I am looking to get a 180mm Macro lens to use with a Canon 5D. Tamron makes one and advertised as designed for digital cameras. Similarly does Sigma. How do these stack up with the Canon 180L. Also intend getting a twin head Canon macro flash. Any comments on this unit.
Regards
Hari
Hi Hari,
I have the Sigma 180 Macro...it cost half of the Canon 180 L and it is a truly wonderful lens. This is my in-depth review, with JPEG and RAW samples:
Hari: I'm not familiar with these lenses in particular but many "digital" lenses are designed to be used for APS-C sized sensors and would vignette if used on a full frame sensor. >=))>
From what I am aware, the Sigma 180 macro DG is designed for a full frame, it just has a special coating for a digital sensor.
I have a 180 macro coming to me tomorrow..I got one from Adorama that was dead on arrival. They are sending me a second one, so you would have to wait for my thoughts...
I took the plunge and bought the Canon 180 L myself, so my commentary is really about the flash unit. I have the MT-24 EX Twin Lite flash unit but I only use it with my EF 100 f/2.8 Macro lens. First, the 180 mm lenses all have a minimum focus distance of about 45 centimeters. At that distance the MT-24 simply becomes a point light source because the units are fairly close to the lens while on the bracket. The advantages of right to left separation, flash ratio, etc. are lost. Secondly, the mounting bracket is 58mm. You also have to get an adapter for the 180 mm lens' 72mm filter size. The MT just seems perfect for my EF 100 f/2.8 as it is a 58mm filter and it focuses down to about 13 centimeters where the separation of the flash units is significant. It's just about useless with my 180L. Well, the focus assist light is nice...
So, what do I use with my 180L? You still have to stop down to pitch dark to get any depth of field, and under most circumstances some flash is a good idea so you don't have to expose all day (bugs are so impatient!). I use my 580 EX's, either hand held or mounted on my shiny new F2 Wimberly Macro flash brackets. You can find them at http://www.naturephotographers.net/gs/gsflashbracket.html.
The brackets hold the flashes far enough to the side of the 180s that you get good shadows and texture definition, something that is absent with the straight-on point light source. My advice is to take the boatload of money you were planning to spend on the flash, and put it with your lens money and get the Canon L glass. You can hand-hold your flash off-camera or buy a bracket.
Hi Hari,
I recently purchased the Canon 180mm macro lens and it has quickly become my favorite lens for all types of flower, close-up shots and I have used it with a teleconverter to use as a telephoto lens with great results. I usually follow all of Juza's reccomendations, and I'm sure the Sigma lens would be great, but I almost always purchase Canon lenses. I know they cost more, but I have never been disappointed and have total confidence in the quality. I own the Canon Macro Ring Lite--MR-14EX and have always been satisfied with its performance on my Canon 100mm macro lens. I just purchased the required adapter so I can use it my 180mm, but I haven't tried it yet. Kelly really knows her "stuff" and I would follow her suggestions concerning the flashes.
Hari, I use the Tamron 180 macro, its also a great lens.Its design for full frame too. Autofocus is slow but for most macro shoots you need no autofocus.
Discussion
7 repliesRegards
Hari
I have the Sigma 180 Macro...it cost half of the Canon 180 L and it is a truly wonderful lens. This is my in-depth review, with JPEG and RAW samples:
Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX APO Macro HSM Field Review
From what I am aware, the Sigma 180 macro DG is designed for a full frame, it just has a special coating for a digital sensor.
I have a 180 macro coming to me tomorrow..I got one from Adorama that was dead on arrival. They are sending me a second one, so you would have to wait for my thoughts...
Nathan
So, what do I use with my 180L? You still have to stop down to pitch dark to get any depth of field, and under most circumstances some flash is a good idea so you don't have to expose all day (bugs are so impatient!). I use my 580 EX's, either hand held or mounted on my shiny new F2 Wimberly Macro flash brackets. You can find them at http://www.naturephotographers.net/gs/gsflashbracket.html.
The brackets hold the flashes far enough to the side of the 180s that you get good shadows and texture definition, something that is absent with the straight-on point light source. My advice is to take the boatload of money you were planning to spend on the flash, and put it with your lens money and get the Canon L glass. You can hand-hold your flash off-camera or buy a bracket.
Good luck!
I recently purchased the Canon 180mm macro lens and it has quickly become my favorite lens for all types of flower, close-up shots and I have used it with a teleconverter to use as a telephoto lens with great results. I usually follow all of Juza's reccomendations, and I'm sure the Sigma lens would be great, but I almost always purchase Canon lenses. I know they cost more, but I have never been disappointed and have total confidence in the quality. I own the Canon Macro Ring Lite--MR-14EX and have always been satisfied with its performance on my Canon 100mm macro lens. I just purchased the required adapter so I can use it my 180mm, but I haven't tried it yet. Kelly really knows her "stuff" and I would follow her suggestions concerning the flashes.
Gene Steinberg
Andover, NJ