What’s In My Camera Bag – 100mm Macro
This week (and maybe next) I will be doing a feature on all the equipment I carry in my camera bag (and Shootsac) with explanations of why I use it and examples.
First up, the 100mm Macro. The Macro lens isn’t a necessity, but it sure is a lot of fun! If you’re shooting weddings it is the lens for shooting ring shots and details. I have used it on some newborn sessions, but honestly, it gets so close it kind of scares me. Too much detail in a person isn’t always a good thing! I use the Macro for ring shots, jewelry, and detail shots at the reception. Here is a shot from my wedding yesterday of the Bride’s Grandmother’s crystals that she wore.
I love ring shots. Always something fun to do if a reception is dragging a bit. Here’s one of my favorite
It’s just a great lens for capturing the really small details that you really want to focus on and isolate. At weddings it’s sometimes the small details that mean the most. Here is a ring that was the Bride’s Grandmother’s engagement ring tied to her bouquet.
There is a newer version of this lens that I’m dying to get my hands on! Looks beautiful! But, really for as often as I use this lens (not very often) it’s just not worth the money at this point to buy the new one.
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Thanks so much for doing this series! It’s SOOO helpful to hear/see what you use and how you use it! Can’t wait for more!
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Jazmyns Senior Shoot =-.
This is a great idea for a series – look forward to more. Okay – I don’t have any macro lenses – so maybe that’s why I don’t know the answer to this…but why the need for a 100mm Macro to get details that you can get close to at a wedding? Why that over a 50mm or 60mm or anything else? Just trying to understand the difference/benefits/drawbacks. Thanks!
Thank Drew! I Love, love, love my macro. It is on my camera almost all the time. I use it for portrait sessions, nature and true macro work. It just works for me. Can’t wait to see what you have in there next.
A Macro Lens is a lens used specifically for taking close pictures of small objects. Not just ring shots or detail shots, but a lot of photographers use them in nature to take pictures of flowers or bugs or whatever. Try taking a close up shot of your wedding ring with a lens that isn’t a macro lens and you’ll find out really fast why you need a Macro lens. It won’t focus super close up. There are different Macro lenses. The 100mm is just what happens to be in my camera bag. I know Canon makes it in a 60mm and 180mm I believe. But, the 100 is very sharp and focuses really well when shooting wide open.
Hi, Drew, I’m wondering… what kind of bag is the one shown? I’m currently shopping for a new big bag and this one is definitely different than the one I currently own. Thanks!
Thanks Drew for this post!!! I can’t wait to read what is coming this week. I love these pictures and the macro lens. It’s so sharp. How did you get the rings to stand in the picture that says bliss? You are amazing!!
oh…I think this series. I am excited to hear the rest. I just spilled about my first lens rental (which I credit you for because of how often you encourage peole to rent) so I am all about this post.
.-= Marissa Nicole´s last blog ..50mm of perfection Augusta- GA Lifestyle Photographer =-.
Okay thanks Drew – I knew the purpose of a macro lens just didn’t understand what the differences were between a 50mm or a 100mm macro. I know there is a minimum distance you have to be away from the object (typically pretty small for Macro lenses) in order for it to focus but how far away can you be from the object and still get really crisp images with the 100mm Macro?
This is such a great feature!
.-= Nakia´s last blog ..Summer’s End park mini sessions =-.
Beautiful shots, of course! You’re crazy talented, but I am sure you have been told that a million times.
I have a 60mm 2.8 macro and don’t know how I lived without it before. I hardly ever use my 50mm 1.4 anymore; the 60 stays on my D90 90% of the time time. I love it for portraits and macros. I know the 105 is better for insect macros, and you don’t have the shadowing problem I sometimes have, but the 60 fit my wallet better. LOL
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Love That Shot Picture Link Up =-.
I want this lens. The IS version. BAD. I have rented it and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
.-= Jen Imus´s last blog ..The long goodbye =-.