A common inquisitive question after getting an SLR is "do I need other lenses?" After viewing magnified images of miniscule objects or insects, the question becomes a statement- "I need a macro lens."

One option for a macro on a Canon 1.6 sensor (10/20/30/40D; 300/350/400D) body is the EF-S 60mm f/2.8.

For a detailed performance test, read Photozone's Review (Click Here) or you can read various user's opinions on The Fred Miranda Forums (Click Here).

As Photozone's review suggest, this lens is razor sharp. But in my quest to find "the" macro, I found out that ALL MACRO LENSES ARE RAZOR SHARP. I settled on the Canon 60mm because of owner's remarks of "more natural background blur (bokeh)." Here's the definition and examples of Bokeh, difined by Wikipedia. This lens has circular aperture blades, and that may well be what sets it's pleasing, creamy smooth bokeh apart from the competition.

For insects, the 60mm may be a little too short, making you get closer than you want, which may scare your subject. Also, working in wider apertures at 1:1 magnification produces razor thin Depth Of Field, making macro work tricky for critical focus (the live view of the 40D helps tremendously in these situations).

 

Amazing pics, nice review

 

unbelievable, thanks for the help. I've been trying to decide on a macro lens for myself, but haven't made up my mind yet. This definitely makes it's way into the selection.

 

You've been taking alot of incredible pics. You should share them. You and me have progressed mightily... I remember your early pics. BTW, thanks for adding me to your Flickr contacts.

 

thank you very much, but I firmly believe that you have WELL surpassed me by far. your work is near flawless when I look at it, and every picture is mesmerizing in a different way.
No problemo for the add on flickr, I have you set to alert when new pictures are added

 

Since it's an EFS lens, it won't work on the 10D.

Canon rebates are out if you haven't seen it yet:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/mes...&FileID=216492

 

Continuing to process my pics after I got the Pantone Huey monitor calibration device. My understanding of post processing has definitely improved.

Those euphorbias (the small flowers the bees are on) are tiny, averaging 1/4in radius. All these shots are handheld. You can slice and dice with the sharpness of this lens.

 

those bees are getting it ON! it's like an orgy.

 

Maybe my best macro shot yet... no crop, no exposure comp in software! This one came out great on it's own... but almost every shot can use some adjustment. In this case, just the usual color boost. Love the bees.

 

Nice pictures man, damn how do you take the picture so close up that the bee doesn't fly away from you or even sting you? lol

 

great pics!

 

ctwentytwo, it's your posts that makes me wanna keep shellin more $$ on lenses.....LOL

First, the Sigma 10-20mm which I love to use. Now, I'm on the edge of picking up a Sigma 70mm f/2.8 macro for my Nikon D80 which I'm not sure how frequently I'll use this lens.

Terrific photos by the way! Keep up the good work Bro!

 

More bees! The above pic and these 3 are among 100+ shots, these were the best (in focus). Shooting bees are hard as they rarely stay still, and the razor thin DOF with 1:1 magnification and wide aperture complicates things even more.







You gotta find one that doesn't mind the front lens element being like 2-5 inches away These species of bees aren't all that aggressive.

Thanks... get up off your @ss and start practicing or using the camera!

Again, I'm glad I can inspire and motivate others... as others have in-turn inspired and motivated me.

Glad you like the 10-20 Sigma, I'll miss mine I've only heard good things about the 70mm macro. Know this, macros are known to be razor sharp, at all aperture ranges. Image quality is excellent with all macros it seems. The lens can also be used for portrait photography, although not for women as they WILL get offended as the macro will show every detail. Still life and product photography also, which you may want to dabble in.

This shot was also taken with this 60mm macro:

As you can see, they are pretty flexible. Again, image quality from macros are at the top of the food chain.

 

nice photos with the 60.

i prefer using the 105mm macro because you dont have to be so close to the subject and risk having your shadow or yourself mess with the lighting.

 

Finally jumping on the macro train with a Canon 100mm 2.8 tomorrow.

 

Those are some great shots. And you are right, it's practice, practice, practice. I wish I was as steady hand held as you are.

I don't have a dedicated macro lens, instead I've been messing around with reversing and coupling rings. Fixed focusing distance but still lots of fun.

 

I'm going the cheaper route and picking up the Kenko TC tube set for my 50mm f/1.8. The bokeh might not be as "creamy" but it'll do it's job