IS feature in Macro lens

[photog1107]

[note, this first appeared in Macro but I decided Canon gear was more appropriate]

I am looking at two 100mm Canon macros--the one with IS and one without. Both highly rated at dpreview and elsewhere. Price is roughly double for IS model. I have several IS lenses, so I understand the benefit... but with macro shooting, I have always heard "turn the IS off" to eliminate motor vibration. Plus, the best results are going to come from a tripod, cable release, etc., anyway, so long exposures are taken care of that way. So why would I spend twice as much for IS--seems like the extra $ might be better spent elsewhere?

I want the best quality lens, but sure don't need to pay twice the cost for something I won't--or shouldn't--use. Any opinions on the value of IS for practical use in macro?

[Preeb]

I have the 100mm f2.8 L IS macro, and you get about 2 stops of assistance even at 1:2 macro range. At 1:1 it's not much help, but down to that point it's a great feature. And for non macro work, you get 3-4 stops of help from the IS, meaning that instead of a minimum speed of 1/100 for handheld, you can get down to 1/25 or even 1/10 if you're pretty steady, or can brace against a tree or something.

3 of my 5 lenses have IS, and I swear by it.

[photog1107]

I hear you, and I use IS in several of my other lenses, but i am still wondering about the philosophy of using IS with macro, period. I have always read "turn the IS off" for macro work b/c the motor vibration can create problems with precise focus. Therein lies my confusion. Am I missing something? Why would I pay $500 extra for something that I should turn off in order to increase image quality?

[Preeb]

Originally Posted by photog1107

I hear you, and I use IS in several of my other lenses, but i am still wondering about the philosophy of using IS with macro, period. I have always read "turn the IS off" for macro work b/c the motor vibration can create problems with precise focus. Therein lies my confusion. Am I missing something? Why would I pay $500 extra for something that I should turn off in order to increase image quality?

If you read anything about it, the IS doesn't help with close macro anyway. If you are at 1:2 or farther, then you do get some assistance from it. I don't think that it's the IS motor causing vibrations - it simply isn't effective at very high magnifications. No matter what lens you have, when doing close macro, a good tripod is your best friend.

But the 100mm f2.8 L IS isn't only about macro. It's a great medium telephoto and portrait prime lens, and for those uses the IS can be a godsend.

[photog1107]

Thanks Preeb. Good to hear from someone who uses this lens, and your feedback backs up everything I have read.

[gturner]

On a tripod with a controled environment, IS is not going to be that helpful.

BUT
The 100 L colour is AMAZING, as good if not better than my other 3 x 2.8 L lenses.
AND the IS is also incredible.
Here is one from last week. Very low light, on a shaking leaf, handheld. You could just not take this image with a non-IS version.
5Dmkii - ISO 1600 - 1/125thh

[AndyM2020]

You're right about not using IS when using it on a tripod. But while it is a macro lens, you can still use it as a "normal" lens in conditions where you might need IS.