Canon EF macro recommendations

[Noel_Carboni]

A friend of mine makes 30+ megapixel images of butterflies (mounted ones) for university museum records by stitching multiple images he's shot through his Canon 100mm macro. He has the ring flash as well.

The lens is very sharp on his 40D. Every individual scale in the wings is visible.

-Noel

[TimRucci]

I've only used the 100 f2.8, but I can agree with the others who have already touted this lens. Mine has always served me well, and although I haven't done a whole lot of macro work yet, it's also a good lens for other uses. I've used it in low light situations where 100 mm was a good fit, and I've always been happy with the results.

[Martin_Doudoroff]

Looks like there's a $35 "instant rebate" on the 100 f2.8 from May 18 through July 19.

[Larry Placido]

I thank you all for your input... From what I have read here and what others have said, the consensus is the same. Both lenses, the 50 and the 100 seem to be a good compromise between cost and quality.

That being said, I again thank you for your advice and suggestions.

Larry

[Warren Roos]

The MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro goes up to 5x for those times where 1 to 1 is not enough. It's for tripod use only and is tricky to use. We last used it for medical wires.

[Jerry Skrocki]

Originally Posted by Warren Roos

The MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro goes up to 5x for those times where 1 to 1 is not enough. It's for tripod use only and is tricky to use. We last used it for medical wires.

This lens is not for the casual user as it does not focus to infinity, has a very shallow depth of field and is difficult to focus. It is strictly limited to macro work and is expensive compared to the 100 f2.8.

I owned both of these lenses and eventually sold the MP-E 65 because of it's lack of ability to perform as a "normal" lens.

It is an excellent lens for it's intended purpose.

[Ross Throndson]

The 50mm macro is a little too short IMHO...... i have a very old 100mm Macro & would like to upgrade someday...

The 100mm seems to be a little more versatile than the 180mm.....but i know a lot of people who rave about both of these lenses....i also have the 500D Close-up Lens/Filter which works very well on many different lenses.

Haven't done any Macro shots in a long time now but I've always enjoyed them when i have....Let us know what you decided on & how you like it.....Personally I'd get the 100mm.....but if i had some extra $ I'd love to try the 180....I've also heard the 180mm Macro is Canon's sharpest lens... :-)

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