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Which 100mm lens?

Started May 18, 2015 | Questions thread
Teila Day
Teila Day Veteran Member • Posts: 5,917
Zeiss Makro f/2 100mm (pics)

Is my preferred so far.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673512-REG/Zeiss_1762_852_Makro_Planar_T_100mm_f_2.html

f/2 works for great for me when I'm shooting rocks, soap, toys, etc., but the wide aperture also works for portraiture, and the lens is rather sharp wide open.

I love this lens for product/commentary type work. It's sharper than other macros that I've used. I definitely prefer it over the 60mm macro. For me this lens is many lenses in one. It takes the place of the 85 f/1.2; 135 f/2; 60 or 100 macro, etc.. It has far more versatility over the aforementioned lenses for what I do.

The difference between it and the 135 (Canon or Zeiss) is so small it isn't worth talking about. If you get the 100mm makro, it's like having a 135 f/2 AND a macro lens. However, the newer APO 135 f/2 has more accurate colour and less Chromatic fringe. Learn the lens and CA is not much of an issue.

Yes, it's manual focus only... but anyone can get used to it rather quickly and shoot moving subjects. Not as accurately as an AF lens, but watching your focus plane via looking at the floor or ground under your subject is a great focusing aid. (Fashion show; Indiana University)

Want a softer look?... I front or back focus the lens for a more painterly affect(Fashion show; Indiana University)

Is a sharp contrasty makro lens, and a very competent portrait lens. (Fashion show; Indiana University)

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Teila K. Day
http://teiladay.com

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