I have always been hesitant on spending too much on a macro lens. It just didn’t make sense to invest a whole lot of money on a lens that I really only use for one shot and that’s a ring shot. Since the very first year of shooting weddings I have used Canon’s cheapest “macro” lens the EF 50mm f/2.5 macro. I put the quotes there since there are some out there that wouldn’t even consider this a true macro lens since it doesn’t even hit 1:1 without an adapter but for me it’s been a truly solid lens in my line up of lenses that I use at every wedding.
With all that said, in 2015 ring shots are going to the next level. I have been following the release of the Chinese made VENUS 60mm f/2.8 Ultra-Macro Lens and finally had to chance to test it today. Let me tell you, I have already fallen in love with this lens. From the really great build quality to the $370 dollar price tag this lens was made for me. The lens is super sharp and has full manual controls for both aperture and focus. This beast has a 2:1 macro ratio and I felt like I was looking through a microscope at 2:1. I’m likely to mostly use this lens between 1.5:1 and 1:1 ratios as I felt that 2:1 was just too much detail and just too close. I could see the small streaks of oil left behind by my finger prints when trying to capture a 2:1 macro image. See for yourself the comparison shot i have posted below of my wife’s David Yurman ring. This picture below was taken with the VENUS lens at 1.5:1 ratio.
For comparison the picture below is the largest ratio I could achieve with my old 50mm Canon lens. Can’t wait to shoot some rings in 2015!
