A potentially stupid question (wee!): why doesn't Canon make any of their macro lenses with IS?

[Shakespeare]

I was on Canon's site comparing different macro (and standard 50mm) EOS lenses, and didn't see any that have IS or even any that are in the vaunted L series. Maybe I just missed them entirely (and maybe they do exist), but if not, does anyone know why not? I presume it's got something to do with the mechanics of the lens (and hence the potential stupidity of my question), but I honestly have no idea.

This is the one I'm looking at, btw (for close-up outdoor stuff, and portrait/indoor stuff), in case anyone wants to offer advice or other options:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7400

Gracias, as always. :hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

1. I don't know the answer to your question,

but I have that lens, and I really like it.

[Shakespeare]

2. oh, that's good to know!

I was hoping for a DUer review, too. :thumbsup:

[Blue_In_AK]

3. On the macros, you get best results with a tripod, of course,

but here's a quickie of a ballpoint pen just hand-held at ISO 400 (focusing on "Gaylene's).



And this is a distance shot at 100 mm, also hand-held. I think this, too, was at ISO 400 also (Palin speak)...it's kind of gray and dreary outside.

[Shakespeare]

6. Oh, nice!!

I love "sample" shots. :hi:

[mth44sc]

4. I have the lense too

Here are a couple hand held shots (of mostly nothing - but it kept me occupied and out of trouble) taken with the aid of a flash using the lightshere thingie.

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Flash really helps.

I just had the light from a table lamp on mine.

[Shakespeare]

7. I'd wondered how the lightsphere thing worked.

Do you use it very much?

[mth44sc]

8. I have of late

but then I've only had it a couple weeks. Been trying out all sorts of things. Some hits - some misses. But for the cost I think its a very very handy thing to have on hand.

[NashVegas]

9. If I Had to Guess

I would assume the glassmakers think people shooting macros are either shooting outdoors in daylight or otherwise controlled lighting.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

10. I think that is the general assumption

and for the most part, true. If you can't control the light on a macro, tripod city.

Even if you can control the light, tripod city.

I am guessing it is not a high priority for most people to have IS on a macro.

[ManiacJoe]

11. My best guess on why...

While I don't shoot macro, I talk with those who do. My best guess is that IS/VR does not stabilize in the correct direction for macro work. IS/VR does its thing for up-down and left-right. My understanding of macro is that the big problem is in the front-back plane (focus and DoF) where IS/VR cannot help. This is why you want a tripod with macro rails.

[Shakespeare]

12. ah--that makes perfect sense.

Bet you're right. :hi: