The Best Macro Lens for Canon Full Frame Cameras: Exploring Image and Build Quality
When considering a macro lens for your Canon full frame camera, the primary factors to evaluate are image quality and build quality. While the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a fantastic option, there are other lenses available that offer exceptional performance, especially for those pursuing macro photography seriously.
Longer Macro Lenses: Advantages and Disadvantages
Most macro photographers recommend using a longer macro lens, such as the Canon 180mm Macro Lens (available at a decent price second hand) or the 150mm macro lens from third parties. A longer macro lens has several advantages:
Lighting Efficiency: With a long lens, you don't block out as much light when you get close to your subject. This is particularly beneficial when photographing skittish subjects that might run away if you get too close with a shorter lens. Shooting Flexibility: Longer lenses provide more distance, which can be advantageous in terms of subject behavior and fear. Some subjects, particularly insects and animals, might behave differently depending on how close you are to them.Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: A Versatile Choice
The Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is an excellent choice for those who prefer a shorter macro lens. It offers excellent performance, making it a great option for both macro and portrait photography. However, it's not without its challenges:
Lighting Requirements: When using a 100mm lens, you might find yourself closer to the subject, which can lead to issues with insufficient light. This can necessitate the use of additional lighting equipment. Depth of Field and Shutter Speed: At f/2.8, the depth of field is very shallow, which can make it difficult to capture well-focused images unless you stop down to higher apertures like f/8 or f/11. This can result in low shutter speeds and higher ISO settings, which aren't ideal for macro photography.Specialized Macro Lenses: MPE-65
The Canon MPE-65 Macro Lens is a highly specialized tool for extreme macro photography. While it provides jaw-dropping results, it comes with a significant set of challenges:
Closer Spacing Required: The MPE-65 is designed to operate in extremely close proximity to the subject, often requiring you to get within inches or even millimeters. This can be challenging and may require a solid tripod and dedicated lighting setup. Limitations: The focus-by-distance mechanism of the MPE-65 makes it difficult to use handheld without a flash or dedicated rig. Even with practice, the user can expect to get only 1-200 shots in focus.Alternative Macro Techniques: DIY and Budget Solutions
If macro photography is only a passing interest, or if you want to explore other options, here are some budget-friendly alternatives:
Reverse Lens Setup: By using a reverse lens setup (e.g., mounting a lens in reverse on the camera), you can achieve excellent macro results. This method is surprisingly effective and only requires a reverse ring for your lens and a manual focusing mechanism. Close-Up Lenses: While some close-up lenses can impact sharpness and introduce chromatic aberrations, a double reverse ring setup can provide better and more affordable macro results. This involves mounting a lens in reverse and then using another reversed lens to increase the magnification. Extension Tubes: These are cheaper alternatives that can decrease the minimum focusing distance of your lens. They are particularly useful for flowers and small objects where extreme magnification is required without spending a lot of money.Another option is the Canon EF 100-400mm L II Lens paired with a high-resolution camera like the 5DS-R. This lens is versatile and is well-suited for macro photography, even when combined with converters to extend its reach. It allows you to stand far away from your subjects, which can be beneficial for birds and delicate photography tasks.
In conclusion, the best macro lens for Canon full frame cameras depends on your specific needs and interests. Whether you choose a longer lens, a specialized macro lens, or explore alternative techniques, the key is to find a solution that balances image quality and build quality with your budget and preferred shooting style.
Interested in seeing examples of macro photography? Feel free to reach out, and I'll share some of my favorite macro and close-up images.