Any 180mm macro that lends itself to general photography?

I somehow have a prime in the 180/200mm range on my shopping list. Camera for now is a 5D IV. Are the stabilized 3rd party macros any good around infinity or for portraits? - I couldn't spot any reviews yet. Thanks in advance.

The 180/200mm range is not that common for portraits. It's usually the 85mm to 135mm range for head shots. I would think the Canon 100L would be the best choice for a macro/portrait lens. But if the longer/stabilized focal length is what you need, then you will indeed have to go third party, as Canon's 180 macro lacks IS.

Most macro lenses are absolutely fine at "normal" subject distances. In fact most macro primes are some of the sharpest lenses you can find at any distance.

 

I don't have a 180mm macro, but the above is true for the 55mm, 90mm and 105mm macro lenses that I own.

I agree with Joe. Macro lenses tend to be the best lenses you can get for any distance. The downside to them is that they're often a lot slower than a comparable focal length non-Macro.

 

Something in the 180-200 range can make for an interesting portrait lens. The telephoto compression is even more extreme than with a lens in the typical 85-135 range suggested, something that it a good thing if you want to keep as much of the background out and isolate the subject from it as much as possible. Many folks will like the effects that the longer lens gives on their face also.

 

With that said, one of the big downsides to working with a lens that long is that it puts you a decent distance away from your subject, especially if you're trying to get more than just their head.

I have the AF Micro Nikkor 105 / 2.8 D -- an excellent lens all around -- even with one of several different Nikkor teleconverters. I have gotten some good bird shots when out for folwers & bugs.

The first lens that comes to mind is the Sigma 180/2.8 - based on reviews, it is very highly regarded. Below is a link to the lens for the Canon mount for sale at B&H. It is stabilized, and again based on reviews, it seems to work very well for macros and portraits.

 

Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM Lens (for Canon)!

TY all for getting back.

It's usually the 85mm to 135mm range for head shots

Agreed, if you shoot compliant subjects. I recall a lot of journalists (in film days) bagging 180/200mm f2.8s as their long end and noticed myself shooting the 135mm f2.8 frequently on my APS C Pentaxes, so I am wondering what to get for Canon. - I'm not yet sure if I want a shorter macro more urgently. - Maybe the rumored 85mm f1.4 IS turns out to be irresistible?

Macro lenses tend to be the best lenses you can get for any distance. The downside to them is that they're often a lot slower than a comparable focal length non-Macro.

I handled a friend's 200mm f2 Nikkor. My temptation to carry such was rather low.

Anyhow, I am at the beginning of sorting out what I'll want.

I have quite often used my Nikon 180mm f/2.8 for tight headshot portraits; I find it a comfortable working distance, but styles differ, obviously.

 

No personal experience, but results I've seen from a friend with a Tamron 180mm f/3.5 macro left little to be desired. It's not overly large, nor overly expensive, so it might make a good choice.