Next Lens: Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro

[Rob O]

Rob, as for LV, I rarely use it for my macro shots. Seems too difficult to regularly get an tack sharp focused image.

Really? If there's a single reason for LV, it's for tripod-mounted macro work. I setup, focus manually on the subject, activate LV then use the zoom function to get right in on the area I want tack sharp, fine tune focus (MF), then shoot. I've never had sharper images (macro or otherwise). In fact, it's amazing how often my pre-focus -- which, without LV, is what I'd have triggered the shutter based on -- isn't exactly focused. LV let's me get it perfect. Seriously, I can't imagine not having it/using it for tripod shots ever again.

That said, none of the samples I posted were done on a LV equipped body; I don't think I've used the Sigma since upgrading to the 50D and then 5D MkII.

 

[off-roader]

Really? If there's a single reason for LV, it's for tripod-mounted macro work. I setup, focus manually on the subject, activate LV then use the zoom function to get right in on the area I want tack sharp, fine tune focus (MF), then shoot. I've never had sharper images (macro or otherwise). In fact, it's amazing how often my pre-focus -- which, without LV, is what I'd have triggered the shutter based on -- isn't exactly focused. LV let's me get it perfect. Seriously, I can't imagine not having it/using it for tripod shots ever again.

That said, none of the samples I posted were done on a LV equipped body; I don't think I've used the Sigma since upgrading to the 50D and then 5D MkII.

Well most of my macro work (bugs in flowers, etc.) has been out in the field, hand held, & manually focused. Seems the subjects just don't want to sit still when I'm trying to shoot them. Now that said, for me it's a hobby and like all hobbies, some take priority over others. Most recently the build up of my new 4x4 has sat at the forefront of my tasks... of course, I recently did purchase a 28-105mm f/2.8 Tamron for party shots... but I digress.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Really? If there's a single reason for LV, it's for tripod-mounted macro work. Seriously, I can't imagine not having it/using it for tripod shots ever again.

X2, I find live view to be incredibly useful. Especially when the camera is mounted on a tripod. I don't think there has been a tripod shot, macro or landscape, that I've taken without using LV since getting a camera with LV. The newer 920,000 dot displays that can go down to a 1 to 1 pixel view make precision focus a delight.

 

[dhackney]

Doug so those shots are just the 100mm on your body w/out any other macro aids (close up filter, extension tubes, teleconverters, etc.)? Also are they cropped or full frame images?

Rob O's shots are the type of full frame shots I've been getting w/ the 150mm which is a 1:1 macro. I can't see the 100mm getting those shots unless you've cropped them. Not questioning you per say, just trying to clarify how you got the results you're showing.

Those shots are all hand held using a 1D MkIII, which is a 1.3 factor body. There are no extension tubes, filters, etc. used, just the body and the lens. I don't know how much those shots are cropped. I'll dig out the originals and post the full frame shots to give you an idea of how much cropping there is.

Rob, as for LV, I rarely use it for my macro shots. Seems too difficult to regularly get an tack sharp focused image.

Those shots are all manual focus, hand held, using LV. I pre-set the focus, turned on LV and then tracked the shot down the axis of the lens until it was sharp. Some of those are holding the camera down on the ground and trying to get the best oblique angle view of the display as I could, then tripping the shutter. My tripod was not practical in the rain forest (didn't even bring it on the flight in), and a monopod wouldn't have been any more functional for these shots.

I found LV to be essential for these shots in the rain forest. There was no comparison to what I attempted through the viewfinder. I didn't waste any time with AF after a couple of test frames.

 

[dhackney]

Also are they cropped or full frame images?

I checked and they are all crops. I don't have a convenient way to check the meta data to see what the focal distance was on the shots I posted, so I can't tell you if I was as tight as possible or not.

Rob O's shots are the type of full frame shots I've been getting w/ the 150mm which is a 1:1 macro.

The Canon 100mm 2.8 is also a 1:1 macro lens. You can achieve 1.19x & 1.39x with the 12mm and 25mm extension tubes, respectively.

Rob O's are beautiful shots. Wonderful composition. You'll have to ask him if the shots he posted were cropped or full frame.

Not questioning you per say, just trying to clarify how you got the results you're showing.

I don't quite fully understand what you are saying here. I was just posting some examples of what the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens can do hand held in a rain forest. I did not note anyone specifying full frame or 1:1 on any samples. Did I miss something?

If you want specific lab test results of what the 100mm can do at a measured 1:1 full frame, then a lens test is a better place to check those results.

There's a reasonably complete test and review of the lens here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx

The test includes this full frame shot from a 10D that might give you an idea:

There are additional sample shots here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sample-Pictures.aspx?Equipment=107

You should be able to find something there that will give you an idea of what it can do.

Be sure to check the body used with it. If they were all shot with a 10/20/30/40/50D, that is a 1.6 factor camera.

There are some user reviews here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=47&sort=7&thecat=2

Fluff review here: http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Canon-EF-100mm-f28-Macro-USM-4394

More user reviews here: http://www.photographyreview.com/mfr/canon/35mm-primes/PRD_84804_3111crx.aspx

Review here: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/167-canon-ef-100mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review

Collection of reviews here: http://www.testfreaks.com/lenses/canon-ef-100mm-f-2-8-macro-usm/

Another collection of reviews here: http://www.canon-reviews.com/reviews/canon-ef-100mm-f-2.8-macro-usm

Comparison with Tamron 90mm 2.8 http://photo.net/equipment/canon/can-tam-macro/

 

[Rob O]

Rob O's are beautiful shots. Wonderful composition. You'll have to ask him if the shots he posted were cropped or full frame.

Thanks for the kind words.

The samples I posted are all 100% or close to it; they are not cropped (unless I correct for tilt and trimmed excess). All were shot on crop bodies (noted to avoid confusing 'full frame' as uncropped/100% versus full frame as in 35mm equiv body).