When it comes to macro photography with the Canon EOS R6, we’re stepping away from the usual suspects today. In this post, we’re diving into some unconventional macro lenses that push your creative boundaries. These aren’t your typical macro lenses. Each one brings a unique twist that can inspire new ideas, whether you’re shooting photos or videos.
So, buckle up as I take you through these lenses in descending order from the most familiar to the most out-of-the-box. By the end, you’ll know which lenses will suit your style best. Let’s dive in!
Why Macro Photography?
Macro photography is a gateway to creativity, especially with the Canon EF system, which can be adapted to the Canon R5 and Canon R6 cameras. But why stick with the standard lenses? Today, I’m showcasing a lineup of macro lenses that will challenge you to think differently and deliver stunning results without breaking the bank.
If you’re passionate about exploring new lenses and approaches to macro photography, this list is for you. Also, if you have a favorite macro lens that I haven’t mentioned, feel free to share it in the comments below!
5. 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Kicking off the list is the 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 macro lens. At only $160, this lens is a steal for anyone looking to dabble in macro photography without spending a fortune.
- Price: $160
- Focal Length: 60mm
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: Lightweight, making it easy to carry on shoots.
- Recommendation: A great choice for hobbyists or anyone just getting started with macro photography.
This lens is completely manual, which means you’ll need to rely on your skills to focus. Although it’s an APS-C lens (not full-frame), you can use it with Canon’s crop mode. Sure, a full-frame option would be ideal, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain. It’s a great pick for someone just starting in macro photography or looking to add a budget-friendly lens to their collection.
4. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro Lens
Next on the list is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8, a full-frame lens with an impressive 2x magnification. Unlike most macro lenses that max out at 1:1 magnification, this beauty doubles that, offering a unique perspective.
- Price: $450
- Magnification: 2x
- Apochromatic Design: Virtually eliminates chromatic aberration.
- Compatibility: Full-frame compatible.
- Recommendation: Ideal for photographers looking to capture extreme detail and clarity.
The Laowa 100mm also boasts an apochromatic design that virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, meaning you’ll get super sharp, clean images with minimal color fringing. If you’re looking for a lens that offers something different, this is a great pick for your Canon R5 or R6.
3. Laowa 50mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro Lens
Laowa strikes again with its 50mm f/4 wide-angle macro lens. This one is a game-changer because it allows you to capture your subject up close while keeping the background in frame—giving context to your shot.
- Price: Affordable for its category.
- Weight: 1 pound, easy to carry.
- Unique Selling Point: You can get incredibly close to your subject while still including the surroundings.
- Recommendation: This lens tells a story in a single image by showing not only your subject but also where you are. Perfect for photographers looking to add narrative depth to their macro shots.
This is one of my all-time favorite lenses because it lets me create photos that are not just about the subject but also about the environment. If you’re ready for a lens that adds a whole new dynamic to your macro shots, this is the one.
2. Irix 150mm f/3.0 Cine Macro Lens
In second place, we have the Irix 150mm f/3.0 macro lens, a true cine lens that’s built for those who want a cinematic look in their macro shots.
- Price: Mid-range.
- Focal Length: 150mm
- Magnification Ratio: 1:1
- Weight: 2.13 pounds.
- Special Features: 8K resolution capabilities, cine-style focus gear for smooth focus pulls.
- Recommendation: Ideal for filmmakers and photographers who want to add a cinematic touch to their macro shots.
Though it’s on the heavier side at over 2 pounds and lacks optical stabilization, it’s perfect for anyone looking to add a cinematic edge to their macro photography. You’ll probably need a tripod due to the weight, but the results are worth it.
1. Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens
Now for the pièce de résistance—the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens. This weird but genius lens has made waves in the macro photography world thanks to its unique design.
- Price: $1,500
- Focal Length: 24mm
- Aperture: f/14
- Waterproof: Yes, for underwater macro photography
- Built-in LED Lights: Perfect for shooting in tight, dark spaces
- Recommendation: Its long, thin design lets you get into tight spaces while illuminating your subject with built-in lights. Best for photographers and filmmakers who want to capture unique, hard-to-reach shots.
This lens allows you to capture macro shots in places no other lens can reach, making it the perfect choice for creative photographers who want to push the limits of what’s possible.
Conclusion
When it comes to macro photography with the EOS R6, the possibilities are endless—especially when you venture beyond the standard lens choices. The unconventional macro lenses we’ve explored here are designed to push your creativity to new heights, offering a range of capabilities that extend far beyond basic close-ups. Whether you’re after extreme magnification, cinematic video quality, or the ability to shoot in impossibly tight spaces, these lenses will help you capture the world from an entirely new perspective.
From the budget-friendly 7Artisans 60mm f/2.8 to the innovative Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe lens, each option brings its own strengths to the table. As you experiment with these tools, you’ll find yourself exploring new creative avenues, adding depth, detail, and a fresh artistic touch to your macro photography.
No matter which of these lenses you choose, the key to successful macro photography lies in experimenting with composition, lighting, and perspective. Unconventional lenses like these will challenge you to think differently, helping you create stunning, imaginative shots that stand out from the crowd. So, grab your Canon R5 or EOS R6, attach one of these innovative macro lenses, and start capturing the tiny details of the world around you in ways you’ve never imagined.