True Macro Lens Vs. Extension Tube

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
I currently have the "Ghetto" Macro lens setup. I use one of the Canon Extension Tubes with my Canon 85mm f 1.8 for Macro shots. It's a cheap solution, but the thing I HATE about it is the focusing aspect. For focus, the lens ALWAYS has to be at an almost exact certain distance from the subject, and even if you move 1 cm, the focus goes out. Basically, you have to move the camera back-and-forth to get focus (as well as use the focus ring a bit); as opposed to placing the camera where you want it, and just turning the focus ring like how you traditionally focus on something.

I have several questions about real Macro lenses, like the Canon 100mm Macro f 2.8.

1) Do real Macro lenses have more flexibility in regards to the focus, unlike the extension tubes? Meaning, can you just move your camera to the desired location and then focus, as opposed to moving the camera back and forth to find the focus (like the Extension tube)?

2) I assuming the same rule applies to Macro focal lengths. A 100mm macro, the subject will appear larger than a 50mm macro. Is this correct?

3) I was thinking of getting the Non-L 100mm Canon Macro ($520). Is 100mm a good focal length for a Macro? Anyone of you try this lens?

Thanks!
 
My experience with a true macro lens is limited; I did a lot of jewelry work with short extension tubes a few years ago, with very wide lenses - really used them as DOF killers, but I found the same focusing hassles you have.

I did look into buying a pro macro at the time, but all the specs I read showed I wouldn't get the magnification I wanted.

I'd see if you can find a vendor or rental house with the lens you want; most "pro" photo stores I've shopped in have no problem opening a lens and letting you stick it on a body/look through it/etc - to professional photo resellers, the attitude seems to be "you wouldn't buy a guitar without playing it".

You could also try the screw-on diopter/filter things (the benefit of tubes being no added glass of course) but you should be able to pick up some cheap ones for next to nothing (eBay, etc) which would at least tell you if the utility is what you need - if they work, buy a Nikon, B&H, whatever pricey pro version.
 
So I went to Samy's today and checked out a real Macro lens. The Canon 100mm macro L. And yes, it's much different than using an extension tube. The sales guy told me that Extension tubes and Zooms that have Macro's are not true Macros, so the range of focus is very limited (and frustrating). With the 100mm Macro (True Macro), you could pick and choose where to focus from, not just from 1 spot like the Extension tube. That is a GREAT lens. I want it, but shoot... 1000 bucks. I might just have to splurge.
 
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