The 100mm Macro … where do I even begin with this lens!? I LOVE this thing, + feel like I am always encouraging photographers to invest in this amazing, versatile, + very reasonably priced piece of gear!! I’m excited to share about WHY I love this lens on the blog today!!

 1. Details, details, details

If you’ve been around for more than a couple of weeks, you might have picked up that I L.O.V.E. shooting details. They are some of my favorite things to photograph on a wedding day because, oftentimes, a lot of thought + work has been put into the details + they are what make the day special + unique to the couple!! They help tell their story!

While I oftentimes use the 100mm to shoot close-up reception details …

… or other things like stationery suites …

… I use this lens most during the “getting ready” portion of the day!! This is when I will photograph all of the bride + groom’s unique details—like shoes, jewelry, cuff links, + ESPECIALLY the rings!! I mean, c’mon, nothing makes a diamond look more beautiful than a close up shot with the macro!! Here are some of my favorite most recent rings shots : )

2. Versatility

While most people think that this lens is only used for shooting minute details, or things really close up, it is actually also a great portrait lens!! I have used this lens many times on portrait sessions when I am working with just one person. It has a very unique bokeh (very circular + smooth due to the circular diaphragm!!) that I really love!! I also almost always use it for a portion of the wedding ceremony. Since Caleb has the 70-200mm zoom lens on his body during this portion of the day, the 100mm allows me to photograph the bride + groom more close up (because of its awesome focal length!!) without being intrusive or in anyone’s way during the ceremony!!

Examples of shots I took with the 100mm at our most recent wedding (all while staying out of sight)!!!

3. Price

For the quality of this lens AND all that it has to offer me as a photographer, the 100mm macro is a total steal in my opinion!! It has professional lens elements + coatings, is dust + moisture resistant (with the correct camera bodies), hybrid optical image stabilization (you always have the option to manually focus), + the build quality associated with the Canon L series, all for under $1,000!! 

I hope I’ve convinced you of how POWERFUL of a tool this lens can be!! I absolutely love this thing + cannot imagine shooting a wedding without it in my bag!!!