topic Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens? in EF & RF Lenses

RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

Davoud — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:28:06 GMT

Do you suppose that the RF 100-500 will be able to take advantage of the 77mm Close-up Lens 500D?

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

kvbarkley — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:41:07 GMT

It can, but do you want to? A macro lens is soooo much better.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

Davoud — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:11:07 GMT

It can, but do you want to? A macro lens is soooo much better.

Thanks for taking time to reply. Yes, of course. I have four Canon macros, but I note that there isn't a "real" (1:1) macro available for the R series. Both the 35mm and the 85mm are a bit short and require the lens to be close to the subject to get full .5x magnification. That's problematic for me, as much of my work is with skittish creatures in vivo, and benefits from working distance. I was thinking that the 100-500 might be a reasonable compromise, but considering its extra weight, perhaps not. Looks like I'll be using my EF 100mm and 180mm macros for field work with my new R5.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:51:53 GMT

"...take advantage of the 77mm Close-up Lens..."

You are talking bout the add-on, screw-on filter type close up lens? If, yes, it is not just a bad idea it is a horrible idea.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:01:18 GMT

"I have four Canon macros, but I note that there isn't a "real" (1:1) macro available for the R series."

There will be. A true macro lens is a specialized lens usually a prime. They are designed differently than normal lenses. And way different than a zoom lens. As a lens is able to focus closer things in light change. A real macro lens has elements that correct for this.

The best macro lens I ever used but did not own is the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Lens. It's a fantastic lens.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

bobhowdy — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 14:32:57 GMT

Just playing "devil's advocate" .... If you have 4 Canon macro lenses already why not just purchase the EF-RF adapter and use one of them?
I do not understand Canon releasing the 35 and 85 lenses and calling them "macro" with a 1:2 factor?

Also have to agree that the Canon 180mm macro is one the best Canon ever made! If only they would make it in an IS model

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 15:20:17 GMT

"I do not understand Canon releasing the 35 and 85 lenses and calling them "macro" with a 1:2 factor?"

This was undoubtedly the idea of the advertising department. Not the design engineers. Somebody probably noticed it could focus a tiny bit closer than other lenses of its type. And, the ad guy said, "Ah a macro lens!" "Put that on the label."

Keep in mind most lenses are not the exact FL they claim either. A 70-200mm zoom may actually be a 72-198mm when exacting measurements are made. But the ad guy says, "Close enough! A 70-200mm lens." It even happens with r-ratio, too. Not all f4 lenses are exactly f4 but close enough as an example not picking on f4 lenses.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

Davoud — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 04:26:43 GMT

@bobhowdy: If you have 4 Canon macro lenses already why not just purchase the EF-RF adapter and use one of them?

Done. I bought a couple of EF-RF adapters when I bought my EOS RP at release time. I have used on it all of my EF macros: 65mm 1-5x, 100mm, and 180mm, and I have the RF-mount 35mm macro. The latter is a very good lens at a very low price, and in most photos one would not know that it does only .5x, as in this photo. But I still look forward to some 1:1 RF macro lenses.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

FloridaDrafter — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 01:42:06 GMT

@Davoud wrote:
Do you suppose that the RF 100-500 will be able to take advantage of the 77mm Close-up Lens 500D?

I know this is a fairly old post, but just wanted to give a little info

My wife has used quality closeup lenses / filters in the past with her EOS A-1 and various lenses when she was shooting 35mm film, and frankly, I was never impressed. However, when I don't have a macro lens handy, I've been able to get some great closups with my 100-400mm L II and I'm assuming the RF 100-500 is just as capable. Both will close focus to 3.2', IIRC. I can only imagine that your 100-500 wil do better, or at least allow you to crop macro, or better, like my 100-400mm L. No, these lenses aren't 1:1 macro, but you can crop to that, particularly using my 5D mark IV (resolution is amazing).

Here is an example of a closeup with the EOS 5D mark IV and the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II. I posted several closeups a while back in a thread that I created. The fly is maxed out, zoom/crop wise, but the butterfly could have been made a lot larger, it just wasn't what I was going for

ISO 640, Tv 1/640, f/9, FL 321mm

ISO 1000, Tv 1/1000, f/8, 400mm. This Green bot fly is very tiny. Those berries are just a bit bigger than BB's.

No, they aren't macro quality, but for sure "closeups", LOL!

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

Davoud — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 02:10:01 GMT

@FloridaDrafter wrote:
@Davoud wrote:
Do you suppose that the RF 100-500 will be able to take advantage of the 77mm Close-up Lens 500D?
...Here is an example of a closeup with the EOS 5D mark IV and the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM II....

...No, they aren't macro quality, but for sure "closeups", LOL!...

Excellent quality, as good as many "real macros" I have seen. Thanks for posting!

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:19:09 GMT

It's all about what you are happy with. If what you got is what you require or need all is well whatever they call it.

In other words the only person that needs to be happy is yourself. However some folks seem to feel the need to defend their choices.

Re: RF 100-500mm + Close-up Lens?

FloridaDrafter — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:52:22 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
It's all about what you are happy with. If what you got is what you require or need all is well whatever they call it.
In other words the only person that needs to be happy is yourself. However some folks seem to feel the need to defend their choices.

I am seldom happy with my work, there is always something that could have been better. Sometimes when editing, I'll say "Holy ****" and sling it to our 65" 4k TV and make my wife take a look, but that is rare. Because of the encouragement that I get from my wife (a retired photographer), I sell some of it, but do not consider myself a pro. Proceeds usually go to new gear or software I was my wifes assistant, i,e., pack mule, LOL!