I have become very interested in Macro Photography and have a Canon 180mm Macro Lens. I had a Canon 5D until just recently when it was determined that someone wanted the camera and 24-105mm lens more than I did--stolen from my hotel room in Cancun, Mexico.
So, the question is: What camera would one select (Canon DSLR) to match the macro lens (primary use), and general nature photography (secondary use)?
Assuming that there are three categories of cameras, what would you consider Good, Better, Best?
Wyn Knapp
La Jolla CA
Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 1, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Wyn, I would just eplace the stolen 5D with a new one. Many NPN members use that model with great results. I'm not sure the faster frame-rate and AF speed of the higher end models would be of much benefit for macro and/or landscape work.
Frankly, for macro, I'd go with a cropped body. For the same field of view (as compared to a full frame camera), you can use a shorter lens or more working distance, either of which gives you more DOF, which is always a benefit in macro.
The 5D is full frame (not cropped). I'd go for the 30D for macro.
For landscapes, I'd say 5D (or 1Ds2) to take advantage of the wider field of view, but not for macro.
Wyn: For macro I agree with Paul. I'm a Sony shooter but I have a Minolta 200mm macro which is just beyond excellent with the 1.5 crop factor. When I was shooting film the 200 was wonderful but with the new camera it is even better. With the 30D you effectively have a 288mm macro, a dynamite combination IMO. >=))>
Posted by Basil Greber on August 2, 2007 at 5:05 PM
I'd agree with those suggesting cropped bodies here. If macro is your primary subject (in contrast to landscapes and wide angle applications), the more working distance the better. IMO. Just make sure you have higher pixel density than with a full frame camera (otherwise you could just crop and get the same result...).
The 5D is a excellent camera, ... but I sold mine.
I shoot mainly macro and abstract type images, have been working with art consultants, licensing/selling plenty of work to hotels, casinos, corporations, ... all with the Canon Xti.
I just did not need the 5D for the type of work or shooting that I do, ... and the consultants sure have not been complaining one bit! :)
In fact, just ordered a second Xti.
I am sure that one day I will see a need for a full frame camera, but right now, ... I simply don't need it!
If macro is your main goal, invest in something like a Xti and use the savings on some good glass, or maybe a Gitzo tripod with a RRS ballhead on top. Then you'll be cookin!!
Just some thoughts that I have thrown out here, ... and wish you the best!
Discussion
6 repliesSo, the question is: What camera would one select (Canon DSLR) to match the macro lens (primary use), and general nature photography (secondary use)?
Assuming that there are three categories of cameras, what would you consider Good, Better, Best?
Wyn Knapp
La Jolla CA
The 5D is full frame (not cropped). I'd go for the 30D for macro.
For landscapes, I'd say 5D (or 1Ds2) to take advantage of the wider field of view, but not for macro.
-Paul
Basil
I shoot mainly macro and abstract type images, have been working with art consultants, licensing/selling plenty of work to hotels, casinos, corporations, ... all with the Canon Xti.
I just did not need the 5D for the type of work or shooting that I do, ... and the consultants sure have not been complaining one bit! :)
In fact, just ordered a second Xti.
I am sure that one day I will see a need for a full frame camera, but right now, ... I simply don't need it!
If macro is your main goal, invest in something like a Xti and use the savings on some good glass, or maybe a Gitzo tripod with a RRS ballhead on top. Then you'll be cookin!!
Just some thoughts that I have thrown out here, ... and wish you the best!