Which Macro lens for Canon ?

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

I think I have narrowed it down to three.The Canon 100mm Macro with i.s,the Sigma 150mm macro with i.s,or the sigma 150 mm without i.s. I would like to stay with a Canon Lens,but I am put off a bit,that it wont take my 1.4 converter,the sigma all ready has the edge considering focal length.My Subjects would range from Small reptiles to fly sized insects,I am concerned the working distance of the Canon wont be enough,and that it wont give enough magnification on small insects,I am not keen on cropping my images too much.I have heard the Canon is an amazingly sharp lens,and that it does not suffer any slow focus issues,it is rumoured that the sigma does on the older version at least.I know a lot of people use the Sigma 150 mm on here.May I ask why you chose it over the Canon Macro lens,and if you went for the Canon,do you think it will do all I want it to,I dont really want to be messing with extension tubes at this time.

Many thanks.

I use the Canon 100 f2.8 macro (non IS) and find it to be an excellent lens, I read the "L" version is marginally better due mainly to the Hybrid IS, but it's a lot to pay for a slight improvement.
As far as using teleconverters is concerned, I have a set of Jessops extension tubes, and have modified (with a Stanley knife!) the 13mm one so I can now use teleconverters with this lens. I have, as yet, only tried it with my Canon 2x Mkii and results have been suprisingly good - especialy as I have been rather disappointed with this converter on most of my other lenses! Naturally you loose infinity focus, but who cares it still will focus to over a yard, so not really relavent for Macro. Must get round to trying the 1.4 TC.
P.S. I have had a brief play with the Sigma 150 Macro. It's third party so will never integrate quite as well as a Canon lens, however I was very impressed! Af was silent and pretty quick, handling and general "FEEL" was 1st class, weight not too much and fairly reasonably priced! Nice lens. Previous Sigma Macros have been noted for good IQ, lens extension (when autofocusing) to scare any small animal and an af motor that sounded like a bag of spanners being dropped. NOT the 150! Sigma are good on IQ, with this lens they have got the rest right, I am V seriously considering one!

[slimrbp]

Hi,

I currently use the Canon 100mm 'L' and prior to that I used the 'normal' 100 mm macro.
I decided on the Canon mainly because I borrowed a freind's and was immediately impressed. I usually hand hold the vast majority of my macro shots so I was after a lens that could be handheld easily. I have never found the working distance to be an issue (I also use the Canon MP-E 65mm for greater than life size work and that has a lot less!).

I normally use manual focus but on the odd occasion when I have used the AF on both lenses it has been quick enough.

With regards to Teleconverters I have used both lenses successfully with a Kenko Pro 300 TC (mainly for increased magnification). Although I am now using the same method as John to use my Canon ones so that I can reduce the amount of kit I carry into the field.

I have a set of shots on Flickr, all taken with a 100mm macro if you are interested:

Canon 100mm Macro - a set on Flickr

[tristanba]

don't rule out Tamron 90mm especially if using on a 1.6 crop body - wickedly sharp and very light

[RockHopper]

I would reccomend the Canon 100mm IS superb lens
Although the Sigma 150 has greater working distance I think that the Canon is more usable beacuse the IS allows handholding even in quite low light
I also have the 150 but since getting the Canon have not used it
Pete

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

Hi,

I currently use the Canon 100mm 'L' and prior to that I used the 'normal' 100 mm macro.
I decided on the Canon mainly because I borrowed a freind's and was immediately impressed. I usually hand hold the vast majority of my macro shots so I was after a lens that could be handheld easily. I have never found the working distance to be an issue (I also use the Canon MP-E 65mm for greater than life size work and that has a lot less!).

I normally use manual focus but on the odd occasion when I have used the AF on both lenses it has been quick enough.

With regards to Teleconverters I have used both lenses successfully with a Kenko Pro 300 TC (mainly for increased magnification). Although I am now using the same method as John to use my Canon ones so that I can reduce the amount of kit I carry into the field.

I have a set of shots on Flickr, all taken with a 100mm macro if you are interested:

Canon 100mm Macro - a set on Flickr

You have some super images that are a great advert for your lens

[MeadsMan]

From slimrbp`s post,am I reading it right that you can use the Kenco Pro 1.4 converter on the Canon 100mm,with out any modification or extension tube ? Just fit it straight on ? If this is so,what is the difference between the Canon 1.4 and the Kenco converter ? I was under the impression the Canon 100mm Macro,could not take any converter.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

From slimrbp`s post,am I reading it right that you can use the Kenco Pro 1.4 converter on the Canon 100mm,with out any modification or extension tube ? Just fit it straight on ? If this is so,what is the difference between the Canon 1.4 and the Kenco converter ? I was under the impression the Canon 100mm Macro,could not take any converter.

I believe the Kenko pro 300 1.4X TC has a different shaped rear lens, making it possible to use it where you can't use the Canon one. I hasten to add I've no idea if it will work with the Canon 100mm, only that it does work with a wider range of lenses than the Canon one.

[MeadsMan]

Thanks Graham,can anyone then please confirm weather the Kenco will work on the Canon 100mm Macro..or not ?

with thanks.

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by MeadsMan

From slimrbp`s post,am I reading it right that you can use the Kenco Pro 1.4 converter on the Canon 100mm,with out any modification or extension tube ? Just fit it straight on ? If this is so,what is the difference between the Canon 1.4 and the Kenco converter ? I was under the impression the Canon 100mm Macro,could not take any converter.

Hi,

I am going to get all technical now The Canon extenders have a sticky out bit where it attaches to the lens. The Kenko converter doesn't have the sticky out bit so can be attached directly to the lens. I think when Canon talk about compatability they mean with their own extenders. I have used it successfuly with both Canon 100mm Macro lenses. Looking at the extender it is a 'Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x'.

@Boddie, thanks very much glad you liked them

[MeadsMan]

Thanks so much slimrbp,that puts the Canon 100mm Macro very much back in the running for me,it was the fact I thought it had a problem with converters that has put me off of it.I have / use the converter you mention.