Nice lens
DPReview has completed their indepth review of the new L macro. I haven't had the chance to play around with one yet.
From DPR
“Overall, then, the EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM Macro is an easy recommendation if you're looking for exceptional image quality regardless of price. However potential buyers do need to appreciate that the increased cost over its older stablemate appears to pay mainly for the Hybrid IS system, which despite its clever technology isn't hugely useful for actual close-distance macro work. Of course it's still a great benefit for general-purpose shooting, which mustn't be underestimated, and the new Hybrid technology appears to be a step in the right direction; but the marriage between macro and stabilization remains an uneasy one.”
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_100_2p8_is_usm_c16/
cr
19 Comments
WTF How much!!!!!!!
Glad I’ve got the old model
I think that again dpreview proved once more their high class in this review. As a nature photographer I’ve got enough experience to say that stabilization in macro photography has limited usage and nothing would replace tripod/monopod + macro rail + high quality prime macro lenses in range from 30 to 200 mm f/2.8. You can use Helicon Focus to play with DOF, but naturally looking pictures always have limited one. We humans don’t see sharply from edge to edge and our pictures should show sharply only important portion of an image. I consider using tilt & shift and wide angle in outdoor photography as some kind of laziness. For me natural perspective is the priority where applicable. I like sentence “Hybrid technology appears to be a step in the right direction; but the marriage between macro and stabilization remains an uneasy one.” Maybe not a marriage but an experimental field.
Photozone has had its review up for several weeks. They review it for both full frame and asp-c cameras, which I personally appreciate. Here is the link to the review for the full frame cameras:
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/458-canon_100_28is_5d
DPR also tested on both APS-C and FF fyi.
Of all the lens test reports I’ve encountered (and I do look at photozone’s) I think DPR’s are the most thorough and satisfying. Plus they always post plenty of full-size samples – the best part IMO.
I agree that CR is a class-act site. Bravo CR guy.