Canon 50mm F 2.5 Macro - How good is it ?

[ajay_the_ace]

Dear All,

I am presently using a Canon EOS 7d + 100-400 L series lens, which takes care of my Bird and Wildlife  photography.

For Macro work and for other general purpose photography, how do you rate Canon 50 mm / F 2.5 Macro ?

I am interested in this lens for macro work -  I know it gives 0.5X  magnification only , but then I am ok with it and shall be using Raynox DCR 250 attachment with it. Also it may serve the purpose of a normal 50mm lens for me – I need a second lens as I have only 100-400 with me now !!! 

From the various reviews I read, it a very sharp  lens esp.at F4 and good value for money.

Await  kind feedback / guidance from users and experts on the lens, any other options and other relevant information.

Thanks in advance.  Good Day !

Ajay

[ISO]

Hello Ajay

IMHO a purchase normal 50 mm for general work.

It can be reverse or 50mm ET will give 1:1 for macro 

[Brendon]

Its supposedly a superb lens but I generally wouldn't recommend any lens that requires ETs/filters to allow you to get to 1:1 magnification.

I use a Tamron 90mm and when I slap on just a 25mm ET it becomes much more difficult to shoot as some subjects are out of the focusing range and requires me to remove the ET in order to take the shot.

So my point is get a dedicated macro lens if you are really serious about macros. If you wish to shoot static objects then you can consider a non macro lens as the main advantage of a macro lens is working distance.

[ajay_the_ace]

Dear Mukundji and Brendon - thanks for the immediate response.

ISO sir / Brendon : Since i have never used any extension tubes or reversal ring before - I am posing this question to you

You are recommending a normal 50 mm lens - is F 1.8 good enough or do you recommend F 1.4 ?

When We are talking about reversal ring, I will have to buy the one which commensurates with the dia of the lens ( 58 mm ? ), am i right ? What kind of magnification will it give me ?

About Extention tubes - which tube/s will I have to use to get 1:1 magnification and what about AF retention .

Apart from this, any views on F 2.5 per say ? Have you used it or seen results ? Will it serve non-macro purpose ?

Request your kind guidance on the above.

thanks in advance.

[Brendon]

Hi Ajay, I am no expert on macro photography and I was only commenting on my experiences.

However I will let you know this - Macro lenses are among the sharpest lenses ever made and not one macro lens ever comes to mind that was a poor performer. So the 50mm f2.5 will be a solid performer for both non macro and for macro work as well.

I would still like to know why you are so hung up on the 50mm f2.5 though. Is it because you wish to use a 50mm lens for non macro work or are you getting the 50mm f2.5 for cheap ?

Also for using ETs, generally you need slower lenses to get the best results so a 50mm f1.8 would provide better results than a 50mm f1.4.

The formula for magnification with extension tubes is roughly Additional Magnification = (Extension Tube Length)/(Lens Focal Length)

So you would need about 50mm of extension tubes with a 50mm lens to get 1:1 magnification.

Using a reversal ring is not recommended with the Canon 50mm f1.8 as its build quality isn't that good and you can damage the filter ring if you are not capable. And yes you will require a 58mm reversal ring. Using a reversal ring and a 50mm lens is one of the easiest ways to get into macros and with good results to boot. However magnification is constant and hence very difficult to use in the field.

If you MUST use a 50mm lens (they are generally not recommended for working with live subjects) then the 50mm f2.5 is a stellar lens but albeit rather slow in focusing and much more expensive than a 50mm f1.8 lens with ETs. However working distance and ease of use will be better with the f2.5 lens.

[rajib]

A challenge in Macro Photography is the depth of field. Generally, the area in focus is so shallow, that large parts of the image appear out of focus. More often than not, macro photos are taken at higher F-stops of F11 - F16 (or till the point where the diffraction of the small aperture starts to become an issue).

Also, the area under focus is so small, that more often than not, there is not enough light for ISO 100/200 photography and photographers increase the light in the scene using a macro-flash, spots,reflectors etc.

While a large f-stop allows maximum light, it is often not enough and additional light sources are necessary. Also, the large f-stop can actually break some macro-shots (they can also make some macro shots).

The 50 mm focal length too is quite short and to achieve the lens's MRR of 1:2, you might find the lens almost touching the subject.

Focusing speed is not always critical. When doing macro-photography, more often than not photographers use Manual Focus because auto-focus can get confused and focus on the wrong area of the subject. This is particularly noticed when photographing objects where contrast is less - for example close-ups of petals, leaves, diamond jewellery etc. Also, if you are considering Focus-Stacking, then manual focus is mandatory.

As a portrait lens, the 50mm f2.5 would be terrific. But then again, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is available at throw-away price too (though it's MRR is close to 1:6). For portraiture work, I would choose the 50mm f1.8 / f1.4 any-day.

If you are serious about macro photography, my recommendation is that you consider a 90mm 1:1 Macro lens. Tamron makes one. Canon also has a similar lens (similar focal length, double the pricing). 90mm gives you sufficient working distance for flowers / jewellery etc. It's also great for portraits and gives you enough working distance so that the model does not end up feeling that the photographer is all over her.

For live insect / fluids / flammable etc. macro work, you will benefit from even higher working distance. Hence macro lenses with even higher focal-length are recommended.

HTH

[ISO]

You are recommending a normal 50 mm lens - is F 1.8 good enough or do you recommend F 1.4 ?

F 1.4 is any time better esp. for portrait and low light work.

When We are talking about reversal ring, I will have to buy the one which commensurates with the dia of the lens ( 58 mm ? ), am i right ? What kind of magnification will it give me ?

You shd get reversal ring from ebay. Reversed 50mm gives more than 1:1 magnification but razor thin DOF. Also to get meaningful results you might require micro focusing rails and focus stacking (focus blending multiple shots in PS).

About Extention tubes - which tube/s will I have to use to get 1:1 magnification and what about AF retention .

Kenko auto ET set will retain AF as well as aperture control very imp for DOF control.

Apart from this, any views on F 2.5 per say ? Have you used it or seen results ? Will it serve non-macro purpose ?

Infinity focus is possible so general purpose photography shd be no problem for 50/2,5 macro

[toofan]

Ajay: before buying a non macro lens for macro purpose using reversal adapter like canon 50mm 1.8 make sure it has a aperture ring. and if you wish to use extension tubes(that can autofocus) then the total cost will be equal to fully dedicated new/used 60mm or 90mm Macro lens.

[toofan]

I also think that the lens you are mentioning is good for macro photography if you wish to shoot static objects/ want to do product photography.

[ajay_the_ace]

Dear Brendon, Rajib, ISO and Toofan sirs,

thanks a lot for all the detailed explanation ( esp. Rajib ) and replies to my queries.

Brendon - Due to ( obvious ) budgetory constraints, I was thinking about this lens which could suffice both the purposes  !
50mm / F 1.8 is a great lens which may require Kenko extension tubes ( total cost around 16-17 k ) for real macro work - however the ETs would render my Raynox useless ( although can not really compare ET to Raynox ). I was planning to put Raynox on F2.5 lens for enhanced (  ) magnification - however really did not how will it work - hence the thread.

However from the feedback recd from experts its apparant that, for Real Macro work a Dedicated macro lens is Highly Recommended - although F 2.5 lens is good in itself for static subjects.

Well, I have been put in a bit of dilemma here considering my needs, advice from experts and available options ( not to forget the rising USD  ) !

I await more feedback from others - while I thank again, those who already have !

Ajay

[Dr.Anand]

Dear Ajay ,

If u dont have time , least headache , no tripod , less photoshop work , need sharp photos handheld in just 1 sec  st go for Canon 100 macro , this i am telling u becoz u r using 100-400 so u r already spoiled with its speed , colors etc... . I also own 50 F/1.8 but never use becoz its frustrating slow focus. L spoils u a lot.
Avoid using 3rd party macro lens ( actually all type of 3rd party lenses  ) on 7D , specially Sigma 150 (dont know others) , as i was getting errors when attached this lens.

[amitk26]

Ajay just couple of points which are not mentioned in this discussion

If you need a 1:1 macro lens and also it should double up as a portrait lens on APS-C and also worried about focus speed point mentioned by Dr. Anand then Canon EF-S 60mm F2.8 Macro USM is perfect fit.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=pd_cp_p_1

A 100 mm , 1:1 macro gives more working distance but do not expect it to double up as portrait lens on APS-C unless your room sizes are palatial and /or you are happy with tight head crops

For 1:1 macro the working distance on 100mm lens is 5.9 inch and for 60mm lens is 3.5 inch.

So choose as per your use-case.

Disclaimer: I do not own both of these but have used them in past.

Again if 1:1 macro is not the use-case then 50mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.4 as per your budget is better.

[Bharat Varma]

Use your Raynox with the 100-400. With a zoom, you get the opportunity to compose your shots by zooming in and out - you don't get that with reversed lenses or extension tubes. Chillum Baba here gets pretty good results with such a setup as far as I recall.

Get a normal 50/1.8 lens for around 3-4k. Or get a 50/1.4 manual focus lens (pentax, nikon etc.) to use with adapters on your camera. Obviously, no auto focus. This should serve your need for a fast and optically good lens.

[Sunil_Pawar]

@Amit

Am also looking for Macro lens.


If I need Macro and portrait both on APS-C sensor then would 60m Macros is best option ??

I have 40D and using 50mm 1.8...If 60mm is good option then is it worth to sell my 50mm and get 60mm instead ?

However When I compare image quality 50mm perform well in this test.

 http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=335&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=105&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=3

Ajay just couple of points which are not mentioned in this discussion

If you need a 1:1 macro lens and also it should double up as a portrait lens on APS-C and also worried about focus speed point mentioned by Dr. Anand then Canon EF-S 60mm F2.8 Macro USM is perfect fit.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=pd_cp_p_1

A 100 mm , 1:1 macro gives more working distance but do not expect it to double up as portrait lens on APS-C unless your room sizes are palatial and /or you are happy with tight head crops

For 1:1 macro the working distance on 100mm lens is 5.9 inch and for 60mm lens is 3.5 inch.

So choose as per your use-case.

Disclaimer: I do not own both of these but have used them in past.

Again if 1:1 macro is not the use-case then 50mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.4 as per your budget is better.

[amitk26]

In General choices depends on the parameters you are looking for and you need to do a best fit out of available options.

OP of this thread wanted a macro that can double up as portrait lens.

In your case you already have a 50mm F1.8 and in case you have no objection to 2 lens then buy a 100mm F2.8 ( maybe tamron) and retain 50mm F1.8.  But if you just want to have one lens which is both 1:1 macro and for general purpose photography then 60mm is best fit .

IMHO the sharpness tests are more for labs and pixel peepers what matters is usability.

If you are not averse to MF then look for Nikkor 55mm F2.8. Shobin George was selling one here, but got sold before I could send him PM.

@Amit

Am also looking for Macro lens.


If I need Macro and portrait both on APS-C sensor then would 60m Macros is best option ??

I have 40D and using 50mm 1.8...If 60mm is good option then is it worth to sell my 50mm and get 60mm instead ?

However When I compare image quality 50mm perform well in this test.

 http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=335&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=105&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=3

Ajay just couple of points which are not mentioned in this discussion

If you need a 1:1 macro lens and also it should double up as a portrait lens on APS-C and also worried about focus speed point mentioned by Dr. Anand then Canon EF-S 60mm F2.8 Macro USM is perfect fit.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=pd_cp_p_1

A 100 mm , 1:1 macro gives more working distance but do not expect it to double up as portrait lens on APS-C unless your room sizes are palatial and /or you are happy with tight head crops

For 1:1 macro the working distance on 100mm lens is 5.9 inch and for 60mm lens is 3.5 inch.

So choose as per your use-case.

Disclaimer: I do not own both of these but have used them in past.

Again if 1:1 macro is not the use-case then 50mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.4 as per your budget is better.

[Brendon]

@Amit

Am also looking for Macro lens.


If I need Macro and portrait both on APS-C sensor then would 60m Macros is best option ??

I have 40D and using 50mm 1.8...If 60mm is good option then is it worth to sell my 50mm and get 60mm instead ?

However When I compare image quality 50mm perform well in this test.

 http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=335&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=105&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=3

You do realize that you are comparing one lens on a 21 MP sensor and the other on a 15 MP sensor right ? :S

This is a more valid test -

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/513-canon60f28apsc?start=1

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/565-canon50f14apsc?start=1

[Prabir]

There is one more point which I would like to touch upon here. A reversed 50mm f/1.8 is quite good, I've used it a few times though rarely. You can't control the DOF here since it doesn't have an aperture ring (unlike Nikon 50mm lens). So weigh your options when you think of buying a macro lens. If budget is not a constraint, you can think of buying a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro. It has a good reach, a very good IQ and you can use it well with ET's..and it can double as a good portrait lens. The only problem is this lens is not in production (as I have heard). However, you may find one or two of these under sale.

Good luck.