Reply To: Lenses (I'm talking Canon but feel free to share)

[IHF]

Yeah, if you aren’t planning to go full out into macro, the 100mm would be the best choice.  It’s more versital.  I’ve shot landscapes, macro and portraits (head shots to 3/4 its beautiful) with mine.  It barely comes off my camera.  The 180 is on my wish list because of that focal distance.  It’ll help me sneak up on camera shy creatures, but lighting will have to be stellar with a 3.5 and I’ll have to be more meticulous about it, and get some sort of macro  support system for capturing on the fly.  Honestly, I don’t see on the fly happening at all, as it’s much more dedicated. (Rubs hands together.  For me, it seems perfect!)

I can say, from a money stand point, from my experience you don’t necessarily have to go L with the 100mm2.8.  The only difference, other than slightly heavier build is IS.  But, IS doesn’t even seem to be needed.  I hand hold all the time (and I don’t have nerves of steal over here lol), unless I’m doing long exposures.  Most reviews actually will say it’s the only canon lens that doesn’t have a huge advantage to going with L.  I tested both, and completely agree.  Not much difference at all except the price tag.  May I suggest renting the lenses you are interested in and doing your own testing?  Borrow lenses.com!  It’s what I do each and every time before a purchase now.