Canon Macro Camera Lenses
Macro lenses are optimised for use in photographing objects at close range. They are able to focus in closely and produce better quality pictures. A macro lens can also be used for portrait photos with a focal length of approximately 100mm. It is possible to deliver a photo that is 5x life size.
A macro lens has a 1:1 magnification ratio so that the subject of the photo is life size and will fill a major portion of the frame. Long focal lengths have narrower view angles and less background, but they are heavier and larger, requiring a fast shutter speed. Narrow apertures are used for macro photography with longer shutter speeds, usually needing a flash or a tripod to avoid motion blurring.
Types of Canon macro camera lenses
There are several types of Canon macro camera lenses to choose from.
Lightweight compact macro lenses feature an autofocus mechanism, which is not as quiet as the ultrasonic motor featured in larger versions and the focus is slower. The EF-M 28mm f/3.5 IS STM lens has a built-in Macro Lite which illuminates the subject you are photographing and when in the 'Super Macro' position has 1.2x magnification. The EF 50mm f/2.5 macro lens is the shortest of Canon's macro lenses in size and its focal length.
60mm and 100mm f/2.8 macro lenses feature an ultra-sonic motor (USM) which makes focusing quieter and faster. The EF-S 60mm version is for use with cropped bodies only and it has a focal length of 96mm, which can be combined with a focusing distance of 20cm for close-ups. The EF 100mm is a high-performance full-frame lens but there is no full time manual override. The IS USM version is compatible with cropped and full-framed bodies and features the Hybrid Image Stabilisation system that is designed to counteract angular motion and lens shift. The 'L' build is moisture and dust-resistant.
The EF 180mm f/3.5L lens is a professional grade telephoto USM lens with a focal length that is ideal for taking photos from a distance, but is one of Canon's slowest macro lenses. It can be used with extenders that will enable 1.4x and 2x magnification. The MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x macro photo specialist lens has 5x magnification but the depth of field is very shallow with higher levels of magnification. It is a manual focus only and its closest focusing distance is 24cm.
