Macro : FF or Crop

[Dolby]

So I thought the answer was clear because of the 1.6x crop - but reading one or two pages online, seems both have pros and cons. Just wondering if some of the photographers have any input ?

As mentioned, magnification for the crop body - but quality / light / detail better on a FF for macro ?

 

[garyc]

This will really depend on what you want to do. It may be best if you can give details on the type of subject, intended depth of field effects and type of lighting.

By example, I do a fair amount of macro photography as part of my job. I used a full frame 5D a bit in the past, but am now using a crop sensor camera exclusively. The main reason for this is the depth of field is greater on the crop sensor, which better suits the items that I am shooting. Sometimes I even use a compact camera with a macro mode. The image quality is worse but the DOF is really good.

Lighting is a major issue with macro photography. This is where I inevitably use a ring flash and have a custom colour profile for the flash. If you are using ambient lighting only them full frame has a bit of an advantage.

If I had to put together a new macro system then I would get a crop sensor body and use the savings to get a decent ring flash. Your requirements may however be completely different.

 

[Dolby]

Thanks for the reply.

I actually don't have a specific need. My aunt is selling a number of lenses and amongst them I saw a Canon 100mm 2.8L macro lens. She may also be selling her 5DMK2 ... so I was wondering if I should try scrape to buy both.

Or, just get the lens with my Canon 7D.

I'd just taking photos of bugs and things I guess