Canon Macro Lens

[Curtis Cunningham]

Is a dedicated macro lens better than an equivalent focal length on a regular zoom lens? If so, why?

Is there an appreciable IQ difference in the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS lens VS the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 lens to justify the increased cost?

[ishootRAW]

Originally Posted by Curtis Cunningham

Is a dedicated macro lens better than an equivalent focal length on a regular zoom lens? If so, why?

I'm not sure what you mean here. Do you mean a extension tube?

How much are you going to be using it. The non L is the one I recommend almost all the time. Yah the wether sealing is indeed nice, and the IS is nice too. But most of you work will be done on a tripod. The difference in sharpness in not that significant.

IMHO, it's not worth it.

Waiting for inkista..........

[gturner]

The L lens is ridiculously good. Probably my favorite lens at the moment.
Colour, contrast, insane IQ and fantastic stabilizer. It is worth the extra for its all round application as well as the macro.

[RichardTaylor]

Not to mention super fast focussing.

There's a guy on Flickr who owns both. Even though the older lens very good the new one runs rings around it.

[Curtis Cunningham]

Originally Posted by ishootRAW

I'm not sure what you mean here. Do you mean a extension tube?

I apologize for not being clearer with my intention.

Specifically for macro purposes, I was wanting to compare a Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS macro lens with a zoom lens (say my Canon 24-105 f/4.0L IS lens) set at 100mm.

[gturner]

as a portrait lens the 100mm L macro will blow the 105mm out the water.

As macro lens it is not a fair contest for obvious reasons.

A a walk around lens the 24-105 comes into its own.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens Review

[Curtis Cunningham]

Originally Posted by gturner

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens Review

Thanks for the review. It was excellent.

[RichardTaylor]

Re IQ.
This will give you an idea.
Here is both lenses.

Just select an aperture and focal length you want to compare.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Image Quality

Also keep in mind the lens hood on primes works a lot better than those on zooms in helping to control flare.

Also define "better"
It all depends on what you want to use it for.
I do own a Canon 24-105 and it is my walk around/general purpose lens (on a 5D).

[ishootRAW]

I have been over ruled by a bunch of rich people.