| If you're serious about photography then at some | | | | During my testing I took some photos of small |
| point you'll think about macro photography. The | | | | flowers and insects, although getting them to stay |
| images that can be taken with a macro lens can | | | | still when you're that close is difficult. The images |
| be truly stunning with a level of detail that makes | | | | taken are amazing with a level of detail unlike any |
| the image a wonder to behold. Before starting out | | | | other photographs I've taken with normal lenses. |
| you'll want to ensure you choose the right lens | | | | There's no loss of definition towards the edges |
| for your camera for macro photography and the | | | | and colours are sharp throughout. |
| following is a review of the Canon EF-S 60mm | | | | As it's a USM lens the operation is very quiet, |
| macro lens. | | | | again something very useful for getting in close on |
| The Canon EF-S 60mm macro lens is a fixed | | | | animals. With this in mind it may be useful to add |
| focal point lens with a USM or ultra sonic motor | | | | a small tripod and remote trigger mechanism, that |
| for quiet operation and has a 2.8 f-stop. Taking it | | | | way you can quickly place the camera close to |
| out of the box you're presented with a very well | | | | the subject and move away so as not to frighten |
| made lens with a solid feel and a detailed | | | | it. |
| instruction booklet. The lens has an EF-S mount | | | | The auto focus mechanism is very fast although I |
| so will fit on popular models should as the 450D | | | | did occasionally have problems as it swapped |
| and 500D as well as some of the higher range | | | | between two close up focal points. |
| Canon camera's like the 5D. The lens is not | | | | Other alternatives to this macro lens |
| compatible with the top range Canon cameras | | | | If you have a Canon DSLR then there are a |
| which only take an EF mount. | | | | couple of low price alternatives from Canon to |
| Once you've unwrapped the lens and attached it | | | | this lens. |
| to your Canon camera you'll want to get started | | | | The Canon EF 100mm macro lens is more |
| using it. The first thing to notice is it's quite small | | | | expensive but is compatible with the more |
| compared to other lenses and is a fixed focal | | | | expensive Canon DSLR's available so if you're |
| length so you can't zoom in on a subject. This | | | | thinking of upgrading or already own a higher |
| means you'll have to physically move to the | | | | range camera this would be a better choice. |
| subject to get closer but that's the point of a | | | | The Canon EF 50mm macro lens is an older lens |
| macro lens right? | | | | and is therefore less expensive than the 60mm |
| Being a fixed focal lens the EF-S 60mm can have | | | | lens. Although it has more niggles than the Canon |
| a secondary use as a portrait lens. It performed | | | | EF-S 60mm such as slower auto-focusing and |
| well in my tests with this use although I wouldn't | | | | struggling in lower light it is compatible with higher |
| necessarily have it as my only lens if out and | | | | range Canon cameras and in the right conditions |
| about. Where the lens really shines however is | | | | takes very good shots. |
| once you start with macro photography. | | | | Would I recommend this lens? |
| Macro Photography using the Canon EF-S 60mm | | | | Without a shadow of a doubt if you're interested |
| As a macro lens the Canon EF-S 60mm performs | | | | in macro photography and own a Canon DSLR |
| extremely well. The level of detail in the images | | | | then I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this lens. It's |
| taken can be amazing especially once viewed on a | | | | been a great addition to my collection and gets |
| large computer monitor. The closest focal range I | | | | regular use and I love studying the close up |
| managed was about 15cm from the subject so | | | | images on a larger screen. |
| you can very close. | | | | |