Macro Lens Focal Lengths

[Car2n]

I'm just trying to get a feel for what the different macro lens focal lengths can have in a real world scenario. Is there any difference between a 60mm and a 100mm besides the distance one must stand away from the subject?
Lets use a bee as an example. How far away would you have to stand with a 60mm and again with a 100mm to fill the frame with the bee subject?
What are any reasons one would choose a 60mm vrs a 100mm?

[Elmo]

The big difference is distance from subject. Other differences are slight compare a 50mm vs 100 mm in everyday use. For the shorter fl's, only a few will do to 1:1 without extension tubes. At 1:1 I have (100 mm) has about a 4 inch lens to subject distance. (Note 100 mm is about 4 inches) My 50 mm is loaned out but as I recall it would be about 2 inches. Fully extended my 105 is 9" from front of lens to back of camera givindg a person to subject distance of about 13 inches. This distance for a 50 would be about 8 inches as I recall.

It is important to note that some internal focus macros reduce their FL the closer they focus.

I prefer the longer lengths to allow better control of lightining (flash, reflectors, defusers and the like).

Before investing in a Macro lens you might want to experiment with using extension tudes and or diopter lenses. Also many "normal" lenses have macro settings that work well with close uo photos, extension tubes and/or diopters turn them into usable macros.

Would I do without a macro specific lense NO. Mine is also great indoor sports lens.

[Elmo]

Thought I might enclose shot of my macro setup

[jdepould]

Longer focal lengths have a tendency to flatten images more so than wider focal lengths. The DoF is usually shallower, all other things being equal.

[rjb_FotoTaker]

I recently went into Ritz and went through all the Macros they had in-store that fit my Canon 40D.
First was the Sigma 105mm 2.8, which I was happy with.
Second I tried the Canon 100mm 2.8, at that point I told the rep they could immediately put the Sigma back in the case.
Third I tried the Canon 60mm 2.8.
I swapped the 2 canon lenses about 3 times each and ended up with the 60mm.

They blew away the sigma in focusing speed and sound, the canons are whisper quite.

After I thought about how much I would use the lens I opted to save about 150 and get the 60mm.

It is just a matter of preference and planned use when choosing a lens. My best reason for buying it was for close up shots of the brides ring and flowers at weddings.

[rjb_FotoTaker]

here's a practice shot with the Canon 60mm 2.8 macro

[Car2n]

Originally Posted by rjb_FotoTaker

here's a practice shot with the Canon 60mm 2.8 macro

How far away was the lens to this subject?

[rjb_FotoTaker]

Originally Posted by Car2n

How far away was the lens to this subject?

2 or 3 inches, I had the watch on a chair near a window with indirect sunlight, the camera on a tripod.
I need to work on remembering the detail of how I achieved a shot so when I post it I can list the details.

[GaryMoffat]

50mm for text

100mm for bugs

100+mm for Poisonous bugs.

Works for most things.

[mdpix]

Originally Posted by rjb_FotoTaker

I recently went into Ritz and went through all the Macros they had in-store that fit my Canon 40D.
First was the Sigma 105mm 2.8, which I was happy with.
Second I tried the Canon 100mm 2.8, at that point I told the rep they could immediately put the Sigma back in the case.
Third I tried the Canon 60mm 2.8.
I swapped the 2 canon lenses about 3 times each and ended up with the 60mm.

They blew away the sigma in focusing speed and sound, the canons are whisper quite.

After I thought about how much I would use the lens I opted to save about 150 and get the 60mm.

It is just a matter of preference and planned use when choosing a lens. My best reason for buying it was for close up shots of the brides ring and flowers at weddings.

Fototaker, I too just purchased my first Micro (Nikon's term) lens and opted for the 60 mm. After lots of research, it came down to subject matter (mainly anything that does not bite or sting), that it is also raved as a good portrait lens, and finally saving about $100+. BTW, I am loving it and I just got it this afternoon!