardless, I want one

 

[louist]

I agree with everything that Greg already said.

The 180 is a fabulous lens for insect and nature macrophotography. It is a bit more cumbersome for indoor/studio use due to its size, weight and sometimes working distance. Of course, the cost is also a major factor. I doubt your wife has the 180's price range in mind when she gave the green light on the xTi

Lastly, I wouldn't recommend the 180 macro to a new macro shooter. It takes much practice and discipline to work a 100 macro. Similarly, I wouldn't recommend the 50 macros either. A lens purchase is an investment, and the 100/180 macros are much better choices.

The 100 macro is a great lens. Canon/Sigma/Tamron all make great ones and they don't really need me "promoting" them any further. Their results speak loudly for themselves.

The 150 macro from Sigma is also a great lens. I don't have any experience with this particular lens but have seen many great photos taken with it (technically speaking).

Whichever macro lens you buy, you can be sure they will perform. You just need to practice and do your share of the work I have seen awesome photos from all "sensible" macro setups. That's all I have to say about macro lens purchases, but you must have been extra good to deserve such Christmas present! Care to share the secrets?

 

[dc3]

Thank you guys for the information. I have just spent the better part of today reading about macro lenses on dpreview, fredmiranda and slrgear (.com) But Gregs answer to my post said it all. I thought that if a 100mm lens could do "x" in magnification then a 180mm would give you almost twice that. I now realize that they do not. The 180mm gives the same magnification, 1:1, but enable you to be further away from your target (victim). Which is not something that us reefers need.
Bye the way Gregr, in my country there are no things that bite you. We have wasps, and they will sting you but that´s about it.

Louist, there are no secrets that I know of, except to show her the reefpics that people like Gregr, Beerguy, Blazer88 post here and then make a big and dramatic "sigh" and say: "I wish I had a camera that could do this. "


Gisli

 

[05Xrunner]

I have the Sigma 150 and its a great lens...I think the further working distance from the tank is better. it seems that the closer you get the glass seems to start to distort things. Atleast my tank does.

 

[louist]

If you shoot with the len's front element parallel to the glass, you should be able to minimise distortion. I don't think increasing distance to glass improves distortion besides masking it somehow.

I notice that my macro shots are not as sharp when I am shooting my aquarium as opposed to insects (my usual subjects).

 

[05Xrunner]

yea..I dont like to macro my tank..I personally use my 70-200 and go back about 6feet and zoom..it helps to eliminate pretty much all distortion being that far back