Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens Imported

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I Don't have a 100 macro lens so My View is from a ef 180 only I purchased this lens for macro. I am happy with this and this is my only L series lenses. I am looking at a ef 70-200 f2.8 II lens. I also got a canon MT-24EX flash.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is great for taking close ups of flowers and things like tree bark.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I am a freelance writer/photographer specializing on nature photography and outdoor articles.The 180mm macro is exceptionally sharp and I love using it, but it truly needs to be updated with image stabilization like the 100mm macro, which I also own. Fortunately, with the pro-level Canon cameras I can increase the ISO to give me higher shutter speeds to compensate, but I would rather not have to.The advantage of the longer focal length was made apparent while doing a close up of a butterfly on a wildflower, and yet was able to get a decent shot of a coyote passing nearby in the desert near Phoenix.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is used to take close up photos of insects and flowers. The results have been very good when used with a tripod. It is not a lens for handholding.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I was able to approach the Humming Bird perched on the Vi tech.Letting me move to zoom to get some great shots.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I have and loved the 100mm macro lens. There are times, however, when I want to be closer to the action with a macro lens. This lens is the ultimate. I use it on a tripod because it's a bit heavy, but the tripod gives me the discipline to think about what I am shooting.

I view this a a compliment to my 100 lens. When I am planning on shooting macro, I bring both fine lenses along. For different reasons.

The images are sharp, great bokeh, and the lens is a pleasure to use.

The thing to remember, though, is that this is a prime lens and it's a macro . Think about what your subject matter is and plan your lenses accordingly. If I am going to shoot wildlife, I take another lens with me.

If you are into multiple lenses and love primes and love macro, this lens is for you. You will not regret it.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is a real macro work horse. The working range that it allows me is phenomenal and the creatures that I shoot are appreciative as well! The clarity and sharpness of the lens are truly professional in quality. I have heard others say it is a slow focusing lens. As a telephoto lens it is, but I bought it for macro work not for shooting birds in flight. I highly recommend this lens for any serious macro photographer.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I purchased this lens for macro. I've shot insects, frogs, small flowers with and without the use of Canon extension tubes. I'm very pleased with the quality and sharpness the lens produces in both cases. This is my first macro lens, so I am still in the learning process, but right out of the box I captured some very impressive dragonfly images. I am happy with this addition to my line of L series lenses.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Excellent lens, allows you to take photos of insects without scaring them away by being too close.Sharp with excellent bokeh.My only complaint is that the autofocus is slow, but this is not a big problem. That is the only reason I gave it 4 stars.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

If you lke macro you'll love this lens. I also have a EF 10mm Macro but the EF 180 is much better when you can't get close to your subject.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I've had this lens for about 10 years. It's a really superb macro lens. Like all macro lenses, it is wonderfully sharp. I would encourage anyone considering this lens nowadays to also consider the Tamron and Sigma 180mm macro lenses, which did not exist when I bought mine. The lenses have different "looks" and it's well worth looking at examples online from each before choosing which 180mm lens to choose.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Seriously, buy it. Its heavy yes, but you can take hand held macro shots..even with an extension tube.
We tried the 100mm macro and sent it back for this. its just way better. Bugs arent bothered by you if you arent on top of them!

If youre used to a light lens, you might have issues, but we walk around with a 100-400 and this is lighter.

The pics? Awesome. Not only for macro, but portraits too. The bokeh is just creamy!

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

When you're spending lots of money for something it is a good idea to get the most out of your money. It was a used lense from B&H which they rated as a 9+. I could not find any flaw and wonder what the new lenses were like to be so much better. It was missing the instructions though, which were only somewhat difficult to get from Canon as they were working on the USA website. I got it from the Canadian website.
I had not shot macro in decades and did not have a macro lense then but used a bellows unit with a Sun Zoom Telephoto lense. That was interesting. Focusing was done with the zoom ring.
On the EF180 The range of focus is bi-modal and from infinity to about a foot and maybe even closer. The beauty of the lense is that you don't crowd your subject as you could easily do on shorter lenses. Yesterday it was used to shoot a landscape of a flowering tree (this is in Arizona) with a cliff medium distant behind and a higher mountain beyond that. The depth of field was terrific and everything was sharp. Then I swung it around and immediately put it into macro shooting a small bunch of leaves on a shrub next to the camera. From the instruction manual the only reason for the long/short focus switch is to shortening the auto-focus time. Auto-focus is handy, but in macro the camera could focus on anything in the image as there is often too much subject. I find it is better to keep it in the long mode and manual, particularly if shooting a couple of shots for an HDR image where one image will be blended with another to enhance the focal length.
Flashes. They work well. I have toyed with the idea of a ring flash. I could have used it for a Hedgehog Cactus shot yesterday morning as the light inside the flower was not light enough. Of course Photoshop helped with that except it would have been better if I had a ring flash to actually light up the inside. My old flash just didn't give the punch, particularly all the way around to light up the inside of the flower...Something else to buy.
Ta

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Perfect for really specific details, perfect for filmmaker. give you a unique tool for telling a story

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I also own a 50mm macro lens, but this lens is perfect for any macro photography, specially if it comes to creepy crittters.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

As a product photographer - I use the lens for my work, portfolio, and testing - for watches, jewelry, and other. In my profession this product is a must, it is light weight, durable, and very sharp, the 180mm macro also gives me more lens to subject distance allowing lighting flexibility and better control over reflective surfaces.

Other lenses require you to be too close to your subject where it may cast a reflection and/or shadow on the subject - also, it's more difficult to light adding time to an already tight and time sensitive deadline.

Overall, the bokeh is desirable, relatively fast given its focal length and purpose, attractive design, and well built in addition to what has been discussed herewith.

Additional features:

Dual "Focusing Distance Range" allowing for faster focus at close or farther distances.

Placement of "MF/AF" and dual "Focusing Distance Range" switches are convenient.

Rubber Focusing Ring is larger/wider and easier to use than most other lenses.

Product comes with a Lens Ring or Tripod Mount Ring.

Quiet focusing - Ideal in nature photography

Great for portraits

Lens diameter of ø72mm is common and is consistent with other products.

True 1:1 magnification - 2:1 with EF2X Extender.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Great optics and balance to the camera

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Excelent price, the tracking is ok..

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I've been shooting outdoor macro shots with Canon's 100 macro (non-L) for a couple years now. That lens has provided some amazing images, but in the back of my mind I always wondered if an L-series lens would provide even better IQ. I've spent the last six months researching macros, from all the major players, and finally decided that a long macro was for me, because the uber-narrow depth of field tends to provide an out-of-focus background. Once I again I researched all the options, this time limiting the search to long macros. I finally decided on Canon's 180 macro.

I've only had this lens for about a month now, but all I can say is wow! This lens provides sparkling clear closeups with incredible detail, and even at f8 or higher still provides a pleasant out-of-focus background. The colors may be just a bit better than the 100 non-L macro, but that is a subjective thing, to date I've not been able to quantify it. For sure the detail and the blurred background provide images that just pop right off the paper! As it turns out a long macro is perfect for the type of macro photography I enjoy, and this lens can capture images that are truly unbelieveable.

So what's the catch? I think none. I read about the lens' reputation for slow (poor) auto focus. That worried me. I can verify that under poor light/contrast situations the lens will hunt, but in good light/contrast conditions it's plenty fast. More significantly, in actual use over the past month this has not once been an issue for me, as all my shots are taken using manual focus, even in goodlight/contrast conditions. You'll have to decide for yourself.

This lens falls squarely into the large and heavy category. I don't consider this a minus, but you have to keep this in mind when purchasing this lens, or any lens for that matter. Do you like to hand-hold, or do you love tripods? I almost never shoot without a tripod: if it's not tack sharp the rest does not matter. Once again you'll have to decide for yourself what is important to you.

I also can't compare this lens to anything other than the Canon 100 (non-L macro). I've read some very good reviews on other non-Canon lenses. All I can say I've taken some excellent images with the 100 lens, and this lens seems to be a notch higer on the IQ scale.

And last, you always have to consider the price. This is one of Canon's more expensive lenses, but I've always belived that as with everything in life, you get what you pay for.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens offers wonderful sharpness, lovely color rendition and fantastic bokeh (due to its longer 180mm focal length, the DOF is very small). However, its strongest feature for the macro photographer is the greater "working distance" is hugely advantageous when photographing living subjects in the field (eg. insects). This lens is also fantastic for portraiture.

The only drawback is the lack of IS, but this ens is by far better used on a tripod.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I Don't have a 100 macro lens so My View is from a ef 180 only I purchased this lens for macro. I am happy with this and this is my only L series lenses. I am looking at a ef 70-200 f2.8 II lens. I also got a canon MT-24EX flash.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is great for taking close ups of flowers and things like tree bark.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I am a freelance writer/photographer specializing on nature photography and outdoor articles.The 180mm macro is exceptionally sharp and I love using it, but it truly needs to be updated with image stabilization like the 100mm macro, which I also own. Fortunately, with the pro-level Canon cameras I can increase the ISO to give me higher shutter speeds to compensate, but I would rather not have to.The advantage of the longer focal length was made apparent while doing a close up of a butterfly on a wildflower, and yet was able to get a decent shot of a coyote passing nearby in the desert near Phoenix.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is used to take close up photos of insects and flowers. The results have been very good when used with a tripod. It is not a lens for handholding.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I was able to approach the Humming Bird perched on the Vi tech.Letting me move to zoom to get some great shots.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I have and loved the 100mm macro lens. There are times, however, when I want to be closer to the action with a macro lens. This lens is the ultimate. I use it on a tripod because it's a bit heavy, but the tripod gives me the discipline to think about what I am shooting.

I view this a a compliment to my 100 lens. When I am planning on shooting macro, I bring both fine lenses along. For different reasons.

The images are sharp, great bokeh, and the lens is a pleasure to use.

The thing to remember, though, is that this is a prime lens and it's a macro . Think about what your subject matter is and plan your lenses accordingly. If I am going to shoot wildlife, I take another lens with me.

If you are into multiple lenses and love primes and love macro, this lens is for you. You will not regret it.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is a real macro work horse. The working range that it allows me is phenomenal and the creatures that I shoot are appreciative as well! The clarity and sharpness of the lens are truly professional in quality. I have heard others say it is a slow focusing lens. As a telephoto lens it is, but I bought it for macro work not for shooting birds in flight. I highly recommend this lens for any serious macro photographer.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I purchased this lens for macro. I've shot insects, frogs, small flowers with and without the use of Canon extension tubes. I'm very pleased with the quality and sharpness the lens produces in both cases. This is my first macro lens, so I am still in the learning process, but right out of the box I captured some very impressive dragonfly images. I am happy with this addition to my line of L series lenses.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Excellent lens, allows you to take photos of insects without scaring them away by being too close.Sharp with excellent bokeh.My only complaint is that the autofocus is slow, but this is not a big problem. That is the only reason I gave it 4 stars.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

If you lke macro you'll love this lens. I also have a EF 10mm Macro but the EF 180 is much better when you can't get close to your subject.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I've had this lens for about 10 years. It's a really superb macro lens. Like all macro lenses, it is wonderfully sharp. I would encourage anyone considering this lens nowadays to also consider the Tamron and Sigma 180mm macro lenses, which did not exist when I bought mine. The lenses have different "looks" and it's well worth looking at examples online from each before choosing which 180mm lens to choose.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Seriously, buy it. Its heavy yes, but you can take hand held macro shots..even with an extension tube.
We tried the 100mm macro and sent it back for this. its just way better. Bugs arent bothered by you if you arent on top of them!

If youre used to a light lens, you might have issues, but we walk around with a 100-400 and this is lighter.

The pics? Awesome. Not only for macro, but portraits too. The bokeh is just creamy!

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

When you're spending lots of money for something it is a good idea to get the most out of your money. It was a used lense from B&H which they rated as a 9+. I could not find any flaw and wonder what the new lenses were like to be so much better. It was missing the instructions though, which were only somewhat difficult to get from Canon as they were working on the USA website. I got it from the Canadian website.
I had not shot macro in decades and did not have a macro lense then but used a bellows unit with a Sun Zoom Telephoto lense. That was interesting. Focusing was done with the zoom ring.
On the EF180 The range of focus is bi-modal and from infinity to about a foot and maybe even closer. The beauty of the lense is that you don't crowd your subject as you could easily do on shorter lenses. Yesterday it was used to shoot a landscape of a flowering tree (this is in Arizona) with a cliff medium distant behind and a higher mountain beyond that. The depth of field was terrific and everything was sharp. Then I swung it around and immediately put it into macro shooting a small bunch of leaves on a shrub next to the camera. From the instruction manual the only reason for the long/short focus switch is to shortening the auto-focus time. Auto-focus is handy, but in macro the camera could focus on anything in the image as there is often too much subject. I find it is better to keep it in the long mode and manual, particularly if shooting a couple of shots for an HDR image where one image will be blended with another to enhance the focal length.
Flashes. They work well. I have toyed with the idea of a ring flash. I could have used it for a Hedgehog Cactus shot yesterday morning as the light inside the flower was not light enough. Of course Photoshop helped with that except it would have been better if I had a ring flash to actually light up the inside. My old flash just didn't give the punch, particularly all the way around to light up the inside of the flower...Something else to buy.
Ta

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Perfect for really specific details, perfect for filmmaker. give you a unique tool for telling a story

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I also own a 50mm macro lens, but this lens is perfect for any macro photography, specially if it comes to creepy crittters.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

As a product photographer - I use the lens for my work, portfolio, and testing - for watches, jewelry, and other. In my profession this product is a must, it is light weight, durable, and very sharp, the 180mm macro also gives me more lens to subject distance allowing lighting flexibility and better control over reflective surfaces.

Other lenses require you to be too close to your subject where it may cast a reflection and/or shadow on the subject - also, it's more difficult to light adding time to an already tight and time sensitive deadline.

Overall, the bokeh is desirable, relatively fast given its focal length and purpose, attractive design, and well built in addition to what has been discussed herewith.

Additional features:

Dual "Focusing Distance Range" allowing for faster focus at close or farther distances.

Placement of "MF/AF" and dual "Focusing Distance Range" switches are convenient.

Rubber Focusing Ring is larger/wider and easier to use than most other lenses.

Product comes with a Lens Ring or Tripod Mount Ring.

Quiet focusing - Ideal in nature photography

Great for portraits

Lens diameter of ø72mm is common and is consistent with other products.

True 1:1 magnification - 2:1 with EF2X Extender.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Great optics and balance to the camera

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

Excelent price, the tracking is ok..

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

I've been shooting outdoor macro shots with Canon's 100 macro (non-L) for a couple years now. That lens has provided some amazing images, but in the back of my mind I always wondered if an L-series lens would provide even better IQ. I've spent the last six months researching macros, from all the major players, and finally decided that a long macro was for me, because the uber-narrow depth of field tends to provide an out-of-focus background. Once I again I researched all the options, this time limiting the search to long macros. I finally decided on Canon's 180 macro.

I've only had this lens for about a month now, but all I can say is wow! This lens provides sparkling clear closeups with incredible detail, and even at f8 or higher still provides a pleasant out-of-focus background. The colors may be just a bit better than the 100 non-L macro, but that is a subjective thing, to date I've not been able to quantify it. For sure the detail and the blurred background provide images that just pop right off the paper! As it turns out a long macro is perfect for the type of macro photography I enjoy, and this lens can capture images that are truly unbelieveable.

So what's the catch? I think none. I read about the lens' reputation for slow (poor) auto focus. That worried me. I can verify that under poor light/contrast situations the lens will hunt, but in good light/contrast conditions it's plenty fast. More significantly, in actual use over the past month this has not once been an issue for me, as all my shots are taken using manual focus, even in goodlight/contrast conditions. You'll have to decide for yourself.

This lens falls squarely into the large and heavy category. I don't consider this a minus, but you have to keep this in mind when purchasing this lens, or any lens for that matter. Do you like to hand-hold, or do you love tripods? I almost never shoot without a tripod: if it's not tack sharp the rest does not matter. Once again you'll have to decide for yourself what is important to you.

I also can't compare this lens to anything other than the Canon 100 (non-L macro). I've read some very good reviews on other non-Canon lenses. All I can say I've taken some excellent images with the 100 lens, and this lens seems to be a notch higer on the IQ scale.

And last, you always have to consider the price. This is one of Canon's more expensive lenses, but I've always belived that as with everything in life, you get what you pay for.

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Autofocus Lens:

This lens offers wonderful sharpness, lovely color rendition and fantastic bokeh (due to its longer 180mm focal length, the DOF is very small). However, its strongest feature for the macro photographer is the greater "working distance" is hugely advantageous when photographing living subjects in the field (eg. insects). This lens is also fantastic for portraiture.

The only drawback is the lack of IS, but this ens is by far better used on a tripod.