Macro Lens

[nkeevers]

I have a Canon Rebel XT SLR and thinking of getting a macro lens. I see the lenses. I'm not sure what would be the best for all around close ups...like flowers, animals, detail I wouldn't see with my regular lens. There are 4 but I'm not sure which would do all that I want.
EF-S 60mm (f/2.8 macro USM)
MP-E 65mm (f/2.8 1-5X) macro photo (this is just manual focus?)
EF 100mm (f/2.8) macro USM (this auto and manual focus I think)
SF180mm (f/3.5L) macro US

[bayhli]

Hi Norma,

I have the Canon Macro lens, EF 100mm (f/2.8) and I absolutely love it; I wouldn't part with it.

Images are very sharp and yes, it does focus both manual and auto.

[Chuck S.]

I have the same one as Pat. I like it a lot, but I find it to be just a bit heavy to handhold without vibration; mine came with a built-in tripod mount, although it doesn't appear that it's still packaged that way

There's also a 50 mm f/2.5 compact macro by Canon which might warrant consideration. Compared to the 100 mm, it's half the weight (0.6 lb vs. 1.3 lb) and about half the price ($230 vs. $435).

[lexcell]

The big differences between the macro lenses are...minimum focus distance, angle of view, price and weight.

All but the MP-E 65mm give you 1:1 reproduction (greater on digital cameras that have a smaller than "full frame" sensor) which means if you photographed a penny at minimum distance, it would be life size on the sensor.

The MP-E is a specialized lens that has extreme magnification.

The 60mm focuses the closest and has the widest angle of view (AOV)
The 100mm focus a bit farther away and has a narrower AOV
The 180mm has the greatest distance to subject and the narrowest AOV.

If you like to photograph insects/butterflies, etc a greater minimum distance is good so that you don't scare away your subject.

A narrower AOV allows you to control your background better.

I, too, own the 100mm micro lens (Nikon) and love it! It also works as a great portrait lens and mid tele landscape lens.

[Chuck S.]

I just might add that the Canon 50 mm f/2.5 is only 1:2, so one review said that it's not a 'true' macro. FWIW.

[Bayla]

I have the Canon 50mm f2.5 but with a life size converter attached.

Bayla

[Chuck S.]

Originally Posted by Bayla

I have the Canon 50mm f2.5 but with a life size converter attached.

Bayla

which, according to the review I read, does indeed turn it into a 'true macro'. How do you like the lens, Bayla?

[nkeevers]

Originally Posted by bayhli

Hi Norma,

I have the Canon Macro lens, EF 100mm (f/2.8) and I absolutely love it; I wouldn't part with it.

Images are very sharp and yes, it does focus both manual and auto.

Do you always use a tripod when using the macro lens? Chuck said it's heavy and might be a little vibration when taking photos. If there was something at ground level I wanted to take a picture of, what would that do to shake.

[Bayla]

Chuck,

I like it. I was attracted by the price, which was affordable and the fact that it is light.

Bayla

[msbrad]

Good luck Norma!
off to read more later myself on lenses
m