Hey, just curious for those of you out there who own the 100mm f2.8 macro, I know it's great as a macro lens, but how do you like it as a portrait lens?

Can anyone post any examples they have from it?

I've used mine for portraits... It's very very sharp and focuses faster than I thought it would based on the cautions about slow focus.... I like it.

Nice, Bill

Mine is a bit slow SOMETIMES (it's either fast or slow but hardly in the middle) but I use mine for portraits (since I don't have the 85mm) when I'm not using my 70-200 f2.8 as a ninja. As for examples... I'll see if I can drum one up.

[edit: added the image]
Here's one from just the other day...

Ooh Bill that's nice!!!

I'd love to see examples as well. I've thought about buying this lens but can't justify it if it's purely for macros.

we have used it before. it just doesn't fit how we shoot! we don't like to sit 20 feet away and shoot.

the 85 1.2 rules!

but the 100mm 2.8 macro is great for close up cropped faces and details.

Ain't THAT the truth?

So if you're doing a family session which lens do you usually use or do you switch lenses?

I have the 50 (I make people fat when I use it), 70-200 (primarily use this one if I'm running around after kids) and 100macro (LOVE it for baby parts and headshots).

I switch a LOT. I use two cameras (5D and 1DM2n) and 5 lenses. 24mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4, 100mm macro, 70-200mm 2.8 IS, 200mm 1.8 ( that one). ;-) My first example was the end of an e-session and I was explaining the virtues of the 100mm to them (hence the big grins), the second I was shooting ring shots on a hotel balcony and turned around to catch him watching me (that's the full frame, no crop, the 1:1 shows every pore on his little face).

~Bill

Thanks guys!

This is really helpful, we're torn between this lens and the 135 f2. I tend to like the focal length of the 100 a bit more, but we're really needing something faster than f2.8. We have the 85mm f1.8 and it's rockin, I've thought of just getting another, but I'd rather have something different.

Hey Chris,

You can use extension tubes with a 50 or 85 (or even a 24-70) for macro stuff. I just think that 100mm is too close to 85mm, and my vote goes to the 135L....THAT is just a beautiful lens!

Cheers!
Floyd

For a 5D -- the 135L is probably my favorite portrait lens. On a Mark (1.3x crop) -- the 50mm F1.2 is my favorite portrait lens -- hand's down. My 100mm macro stays in my bag except for ring shots. Liana told me that she loves the 100mm for pretty much about everything, so I tried it -- and I don't.

Macro's have a lot of glass to go through for a portrait lens Chris. It changes the feel of things. Try one first, I don't think you will like it for portraits.

Well, I don't know if this question was pointed at us, but it kinda depends on the family.

Crazy little kids: 24-70 2.8 or 70-200 2.8 IS

Calm quiet family: 50 1.2 or 85 1.2 or 24-70 2.8

Couples: 85 1.2

We actually prefer shooting wide and the other shooting tight. But we work together and that's our goal.

Thanks!

Angie Sloan