100 mm macro question

[macawmagic]

I'm assuming most of you use the 100mm macro to get all these super close shots. I'm just wondering how close can you get with that. I've never touched the lens, so I have no clue what it can do. I want shots of single polyps. like full 3x5 picture of a single polyp. Can I do that with the 100mm macro, or do I need something else? After seeing the tutorial on extension tubes I've been thinking I might need the 100mm macro and the extension tubes???

any advice as I'll be ordering the 100mm macro shortly and might order the extension tubes at the same time if you guys think it'll help get what I'm looking for.

 

[revhtree]

I took these with only a 100mm Canon...

 

[AquaWorldPSC]

Wow NICE Rev! Can't wait until i get my 100mm for my 50D.

 

[BigAl07]

Wow! Great pic! What camera is that on Rev?

I just got the Canon 1000D but I don't have ANY Macro lenses for it yet.

 

[macawmagic]

thank you rev! ur basically one of the people who I idolize with the camera skills! I love looking at ur pictures and just wanna be able to take some that can compare...or beat! LOL!

side note. all the extension tubes would do then is get even closer...correct? in that case I don't think I need them.

 

[Znut Reefer]

That will depend on how far away the corals are that you want to get close up pics of.

 

[Poseidon]

100mm Macro is the way to go, but if you already have a high quality zoom, then the extension tubes are a viable option.

 

[macawmagic]

only lens's I have are the canon 17-55 and 70-300. I doubt they're high quality though because the they weren't that expensive.

Where would be the cheapest place to pick up the 100mm macro lens?

 

[FOSELONE]

i dont think youll be able to get it too cheap...my girl got me one for xmas & paid 541.00

 

[Poseidon]

Yup, plan on spending close to $500. Even used, they are about $350-$400.

 

[AquaWorldPSC]

Cheapest i have ever seen new was $475

 

[macawmagic]

theres one on ebay buy it now for 455...is this something I can buy off ebay, or is it better to spend a little extra and buy from rits or something so I get a warranty?

I just wnana keep learning as I've been bitten by the photography bug and guarantee I'll be buying more lens's!

 

[macawmagic]

lol...one last question...i swear

so somebody local to me is selling a canon 50mm macro for $200. Will I be happy with this, or should I buy the 100mm? what's the diffarence?

 

[AquaWorldPSC]

I have been recommended the 100mm more times than any other lens.

 

[Znut Reefer]

Go with the 100mm. I would buy it new. You will get a warranty. Also I believe they are offering free shipping.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-GREY/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

 

[iani]

Adorama and buydig both have the lens for cheaper. I would not hesitate buying from either.
http://www.adorama.com/CA10028AFN.html?sid=12304490631160413
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product....m_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CN10028&sku=CN10028

 

[macawmagic]

bump...what's the diffarence between the 100mm and the 50mm? You just gotta be closer for the 50mm?

 

[gparr]

bump...what's the diffarence between the 100mm and the 50mm? You just gotta be closer for the 50mm?

The 50mm is essentially a wide-angle macro lens. In most instances it's unlikely you could get close enough to fill the frame with a piece of coral without first running into glass or getting the lens wet. The 50mm is very useful, but only in limited situations. The best choice, if you're going to own only one macro lens, is the 100 mm. It gives you enough reach and a small enough aperture to handle most shots.
Gary

 

[macawmagic]

thanks...so its not really a fish tank lens. lol I just saw one for $200 local which would save me a good amount of money, but it looks like I'm going to have to save up a little longer to buy the 100mm.

 

[gparr]

Not as far as I'm concerned. I've photographed several hundred corals and probably only used it a dozen times. The 100 mm will be worth the money.
Gary