Though I will likely be testing both full frame and APSC sensors come spring, I wanted to get some opinions on which sensor is better for macro work.
I just got a 5Dmkii and I'm not sure whether I should be using it for macro as much as the 7D.
My only macro lens is the 100mm f/2.8 USM, and I have a set of extension tubes and a 580ex.
So far:
Pros for 7D:
Crop factor gives me more distance to work with. 160mm is definitely longer than 100mm.
Crop also gives me a wider DOF. When I shoot at f/11 I start getting concerned about diffraction. The DOF may get even thinner with the 5D
More/better autofocus with the 7D. I do use a lot of MF while in macro, but it's nice to have autofocus work great in certain circumstances.
Wireless flash trigger. I just set the 580ex to slave and shoot away!
Pros for 5D:
Better ISO performance. In macro it seems that even ISO 400 is TOO high on the 7D, so it would be nice to have better ISO while shooting macro.
Large sensor... better image quality.
More MP, better for cropping? I"m not sure on that.
Larger viewfinder will make manual focusing easier and more accurate.
As you can tell so far I think the 7D may be better suited to keep my macro work, but I would like to be told if I'm missing something.
Think with just the 100mm 1:1 macro lens I would vote for the 7D.
I do however use a 5Dmk2 with an MPE-65 lens and love it.
Just one tech point, the DOF diffraction differences between the sensors do not have to exist. You can shoot the FF camera about 1 stop smaller than the 1.6crop and get exactly the same DOF/diffraction balance.
I wasn't aware of having 1 stop extra with the FF camera, but it makes perfect sense. I guess I'm just trying to save myself the hassle of buying an off camera flash cord if it's really not necessary.
I wish I could find a good deal on an mp-e65, I've seen it go here on FM for US$6xx a couple of times and missed the deal for just a day or so.
