topic Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender? in Gear Guide

Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

Ramsden — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 12:14:28 GMT

Morning folks from a wet and miserable North of England.

Some of you may have seen my recent post on bees wings - so - as i said I was warned that Macro is addictive.

I have an EOS90D with 24, 50 and 85mm macro lenses.

I should add that I'm on a steep learning curve. So question is: do I progress to a 100mm or even 180mm macro. Or is it worth considering an extender?

I quickly learnt from my bees wings project that sticking my lens in a bees face isnt a good idea, both for me or the bees.

The bigger lenses are a cost benefit analysis - but the extenders are a new concept to me.

Any tips, advice or experience welcome

Thanks

Ramsden

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

deebatman316 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:10:31 GMT

The lenses you listed are NOT compatible with teleconverters. Also Canon doesn’t make an EF Mount 85mm macro. So this must be a 3rd Party lens. The EF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM is a great lens. Canon also used to make an older non-IS, non-L, USM version too. That lens is the EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM lens. The original version was released in the late 80s/ early 90s. That lens focuses very slowly it uses an Arc Form Drive AF motor. That AF motor was very common in early EOS system lenses without USM. Until 1991 when it was replaced by Micro Motor.

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:10:14 GMT

You mentioned a 180mm macro and Canin did make one and brother is it ever fantastic. The Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Lens. I really liked that lens and now wish I had not sold it on. They might be difficult to find since you will be limited to the used market but they are out there. It is even is a wonderful normal use lens, too.

I don't like extender or even extension tubes which perhaps is what you were referring so I don't use them. If that 180mil doesn't do it, you probably can't do it.

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

shadowsports — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:41:44 GMT

Greetings,

Both of my colleagues have provided the best answer to your question. I also agree with Ernie that you'll want to avoid extenders or extension tubes.

Ken Rockwell says that the EF 180 mm macro is the best macro lens Canon ever made.

Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L Review https://share.google/rrFso1PG81YBH5Wol

I personally am a fan of the EF100 f2.8 myself. I currently have the RF100mm f2.8 now. Primarily because of its size. The EF 180 mm is fairly hefty.

Below is a side by side:

Canon EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM vs Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM Detailed Lens Comparison https://share.google/b8wMnaDTvemmoYoXE

Choose the EF 100 mm if you want a closer MFD, a lighter weight lens with a little more photographic versatility.

Choose the EF 180 mm If you don't mind, it's heft and weight, prefer a more narrow FOV, and want a lens with a higher working distance (can be a little farther away).

I haven't checked prices so you can buy whichever fits your needs and budget.

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

Ramsden — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:49:50 GMT

Thanks Guys

I'm erring towards the 100.

My 85mm isnt a macro - but a EF 85 mm 1:1.8. My mistake - but still a nice lens.

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

deebatman316 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 16:11:09 GMT

Yes I own that lens and use it for Macro shots even though it’s not a Macro lens. Just be aware it has a long minimum focusing distance. So it can be challenging to use for Macro shots.

Taken with EF 85mm F/1.8 USM lens @ F/1.8

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

Ramsden — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 17:05:44 GMT

Yes, totally agree. It’s a great lens and doesn’t weigh a ton. I do a lot of walking around the local hills and footpaths and this and my nifty fifty are my favourites.

I love the quality of Macros so I think the 100 is on a very short list.

The 180 is clearly a great lens but seems to heavy to lug around on long wałks.

Thanks

Ramsden

Re: Should I get a stronger macro lens or an extender?

Ramsden — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 18:41:13 GMT

The comparison link is really useful and has underscored my choice of the 100

Thanks again

Ramsden