I’m thinking of getting a macro lens under 500NZD for my EOS R7. Please recommend what you think will be best, especially for night flash photography. I want to iNat insects, herps, rockpool creatures, plants, fungi, etc.
Laowa lenses are very good. They lack autofocus, but can go to 2x magnification. They are a bit over your budget, but you might be able to pick one second hand. There are some cheap brands, which can still deliver decent results. If it’s at night, you definitely need to get a flash. Most should work fine. Btw, if you get a lens (such as Laowa ones), that can’t electronically connect to the camera, you will need to put the flash on manual mode. If you have the money, you could get a diffuser for your flash. AK and Cygnustech Diffusers both make great diffusers, just are somewhat pricey, at around 190NZD. If you can’t afford these, I just use paper and clips. It is a bit breakable, but does work decently well. For the following photos, I used either a Laowa 25mm 2.5x-5x (I would not recommend this for big things, as it was made for really small stuff), or an Oshiro 2x macro which I got for about $130USD (220NZD).
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I can only agree with LAOWA 65mm (or 100mm on a full-frame). It’s probably the lens to get for iNatters, as it is very versatile, quite inexpensive (especially if you buy used (which you should definitely do, IMO)). It works for all sizes of insect, and even though it is specialised on macro-photography, you can even get decent pictures of birds.
I agree with this too. If you haven’t got one already, I can also not recommend a diffuser enough. However, I would just save the money and make one yourself. It’s super easy and cheap. (Mine cost me 0€ and about an hour of time; if anyone wants them, I’d be happy to give more detailed instructions)
It’s hideous because it was intended as a prototype, but it worked so well, that I just stuck with it. (Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution). I’m currently working on designing a really over-engineered (and good-looking) one, but in the meantime, this gives me amazing results!
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What lenses do you already have for the R7? You might be able to get away with an extension tube that still allows the auto-focus on the lens.
Best under 500NZ (close to 500 aud)? If you’re willing use an EF - RF adapter then this is my list of recommendations:
All second hand.
- Sigma 105mm EX DG OS HSM Macro
- Tamron 90mm Di Macro 1:1 VC USD SP
- Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO Macro
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
- I don’t really recommend extension tubes as they are a bit of a pain (used them for about a year).
- The Laowa lenses are good but manual aperture will probably be annoying.
You may find this old thread useful as well Good lens setups and macro lenses for orchid photoghaphy
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Nice diffuser! For mine, I just cut a few pieces of construction paper for the top and sides, and use a regular piece of paper for the front panel, and finally connect them with paper clips.
I have an EF adapter. I currently use the EF 100-400 lens for the R7. I’m surprised no one recommended the 60mm f2.8.
I’ll vouch for it! The 60 mm EF-S is my go-to for macro on the R7. It’s often overshadowed by the 100 mm, but having used both, it is nearly as sharp at ~half the size and weight. I ended up opting for the 60 mm and ditching the 100 mm in the end. I don’t mind the reduced working distance.
The 60mm is a good lens! The only reason I didn’t recommend it is because the longer lenses give you more working distance (useful for anything skittish). Also the first two if image stabilizers which can be handy (although the R7 does have IBIS).
Note that the older EF-version of the 100 f/2.8 2x has electronic aperture control.
https://lenzlimphotography.com/2019/10/13/laowa-100mm-f2-8-ca-dreamer-macro-2x-review/
Good pickup - I had forgotten about that.