Help - which macro lens....

[Sime™]

I would like to buy just one macro lens for my Canon EOS 30D, and am looking at the ef-s 60mm and the ef 100mm...both f2.8 fellas... just wondering if anyone had any pointers when choosing between the two... I have used them both (my local shop is very nice to me...sometimes) for about an hour and liked them both... decisions decisions...!! argh..Anyway, any pointers appreciated. (even if I just add up the number of replies and go with the majority) and then there is the "what if one day I get a 5D...Help, Please... Sime

[Saralonde]

If you plan on a full frame camera someday and don't want to replace the 60mm, get the 100mm. I have the 100mm and think it is a great lens, but I've never used the 60mm. The difference in price, at least here in the US, is not so great that cost has a great effect. They both are true macro with 1:1 ratio. The 60 is smaller and lighter (nice if you are trying to use it handheld), the 100 lets you get a little farther away from your subject. That might make a difference with bugs, not so much with flowers. As for portraits, you could probably get nice head/shoulder shots with the 60, the 100 gives nice closeup head shots.

[NaturesPixel]

Now i don't know what you will be wanting to shoot??
but if it was me i would get the 100mm for the ability to stand back further...and still be able to get the 1:1 that way insects and the like are not scared giving them more breathing space

[inkista]

There's really not a lot to choose among the two for image quality. They're both superb lenses for sharpness. The main differences are:

• EF vs. EF-S (60 can't be used on a full frame body like the 5D).
• Focal length/working distance (60mm hard to use on living subjects, but can be used with slightly slower shutter speeds, making handholding easier).
• Physical size (the 100 is bigger lens than the 60; about twice the weight).

Otherwise, cost and quality-wise they're very similar. As NaturesPixel says, if you're planning on going for bug macros, the 100 is probably a better bet. If you're going for tabletop macros and handheld then the 60 has the edge.

[Sime™]

Well, we went out shooting lastnight and a mate of mine, Susan, let me use her 100 macro for the night... (LINK) and I think it will have to be the 100mm... I have only used the 60mm very briefly, but the 100mm will (thanks for all your thoughts) let me get a little further away from the subject, save me a little bit of shoulder ache (another lens in the bag!) and, possibly, upgrade to a fullframe beasty at some point... the 100 it is, now I just have to work out how to get it approved by the ministry for war and finance...hmmm

Cheers!
Sime™

[Saralonde]

I think you'll love it, Sime. It's a great lens!

[Sime™]

Thanks!... yep... off I go to buy a lense... yay... oh, bugger... um.. visa?!...