Macro Lens for Canon 50D

[Rick Meinig]

I have been using a Canon 17-40L lens with my Canon 30D and 50D bodies. I would like to try some macro work. Is there a consensus as to which lens is best. I have Ikelite housings and dual DS125 stobes.

 

[jdcpa]

You have two real good choices.

Canon EF-S 60MM 2.8 or Canon EF 100MM 2.8.

Both are tack sharp.

The 60MM lens is a little easier to start out with as you are not right on top of things, but the 100MM takes some amazing stuff.

I would start out with a 60MM.

 

[-Phoenix-]

Can somebody please post one or two images to see the difference?

If you use a 100mm lens, you are stuck to macro? I heard you can also do fish at distance with the 60mm?

I am having the same problem, which lens to take!

 

[jdcpa]

I am not sure what pictures to post to give you an idea of the difference in the lenses.

You can take other pictures with either lens, both focus to infinity.

However, just because the 100MM has more reach does not necessarilly mean you can take pictures from a distance.

You have all the normal issues, lighting, back scatter, etc.

Remember, one of the primary rules is to get close to the subject.

 

[RonFrank]

I'm not a Canon user, but Nikon makes two very similar lenses. Canon however has multiple sensor sizes, so if you are using a 1.5X sensor the 100mm lens is like a 150mm lens, 1.6X is 160mm, so not a great lens for anything but fish heads, and macro. The 60mm will allow tight full fish shots assuming you have the light and vis to pull it off.

Both lenses work very well topside, in fact, that is what they were designed for, and both work as normal lenses topside and UW, but with close focusing capabilities to 1:1.

If you want to see examples, I'm sure there are some on Canon's website in the *lens* area. They may not be UW, but that hardly matters much.

My Gallery here likely has some stuff shot with a Nikon 60mm macro lens, but I'd have to go look. It's been a while since I have updated it.

 

[Rick Meinig]

Sounds like the 60mm is a good start! Thanks

 

[M_Bipartitus]

The 60 should be good. Personally, I use the 100mm, but on a full frame camera. And yes, the 100mm macro works at all distances ~1ft to infinity, so it can be used for general shooting topside (with the caveat that about focal length RonFrank mentioned)

Since it hasn't been mentioned, I'll add that there is a new 100 mm macro with image stabilization that Canon released recently. I haven't heard any reviews yet, but it's supposed to have new tilt IS capabilities that help steady macro shots.

If you're interested I have a few shots with the (non-IS) 100 macro:

http://www.matthewrossphotography.com/Clients/Cozumel09/large-10.html

http://www.matthewrossphotography.com/Clients/Cozumel09/large-11.html

http://www.matthewrossphotography.com/Clients/Cozumel09/large-12.html

http://www.matthewrossphotography.com/Clients/Cozumel09/large-13.html

 

[bvanant]

Both the 60 and the 100 shoot from infinity to 1:1. This is a the route of a major misconception,since many people believe that the 100 is more powerful. Not true. That being said, there are two big differences. The 60 mm macro is 1:1 at 0.66 feet, while the 100 is 1:1 at 1.02 feet. So you get a bit more working distance with the 100. So you get a bit less spooking of little things but a lot more water to shoot through. The 60 is bit more than half the size of the 100 which means the 60 is lighter to pack and needs a smaller port. For grab fish portraits, the 60 is easier since you will be shooting closer with less water and need a smaller/lighter/faster to recycle strobe. On the other hand, if you ever want to go greater mag than 1:1 you can get much greater magnification on the 100 than on the 60. For most beginners, the 60 is recommended, as you progress and get really into macro you will want one of each. Also you will want some diopters or teleconverters to make them more powerful for really little things.
Get the 60, have fun, get the 100 as you want to go to even smaller stuff. You might also look at the 60 from Tamron, very very sharp and will work on full frame as well.


Bill

 

[Rick Meinig]

You are so right! I will no doubt end up with both...as I have both a 30D and 50D with housings! I'll start out with the 60 mm and as suggested likely progess to a 100 mm. It will be interesting to see how the new version of the 100mm with IS is received.

 

[Mel Moncrieff]

I use a Canon 60 mm macro lens (same Ike housing and dual 125s) and am very happy with it. I also have a Canon 100 mm macro, but it is an older model and does not focus as quickly. I also find that I have trouble getting adequate light on my subjects with the 100 mm lens because I have to stop down, and my strobes (when using TTL) don't seem to give me enough light unless I bump up my iso, so I use the 60 mm most of the time. Here's a shot with the 60mm 1/200, f16, iso 200. http://www.pbase.com/mtmel44/image/114736810