need help deciding which 100mm macro should I get??

K

kataani

New member
Hi there,
I'm gonna be using 5D mark II for Video only.
I'm thinking of buying a Macro lens for my music video production.
I've decided to get a Canon 100 mm macro lens.
Well, there are three types out there. I'm a director not a DOP.....so kinda confused right now. I need help in deciding which one I should get.
Three Macro lenses are.........
1. CANON EF 100mm 2.8 L IS Macro USM for $880
2. CANON EF 100mm 2.8 Macro USM for $ 560
3. CANON EF 100mm 2.0 USM

Being on a tight budget, the less expensive is more attractive.
BUT at the same time I don't wanna get something which is not gonna be useful in the long run. My videos are mainstream so the quality can't be compromised.
My questionS are ....
Which one should I get???
Is there a huge difference in terms of quality (of pictures taken)?
Does L or IS even matter in terms of Video?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Regards,
Pete
 
I don't shoot video yet as I'm just here to learn about that, but I certainly know a fair bit about macro lenses from a stills point of view. Firstly, I assume you do want the macro lens for at least some close-ups. The 100mm f2 is not a macro lens and does not focus particularly close in macro terms. Whereas the other 2 macro lenses focus very close and have similar overall specifications and image quality. The main difference is that the 100mm f2.8 L IS has very effective image stablization and is weather sealed. If you are shooting handheld the IS (image stabilization) obviously has big advantages. Whereas if image stabilization is not such an issue the 100mm f2.8 USM will provide nearly everything the more expensive L lens does for a lot less money, it is a quality lens.

From what I understand IS can be very useful from a video point of view when handholding. However, be aware that at close focusing distances even the best IS will struggle when handholding the camera as the magnification greatly magnifies any camera movement. Both the macro lenses focus to 1:1 - that means you can fill the frame with something the size of the sensor at their minimum focus. On the 5D mkII that means something 24mm x 36mm will fill the frame at the minimum focus distance.
 
Of the three, if you can afford it I think the L IS would be a good one time investment to cover every possible shooting situation and style for video.
 
I think there is a nikon version you can get for like $100 or so, just get a $20 adapter and good to go?

Am i missing anything?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top