40D Review - Lens Suggestions

[Roxie2401]

Bob, when you made the review on the 40D, your last page was for "Lens Suggestions."  And, I have followed that advice very closely in making my lens purchases.

One question that was not answered in that list of suggested lenses - what would you be using to build out that complement of lenses for "Macro" use?  Were any of the lenses listed capable of true "macro" or do you have a lens that you would use for specifically for that task?

I know Canon has several, one is ES-S, the others are ES.  I also know that the 17-85 has "Macro" written on the lens, but I think you made a comment once that just saying "macro" does not make the lens a macro.

Thanks

[Bob Atkins]

Well I use a 70-300/4-5.6IS with a closeup diopter on it. The one I use happens to be a Nikon 5T which is 62mm and I adapt it down to the 58mm lens thread. The only reason I use the Nikon i sthat when I bought it Canon were not yet making the 250D and 500D closeup diopters. If I was buying one today, I'd get the 58mm Canon 500D. It fits any lens with 58mm threads, but works best with fairly long lenses like the 70-300IS.

I'm not sure if you noticed the article a wrote a month or two ago which specifically adresses the macro lens question and inlcudes my suggestion of the 500D if you really don't need a dedicated lens.

See http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/macro_lenses.html

If you want a dedicated macro lens, the EF-S 60/2.8 is very good, quite small, and can double as a nice portrait lens (see the article for more info).

[Roxie2401]

Bob,

So, since I took your advice and got the 70-300 IS USM lens, the screw-in closeup adapter is probably my best use of funds?  Any problem with the camera tripod socket supporting that lens during macro work?  (I know, the "L" lenses have a special collar, but not the non-Ls?)

Since the first thing I did after taking the 70-300 out of the box was to put a B&W Multi-coated UV/Haze filter on to protect the lens from damage - can I put the 500D on the "outside" without impacting the image?

And, the EF-S 60/2.8  would be only for the 1.6 image sensor bodies, right?

Thanks for the reference to your macro article.

May as well ask one more related question - for the objects I was to photo with the macro, I want to use a cloth backdrop - any thoughts on using a dark blue vs a tan piece of cloth to place the objects on?



Thanks for the guidance.

[KeithB]

If you look at the booklet that came with the 70-300 lens, (I got mine yesterday!) it shows the magnification and I think the closest focus distance using the close-up lenses that Bob mentions.

If you want a dedicated Macro, you should also look at the 100 mm EF, it has a 6" distance from the lens at closest focus and is really sharp.

[Roxie2401]

Keith,

Thanks - does your manual have a statement "Sales of the 500 Close-up lens may already be terminated in some areas?"  Page ENG-11

Why does Canon say this?

[Bob Atkins]

Does it say the 500 or the 500D may not be available? The 500D is a high quality two element lens, while I think the 500 may have been a simple single element design. The 500D is a current product and widely distributed.

You can stack the 500D and a UV filter, but you run the risk of increasing flare by using multiple filters. For the best quality, I'd only recommend using one at once, particularly if one of them (the UV in this case) isn't really necessary for optical reasons.

I'd chose whatever background color you want! The only thing to remember is that it might affect the exposure the camera selects if there's a lot of backround and a small subject.

[Roxie2401]

Bob,

When looking at the CU lens you suggested, can you tell me what the difference is between that one and this one 

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-58mm-Close-Up-Lens-2822A002/dp/B0007ZA15M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1213474948&sr=1-4

Canon - USA 58mm Close-Up Lens 500D ( 2822A002 )  $87.99

Canon 500D 58mm Close up Lens for Canon S2 IS, S3 IS, Pro 1 and Pro 90 Digital Cameras  $76.93


It looks like the one you suggested is for Canon S2.....Pro 90 cameras and the other one is for?


I was checking B&H, and they only list the 2822A002 500D - so that made me just a little suspecious.

[Bob Atkins]

There's only one 58mm Canon 500D so I'd probably just get the cheaper one! I think it's just the advertising copy writers who are a little confused.

It will fit the Canon S2 IS, S3 IS, Pro 1 and Pro 90 Digital Cameras  - or any other camera or lens which takes a 58mm screw in filter including the 70-300IS.

[Roxie2401]

Bob, Last question.

If I get the 500D CU lens and use it on the 70-300 on a copy stand, will I be subject to "zoom creep" with the lens pointing down?  Should I be looking at a regular macro (the 60 or 100) or perhaps just that little plastic 50mm instead for work on a Kaiser Copy Stand?

Thanks

[KeithB]

Zoom creep does not seem to be an issue with a new 70-300, but may get worse over time.  The well-used one Ken Rockwell reviewed at http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/70-300mm-is.htm seemed to be pretty floppy.

Ken also gives you the distortion correction numbers if you want really straight lines.  (A macro would help here, too.)

[Bob Atkins]

My 70-300 doesn't suffer from zoom creep, but as above, it may losen up with time.  The focus distance may also be a litttle long for use on a copy stand. You might be better off with a dedicated macro lens if you intend to do lots of copy work.