Have you ever tried to take photographs of dewdrops on leaves and flowers with the help of your Canon DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, only to be disappointed by the results? You are not alone.
Clicking perfect close-up photographs is beyond the scope of the 35mm lens supplied with the Canon camera. You require a macro lens to achieve the perfect result.
The biggest advantage of the single-lens reflex camera, be it mechanical or digital, is the ability to change its lens. You can purchase from a wide range of additional lenses such as telephoto (which allows you to take images of distant objects), wide-angle (best for shooting landscapes), macro (ideal for taking close-up images of objects), and much more.
However, we shall, today, be discussing the best macro lenses for Canon cameras. Although many other reputable companies also manufacture such lenses, those manufactured by Canon are some of the best, as the manufacturer specifically builds them for this particular brand of DSLR.
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Light
Compact
Amazingly Sharp
Sharp pictures
Excellent Color and Contrast
Huge Bundle of Accessories
Clicks Extremely Sharp Pictures
Good Color
No Extending Parts
Excellent Images
Super Spectra Coating
One Ultra-Low Dispersion Lens Element
Zero Ghosting and Flare
Zero Chromatic Aberrations
L Quality Lens
High-quality Low Light Pictures
Excellent Photographs
Pocket-friendly Price
Takes Awesome Portrait Photographs
Extremely Sharp Pictures
Excellent Contrast
Minimal Distortion
How to Change the Lenses
Detaching and attaching different lenses on your Canon camera is a simple task.
To change the lens, you should first power off the camera and then depress the lens release button. Grip the rear part of the lens and turn it towards the shutter button side of the device. You will hear a clicking noise once the lens detaches from the camera.
To fit a different lens, align its base with the mount of the camera, grip the rear collar of the lens, and turn it clockwise until you hear a clicking sound. You can find illustrated details of the above procedures in the instruction manual accompanying the camera.
Selecting and Purchasing the Suitable Macro Lens
When looking for the most suitable macro lens for your needs, you'll find different macro lenses manufactured by Canon for its range of digital single-reflex cameras. Although all of them serve the same purpose of clicking razor-sharp close-ups of images, they have their differences too.
We shall be reviewing seven different macro lenses available on the market along with their specifications, including prices so that you can decide which one is best suited for your job.
Remember, you can avail of all functions available in the standard lens with the macro lens too. For example, you can keep the dew drops in focus while keeping the flowers on the background blurry.
Important Information
Do not forget to take extreme care of the lenses and put them back in their protective cases the moment you remove them from your camera. All camera bags have special sections for storing the lenses.
You will find terms such as `F' mentioned along with the details of the lenses. The `F' refers to the ratio of the focal length of the camera to the diameter of the entrance pupil. It is also a quantitative measure of the speed of the lens and is an important concept in photography. Do not worry about these terms right now, as you will get used to them once you start using the additional lenses.
Best Macro Lenses for Canon Worth Considering
(1) Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for DSLR Cameras
Available at a good price, the lens boasts of maximum 1:2.8 aperture, 100 mm focal length, and 1:1 (1x) macro capabilities.
It is not suitable for all Canon DSLR cameras. Amazon provides you with an option to determine whether this lens is suitable for your camera.
You also have the option of purchasing it along with a polarizer or ultraviolet filter by paying an extra amount.
Weather-proof
This L-class lens is slightly heavier and longer than its previous versions and also boasts a tough new weather-sealed body.
Sharp Pictures
I was pleasantly surprised by the sharpness provided by this lens.
I hardly found any distortion on images clicked with it.
Reduced Shadowing Risks
The minimum close-focusing distance of this lens is roughly one foot, decreasing the risk of shadowing the subject with my body or the camera.
Good Overall Build
Unlike other lenses of the same category, this one does not contain any steel. The company has used aluminum for the nameplate, lens mount, and focus ring, and engineering-grade plastic for the other parts.
The build quality is extremely good and includes weather sealing. I loved the straight and smooth design of this lens, including the flush-mounted switches.
Fast and Accurate Lens
Powered by the outstanding ultrasonic motor of Canon, this lens is internal, accurate, quiet, and fast. The focus ring is nicely sized and placed and is very smooth, too, with no play.
Excellent Bokeh
Bokeh is excellent, and so are color and contrast.
A pocket-friendly price and tons of features along with a solid build make this lens ideal for first-time users.
(2) Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens with Travel Bundle and Accessory
Although I always search for quality products when purchasing macro lenses, I was pleasantly surprised by this model, retailing for a competitive price as it included a travel case along with other accessories.
Broad Compatibility
Although this lens is compatible with all Canon DSLR cameras, you can use it with other cameras too. Check the list of compatible devices on Amazon's website.
Added Accessories
The bundle included a mini tripod with a pistol grip along with a rapid-fire wrist strap, camera insert, and AirBag packable bag.
The other accessories include the Altura photo accessory kit, photo hardshell case, plus MagicFiber microfiber lens pouches in three different sizes.
The awesome lens features a minimum and a maximum aperture of F32 and F2.8 and has a focal length of 100mm.
It has an ultrasonic-type, ring-type autofocus motor together with a manual focusing option, image stabilization as well as 67mm filters.
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The manufacturer has also included a front and rear lens dust cap, soft lens case, and ET-73 lens hood.
Warranty
It carries a limited warranty of one year only for the USA and Canada. You can purchase an additional four-year camera accidental protection plan by paying an additional $700.
If you are interested in clicking super macro shots, I suggest that you also purchase the 2x teleconverter.
Excellent Color and Contrast
Although this lens does not make Bokeh like 85mm, it does produce very sharp pictures. I was also blown away by the colors and contrast the lens provided.
(3) Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens
I could not believe my eyes when I discovered that the 25º angle of view of this lens is equivalent to a 96mm lens on a 35mm camera. Do not let its price fool you, as it beats higher-priced models hands down.
It boasts a focal length of 60mm, and the closest focusing distance is 0.65 feet.
It has a floating optical system that permits 1:1 magnification. It also has a powerful and silent ring-type ultra-sonic motor, allowing for auto-focusing.
Wide Range of Aperture Settings for Sharp Images
It is perfect for available-light photos, portraits, as well as shooting macro photographs. It delivers superior sharpness over a wide range of aperture settings, but pictures tend to get a bit soft at settings of f/16 and above. For best results, I recommend that you use the f/4 aperture setting, as this is where the lens delivers extremely sharp images.
I wish that the manufacturer increased the size of the lens as I found it difficult to hold with my left hand when shooting handheld.
It is, unarguably, among the best Canon macro lenses, especially when one considers its price.
(4) Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens
This is one of the extreme macro lenses that I have come across. Although the company lists its focal length as 65mm, I suggest that you disregard this number. This lens starts where most other macro lenses stop. It offers from 1x to 5x magnification.
It is unique from other similar lenses, and I suggest that you read the manual to get an in-depth understanding of its abilities.
It is well worth its list price even though it only offers manual focus.
Excellent Zoom and Magnification
While turning the focus ring does bring the object into focus, it also zooms in and out of the subject. You can also change the magnification by turning the ring until the subject is in focus. It has a tiny focus range, though.
The working distance is 100mm at 1x and drops down to 41mm at 5x. Do not use this lens for taking portrait photographs. Its depth of focusing ranges from 2.240mm at 1x magnification and f/16 setting to 0.048mm at 5x magnification and f/2.8 setting.
The short working distance dismayed me as did the fact that the viewfinder gets dark at 5x magnification. You need a flash to photograph subjects at this magnification plus lots of light and long shutter speeds to provide adequate exposure. I strongly suggest the usage of a tripod when working in inadequate light.
Tripod Collar
The lens comes with a removable and rotating tripod collar, but the clearance was not to my liking. Irrespective of this, I consider this one of the best Canon macro lenses.
(5) Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon
Canon apart, other companies also specialize in manufacturing macro lenses for Canon cameras.
Dust-resistant & Moisture-proof
With a reasonable price, this offering from Tamron boasts a dust-resistant and moisture-proof construction. The durable fluorine coating on its front element repels fingerprints and water.
Manufactured with Canon cameras in mind, this macro lens makes use of advanced coating technology to reduce ghosting and flares.
Those interested in Bokeh effects will love the circular aperture of this macro, which I consider to be the best macro lens for Canon.
Long Focal Length
The macro capability is one of the most desirable features of this lens. I was impressed by its 1:1/1x capable lens and extremely long focal length.
Wider Lens
As this lens is a bit wider than typical macro lenses, the user gets additional background inside the frame with a bit less background blur than the typical 100mm and the 105mm options.
Excellent for Portraits
The 90mm focal length of this beauty makes it perfect for portrait photography, too, making this a must for wedding photographs, as it allows you to take both macros and portraits without changing lenses.
Good with Low-light Photography
It also takes perfect pictures in low-light conditions.
(6) Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Canon
Canon camera users will love this macro lens offering from Sigma, as it is one of the rare lenses that offer high 1:1, 1x reproduction. It also has standard lens capability too.
Its 105mm focal length meant I had more working space at 1:1 magnification. It also meant that I had an angle of view similar to that of a 168mm lens on my Canon camera.
Excellent for Low-light, Hand-held, & Portrait Photography
The offering from Sigma functions like a standard short telephoto lens. Its focal length also allows you to take awesome portrait photography plus the optical stabilization (OS) combined with the wide aperture makes this lens a great option for hand-held, low-light photography.
Optical Stabilization (OS)
By the way, this is the first lens from Sigma that offers OS. The lens focuses down to 1:1 magnification at its closest working distance of 12.3 inches. It has a resolution of f/2.8, and the sharpness at the edges of the photograph is almost equal to the sharpness in the center.
Some Added Accessories
The company includes a lens hood, hood adapter, and front and rear lens caps with the bundle.
(7) Canon EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Telephoto Lens
Apart from being the longest macro lens from Canon, it also offers the longest 1:1 macro working distance of any Canon macro lens. It is the lens to buy if you want to shoot sharp images with beautifully smooth out-of-focus backgrounds.
Quite Heavy
Priced higher, it tips the scales at a staggering 2.4 pounds, making it the heaviest macro camera by Canon.
The model boasts a 180mm macro lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5.
Minimizes Aberrations
Additionally, its internal floating system and 3 UD glass elements combine to minimize aberrations.
High-speed Auto-focusing with Long Range
It has an advanced USM (ultra-sonic motor) for quiet auto-focusing (focusing range from 1.57 feet to infinity) and claims to have high-speed focusing. I, typically, do not mind slow focusing on a macro lens. However, as one can use this model as a 180mm telephoto lens, the focusing speed does matter.
Conclusion
As is the norm with Canon macro lenses, this model too provides extremely sharp pictures from corners to centers.
