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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/5/2008 4:16:26 AM
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| hi all i need some help on deciding what lens to buy (canon 100 mm or canon 60mm lens) i did some reading but still i am not so sure what will be best for me. what i got : canon 30d body and the kit lens a 110 gallon aquarium (chiclids) must of fish is 3-5 inch and will get bigger 4-8 inch i belive. i decided to buy only one of the canon macro lens but i dont understand what will better match. in what distance i need to be in each lens for shooting? for what size of subjects thay will suit? i dont want to be to far for the aquarium but i dont have any idea in what distance i will need to be for taking photos of my fish. i do like the option for taking insects photos in the future but it is very theoratic at the moment. thanks, sorry for the headace any help will be nice
ilan and ronit
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 10:58:28 AM
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Hi I&R: I would suggest a 100mm Macro lens that is relatively fast. I use a Sigma 105mm Macro and it works very well for the type of photography that you are interested in. You will not be able to get a 1:1 ratio but a 1:2.5 isn't bad at all. Sigma makes a very high quality lens & I am sure that they make one for the Canon. You can look for this lens on various vendor sites such at B&H Photo, Adorama, etc... Good luck in whatever you decide & let us know how you make out. I'm also looking forward to seeing some of your pictures posted here.  Steve
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/13/2008 6:37:19 AM
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| Ilan, Get the canon 100mm f2.8 macro if you don't mind shelling out the extra $80 +/- it will cost you over the sigma 105mm f2.8. The canon is a tad bit sharper (though you really have to be a pixel peeper to notice) and focuses much faster (though eventually you'll be avoiding auto-focus for macro work, it will still come in handy when using the lens as a 100mm telephoto (good for basketball games and volleyball games, etc.)), and does not extend the barrel during focus. The working distance of the Canon is around 6", the Sigma is about 4.5" (that is when focused at 1:1); however, with the Canon's hood attached, the working distance from the end of the hood to the subject is reduced to about the same as the Sigma. The Sigma's front element is recessed enough that lens flare isn't much of an issue without the hood, so ultimately, the working distance between both is about the same. There's a picture somewhere on the web showing the sigma focused 1:1 and the canon with lens hood on, and they are about the same length... wish i could find it for you. Again, for an extra $80.00, the Canon is well worth it. Avoid the 60mm if you're interested in shooting anything that's still alive... those extra inches of working distance sure do come in handy.
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Signature Space For Rent
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/2/2009 3:02:38 PM
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I would like to agree with Matt and also add that the Canon 100mm does indeed focus down to 1:1 at its minimum focusing distance.
Good luck!
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Andy
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Group: Moderators
Last Login: 11/4/2009 7:08:25 PM
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I'm shooting macros with a Canon 100mm too and strongly recommend it. Its one of the better/best value lenses to be found and is well worth it over the off/alt brands IMO.
Moreover... many folks are surprised (even disappointed) that the minimum working distance with a 100mm macro is still the better part of a foot away. You will be even more "disappointed" to see how hard it is to fill a frame with a 50 or 60mm macro lens. Keep in mind the size of the images you are shooting (read: very croppable ) or... if you must... you might consider extension tubes (at the expense of DOF).
In short though... the 100mm is a crowd pleaser and you will find that many pros and pro-ams love this lens. You will likely learn to love it too.
FWIW... the overwhelming majority of macros in my new Book of Coral Propagation edition 2 are shot with a Canon 20D (your 30D predecessor) and a 100mm Canon lens.
.Anthony Calfo
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