Got a new macro lens!! Long post..

[BruceS]

I've been using my Nikon Coolpix 4500, but have been wanting to get a macro lens for my Canon 300D. I was telling myself on the way home not to expect any dramatic difference, but this just blows me away. This is why I bought a DSLR in the first place!











The lens is a Canon EF 100mm f 2.8 USM Autofocus. You can switch between auto and manual focus as with most of these, and the manual focus is really easy to dial in. I'm stoked!

I've never used a fixed focal length lens, so I've got a bit of a learning curve. I shot the first batch in program mode and found that I had very little depth of field. The lens focused great, but just in a small area. I shot this batch in A-Dep which chose f/32 rather than f/2.8 from the previous batch. Result...instant depth of field.

I'm gonna stick with this lens...not just for the results, but because using a fixed focal length is going to teach me something about photography. Fun stuff!

Oh I almost forgot...the watch is a Citizen Caliber 8700. I bought it 'cause I thought the dial was really cool
Cheers,

[MikeS]

i want a new camera so bad!!!

[JBHII]

Bruce,

That's the exact same lens I use for the majority of my professional photos. It's considered to be the one of the best macro lenses ever. I'm constantly amazed by it! I used it on my 300D, and now use it on my 20D, shooting in full auto mode. Incidentally, the lens also makes a GREAT portrait lens, believe it or not.

The one thing about the lens is, it's pretty light hungry. I was frustrated in many cases with my 300D using the lens on dial close ups. I'd need to either hack the watch, or use a really small depth of field to do dial close ups, with neither option being preferable. Now that I use the 20D, I'm able to bump up the ISO which REALLY helps.

[DavidHernandez]

That is an awesome lens (and photos). I use the competing lens (Tamron 90mm) on my Canon 10D. The lens is AWESOME as a Portrait lens!! Sharp across the field with excellent contrast.

Make sure to expand your use of that lens so that you get the full range of flexibility out of it. Your photos really show the beauty of the Citizen. Stunning.

I tested the Canon 100mm and would have bought it, but it was cost prohibitive. Fortunately, the Tamron is an outstanding lens too.



Dave.