Which macro lens?

gar732 · Sep 4, 2011

Ok, I've wanted a macro lens for some time now and finally decided to buy one. I was planning on getting the canon 100mm macro Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens 4657A006 B&H Photo
Then I saw this 180mm tamron lens Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS AFB01C700 and it's not much more money. Other than focal length can anyone tell me which lens would be better and why.

macawmagic · Sep 4, 2011

I have the canon 100mm macro and love it! I'm not that much of a camera person so I couldn't tell you the diff, but to my understanding...I believe my 100mm macro focus's 1-1 at about 8". I'm going to guess that the 180mm will be about 12-14" which may be helpful in an aquarium. Don't hold me to it, but that's my guess.

clowns101 · Sep 4, 2011

Go with the 180mm, its sooooooo much better.My friend uses the 180 ane he loves it. Its the best macro lens out there IMO. i dont cre what anyone else says, but I love that lense. Ill link his pics if he dosent care...

swannyson7 · Sep 4, 2011

Personally, I'd opt for the Tamron. The reviews say that the AF is sluggish, but more than likely, you'll be using the manual focus for macro shots. The Tamron 90mm that I have is great, and takes crystal clear images. The biggest downfall I've found with my Tamron versus my Canon lens is that the barrel extends to focus while the Canon doesn't. If you're planning on taking top-down shots that something to keep in mind because you may have issues focusing w/ a top lookdown box. Also, the Tamron AF is much louder than the Canon, so if you plan on attempting insect photography or anything, that is an important factor. If you want to come up and try out my Tamrom lens, you're more than welcome.

gar732 · Sep 4, 2011

I've heard nothing but great things about the canon but the price of the 180 and the fact that a buddy of mine has the 90 tamron and is happy with it makes me want to give it a try. I want to make sure I get the right lens though since it's not that easy for me to replace if I don't l don't like it.

swannyson7 · Sep 4, 2011

Tell you what... If you don't like it ill give you the 90mm and some cash in exchange

gar732 · Sep 4, 2011

Thanks Scott, I've been meaning to bring my camera with me when I head out there I just always forget. I just don't know if there is any technical reasons why the tamron would not be good for aquarium photpgraphy.

gar732 · Sep 4, 2011

Are you looking for a reason to buy a new lens? lol.

swannyson7 · Sep 4, 2011

Always...lol

nixer · Sep 4, 2011

swannyson7 said:
Personally, I'd opt for the Tamron. The reviews say that the AF is sluggish, but more than likely, you'll be using the manual focus for macro shots. The Tamron 90mm that I have is great, and takes crystal clear images. The biggest downfall I've found with my Tamron versus my Canon lens is that the barrel extends to focus while the Canon doesn't. If you're planning on taking top-down shots that something to keep in mind because you may have issues focusing w/ a top lookdown box. Also, the Tamron AF is much louder than the Canon, so if you plan on attempting insect photography or anything, that is an important factor. If you want to come up and try out my Tamrom lens, you're more than welcome.

that 180mm says its internal focus are you sure about the barrel extending?
ive got the new canon 100mm with IS i like it.
i think i would get the 180 though

-Logzor · Sep 5, 2011

swannyson7 said:
Personally, I'd opt for the Tamron. The reviews say that the AF is sluggish, but more than likely, you'll be using the manual focus for macro shots. The Tamron 90mm that I have is great, and takes crystal clear images. The biggest downfall I've found with my Tamron versus my Canon lens is that the barrel extends to focus while the Canon doesn't. If you're planning on taking top-down shots that something to keep in mind because you may have issues focusing w/ a top lookdown box. Also, the Tamron AF is much louder than the Canon, so if you plan on attempting insect photography or anything, that is an important factor. If you want to come up and try out my Tamrom lens, you're more than welcome.

I am also very happy with my Tamron 90mm.

gar732 · Sep 5, 2011

Aside from noisy AF and slow customer service when it's needed I've heard nothing but good things about the Tamron from what I can find.

gar732 · Sep 5, 2011

I've checking out reviews and trying to do some research, as of right now I'm thinking I'm going to go with the Tamron unless some one talks me off the ledge before I buy it in a week or so.

jlt23 · Sep 5, 2011

Most macro lenses don't necessarily have to be used only for macro photography. I've used my 100mm for portraits. Something to think about before choosing focal lengths.

-Logzor · Sep 5, 2011

gar732 said:
I've checking out reviews and trying to do some research, as of right now I'm thinking I'm going to go with the Tamron unless some one talks me off the ledge before I buy it in a week or so.

For what it's worth, I read the same things before buying my Tamron. Honestly I don't use the autofocus that much, I almost always us manual.

It's also a fun lens to carry around for a day, if you're into that kind of thing.

kuyatwo · Sep 5, 2011

You running full frame or apsc sensor

Here is a review

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/2...5-sp-di-ld-if-macro-canon-review--test-report

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kuyatwo · Sep 5, 2011

One thing that is nice about 100mm canon macro is that it makes a great portrait lens

Here is thread with it discussed as the 100 mm macro uses as a portrait lens

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon100mm/discuss/72157603828356036/

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gar732 · Sep 5, 2011

jlt23 said:
Most macro lenses don't necessarily have to be used only for macro photography. I've used my 100mm for portraits. Something to think about before choosing focal lengths.

I've read where the tamron was used for portraits also but i would imagine the canon would be better.

-Logzor said:
For what it's worth, I read the same things before buying my Tamron. Honestly I don't use the autofocus that much, I almost always us manual.

It's also a fun lens to carry around for a day, if you're into that kind of thing.

That is basically the same thing most people are saying about the AF so I wasn't too worried about it. I've taken my along on a couple hikes but I feel really limited by the stock lens so I can't wait to get something new.

kuyatwo said:
You running full frame or apsc sensor

Here is a review

Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 SP Di LD [IF] macro (Canon) Review / Test Report

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It's a canon XSi so I believe it is an apsc sensor.

gar732 · Sep 9, 2011

Any one else?

returnofsid · Sep 11, 2011

I've been shooting with the Canon 100mm Macro (Non IS) for several years and absolutely love it. Almost all of my tank photos are shot with it. I'd be concerned that the 180 would be a bit too much, for tank photography, unless you're planning on only shooting a few polyps...lol.

Remember, with your cropped lens, the Canon 180 would in effect, be a 288mm lens! As for portraiture, I think it'd be too much as well, as you'd have to be too far from your subject...lol. All that being said, I'd love to purchase the 180, but do feel I'd still use the 100 more.