I know this probably isn't the best idea but I looked at the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM a while ago and found the size and weight a big turn off.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is a fantastic lens.
Do you shoot handheld?
I usually do when I'm not at home. I know it's a fantastic lens but it's so big and heavy (by my standards) that I doubt it would ever leave the house, and if I'm shooting at home I can use a tripod, so stabilisation becomes unnecessary.
The cost of the L lens is more than I really wanted to spend too, even if I can find a used one.
Thanks for the suggestion. It's not much smaller or lighter than the L lens though, so I'm not sure that's my best bet. Both Sigmas are quite a bit smaller.
The Sigma 105mm gets very good reviews and it's priced well. However, I think it's actually heavier than the Canon is... 726 grams vs 625 grams. If you're looking for a lightweight macro lens for your crop-sensor Canons, then your obvious choice is Canon's 60mm EF-S Macro. I used one for years. It's wonderful, it's compact, and it only weighs 335 grams. Plus, B&H has then NEW for $400.00...
Why not get the Olympus 60mm Macro for your EM5? That lens is amazing, personally feel it is better then the Canon 100mm L Macro that I had previously.
The Sigma 105mm gets very good reviews and it's priced well. However, I think it's actually heavier than the Canon is... 726 grams vs 625 grams. If you're looking for a lightweight macro lens for your crop-sensor Canons, then your obvious choice is Canon's 60mm EF-S Macro. I used one for years. It's wonderful, it's compact, and it only weighs 335 grams. Plus, B&H has then NEW for $400.00...
The Sigma 105mm which I saw today is nowhere near 726 grams, but I didn't find it particularly impressive. While I was at it I had a look at a brand new Canon 100mm L and I was amazed how much quicker it focused than the Sigma did. I've asked the shop to look out for a used one for me, but I'll look into the 60mm as well. The Sigma 50mm was sold so that option is off the table for now.
Originally posted by Kobba:
Why not get the Olympus 60mm Macro for your EM5? That lens is amazing, personally feel it is better then the Canon 100mm L Macro that I had previously.
That idea did cross my mind but my EM5 has been playing up lately so I'm reluctant to put more money into Olympus right now. I know they're good cameras but Olympus service isn't good in South Africa. Best case scenario my camera will have to travel half way across the country to be repaired, but I found out today that if things get complicated they may have to send it to Czechoslovakia. I wonder what that will cost!
The Sigma 105mm gets very good reviews and it's priced well. However, I think it's actually heavier than the Canon is... 726 grams vs 625 grams. If you're looking for a lightweight macro lens for your crop-sensor Canons, then your obvious choice is Canon's 60mm EF-S Macro. I used one for years. It's wonderful, it's compact, and it only weighs 335 grams. Plus, B&H has then NEW for $400.00...
I'll look into the 60mm as well.
Be sure you do! It's an absolutely outstanding lens, optically and in terms of focus speed on a par with its bigger brother the 105mm. It doesn't have image stabilization, but very few macro lenses do and it's not very useful at macro distances anyway unless it's the very expensive new sort of stabilization (on the Canon L-glass 105mm) that works on 3 or more axes... The big problem with handheld macro is the in-and-out movement and consequent displacement of the focus zone. Even if you're shooting at like 1/1000 of a second, that's an issue. Which, btw, is why you should always shoot hand-held macros in burst mode, on the theory that at least ONE of the exposures may hit the sweet spot :-)
Which, btw, is why you should always shoot hand-held macros in burst mode, on the theory that at least ONE of the exposures may hit the sweet spot :-)
Now you tell me ... ;-)
Also, a mini-tripod is useful for getting the camera stable in a tight setting -- I have one from REI which also has a Velcro strap so it can be fastened to any handy post, rail, or branch ...
I know this probably isn't the best idea but I looked at the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM a while ago and found the size and weight a big turn off.
I know this probably isn't the best idea but I looked at the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM a while ago and found the size and weight a big turn off.
Buy the 100mm I have a 100mm 2.8 and its a great lens, lets you get back a bit
Do you mean the Canon 100mm L lens? I'd like to, but I'll have to wait and see if I can get one second hand. But I'm also interested to know more about the 60mm that Robert recommended.
