This is the first macro photo lens designed to achieve a high magnification greater than 1x without additional accessories. It is ideal for small subjects. The newly designed optical formula and UD-glass elements suppress chromatic aberrations which become apparent at high magnifications. For flash photography, Macro Ring Lite ML-3 can be attached to the lens.
• Aperture f/2.8
• Focal Length 1-5 macro
• Mount Type EF Camera
• Compatibility Canon digital SLRs Lens
• Adaptor Needed No
• Image Stabilisation No
• Manual Focus Yes
• Focusing Range 0.24m
• Filter Diameter 58 mm
• Weight 0.71 kg
• Dimensions 81 x 98 mm
Registered: May 2007 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 620
Review Date: Fri October 5, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £400.00
| Rating: 9
Pros:
Magnification, Image Quality
Cons:
Price, Small DOF, Only up to F16
This lens allows you to focus from 1:1 to 5:1 magnification and is compatable with the Canon Macro flashes. It apparently does not work with extension tubes.
The working distance starts at about 100mm and drops to just over an inch when the lens is at 5:1. The lens is purely a specialist macro lens in that it does not focus to infinity. As you zoom the lens out it the magnification increases and the depth of field shrinks rapidly.
I find that working practically you can get up to about 3:1 handheld with this lens ( though I do use a Twin Macro Flash, you would need the lighting to make it viable to do this ). Anything after that you really need a pod and ideally a focusing rail to get sharp images.
Occasionally find that you can smack the subject with you flash lamps when getting real close if you haven't positioned them properly!
Also to be noted is that unless you have certain Canon camera bodies you need to dial in exposure compensation. Not too much problem with the digital as you can experiment and easily see results.
You can get some stunning shots with this lens and used with a flash and ETL camera is great fun. Pity the F16 is the lowest rating you can get. Got mine in the US, so paid in dollars - Normally in UK they are about £750
A great lens for the macro nut...not one I'd start macroing with though!
