Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro used for Potrait?

[Rangie]

Hi Again,

Can a 100mm F2.8 be used for Potrait shots as well? Are they as good as the Prime potrait lens available?

Many thanks,

Richard

[thedellis]

I can't see why not. I have the Tamron 180mm Macro lens (almost identical to the 180mm Canon) and the only difference between those and the 100mm is the working distance.

The 180mm is a good all-rounder lens. Here's a non-macro shot taken with it...

[Klose]

Originally Posted by Rangie Hi Again, Can a 100mm F2.8 be used for Potrait shots as well? Are they as good as the Prime potrait lens available? Many thanks, Richard

You can. Personally, I would not want to use it as a portrait lens as it's simply too sharp, especially for women.

[jdredd]

Originally Posted by Klose You can. Personally, I would not want to use it as a portrait lens as it's simply too sharp, especially for women.

cant be any sharper than the 85mm 1.2.

[hwchoy]

it is very sharp, but does not have the rich coloration of the Ls.

[xplorer2]

Originally Posted by jdredd cant be any sharper than the 85mm 1.2.

The 100 2.8macro can match and surpass the 85mm 1.2 in sharpness very easily in my opinion. The reason why I use the 85mm 1.2 more for portraits is that it is more forgiving on the skin. But if I absolutely have to nail the image for sharpness, or I am trying to create a fashion or edgy shots - I will reach for the 100 f2.8 macro or the 200 f1.8

[Canonized]

Hi

I have the 100mm and used the 85L. The concept of sharpness is relative. The 100mm is effectively sharper than the L but the DOF is deeper so the sharpness is going to cover the subject's face and body all through at 2.8.

The 85L however, I found only parts of the face is sharp at f1.2. However if you stopped it down to f2 you can get as sharp as the 100mm right thru the subject. Both lenses can make your subject pop. Now what surprised me is that at 100% enlargement the 100mm has better details and sharpness.

Originally Posted by jdredd cant be any sharper than the 85mm 1.2.

[biggulp]

100mm may be a little too long on a APS sensor body, so it isn't suitable for indoor portraits unless you have a large working space. However the focal length is great for head shots.

[hwchoy]

Originally Posted by Canonized Both lenses can make your subject pop. Now what surprised me is that at 100% enlargement the 100mm has better details and sharpness.

you shouldn't be surprised, it is a macro lens after all, which is supposed to be engineered for sharpness and distortion free. however as I noted it doesn't give the colour saturation against the L lenses (I specifically compared with the 80-200 ƒ/2.8 L).

but I feel that the 100mm macro doesn't have such a nice bokeh.

[Rangie]

Originally Posted by hwchoy you shouldn't be surprised, it is a macro lens after all, which is supposed to be engineered for sharpness and distortion free. however as I noted it doesn't give the colour saturation against the L lenses (I specifically compared with the 80-200 ƒ/2.8 L). but I feel that the 100mm macro doesn't have such a nice bokeh.

Thanks for all the feedback. Well, I was just thinking if I could combine both Macro and Potrait to one lens, I could persuade myself to buy it, espically with a f2.8. Hmmm...still a nice lens to have in my collection though....

[sriram]

The 100/2.8 USM macro is absolutely the sharpest lens I have ever used, including the summicron 50/2, 70-200/2.8L, 200/2.8L, 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and others. It is amazing, the amount of detail it captures.

No reason why you can't use it for portraits. I use it all the time. If it is too sharp, there is always post processing to soften it. No big deal.

[hwchoy]

Originally Posted by Rangie Thanks for all the feedback. Well, I was just thinking if I could combine both Macro and Potrait to one lens, I could persuade myself to buy it, espically with a f2.8. Hmmm...still a nice lens to have in my collection though....

I think you should get it.

[kelccm]

Just buy it
Hee hee

[Rangie]

Originally Posted by kelccm Just buy it Hee hee

Well, I'm sold. Maybe a trip to CP this evening is in store. Together with the EFS 10-22.

[Horsba85]

wont regret. the focusing from macro to infinity is OMFG fast.

[adamadam]

Originally Posted by Horsba85 wont regret. the focusing from macro to infinity is OMFG fast.

You make it sound super fast

[hwchoy]

it is bloody fast, considering it is focusing to macro range.

[_espn_]

Anything from 10mm to 1200 mm all can be used for portraits.

[smokeput]

errr so comparing 50 f1.8, f1.4, 100 f2.8 & 85 f1.2 which is most suitable and more recently used and better results ?!

[jdredd]

Originally Posted by smokeput errr so comparing 50 f1.8, f1.4 ], 100 f2.8 or 85 f1.2 is most suitable and more recently used and better results ?!

is that a question?