Still figuring out which lens to have to get started on macro photography? Look no further: EOS Professional Clinton Kay bares how he zooms into tiny subjects to produce detailed shots of minuscule subjects using his Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 100 | 1/250s Macro photography is where my heart is out of the many genres of photography. I experimented with magnifying lenses and the macro functions of my camera but it wasn’t until I bought my EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. I was able to truly capture stunning macro images and take my macro photography to the next level. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 100 | 1/250s

Use a Speedlight for Close Ups

I like to use a speedlight in close up shots to help freeze the actions and highlight the subject. This setup exposes a lot of light on the image. This results in having shadows behind which really help the subject stand out. I would normally be shooting at an aperture of f/8, ISO 100, and shutter speed of 250 seconds (or as fast as the speedlight allows). Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/5.6 | ISO 100 | 1/125s

Ability to Capture Amazing Macro Bokeh Shots

The EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is able to still freeze motion whilst throwing minimal shadow behind your subject when expose to minimal artificial light. I rarely shoot under an aperture of f/8 when shooting macro. However when shooting at f/5.6 or lower as a prime, the lens is able to deliver amazingly sharp images of your subject set against a buttery soft bokeh background. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 100 | 1/125s

Three Distance Settings to Play with

The lens has three distance settings: 1. extremely close, which was the setting for the above shot; 2. mid distance, which in practice works from 20 to 50 CMS from the subject; and mid to long distance, which pretty much works for anything further than mid distance to infinity. Since shooting macro can sometimes attract an audience, I sometimes use it as a prime lens and it had worked wonders. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 400 | 1/125s Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 400 | 1/125s

Zero Shutter Noise Function is a Major Plus

I am absolutely loving this lens as it is absolutely silent – crucial for shooting wildlife or insects. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 100 | 1/250s

Sharp Auto Focus

The auto focus of the EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is  extremely sharp and works well even when shooting close to the minimum focus distance. Even though I would still recommend to switch to manual focus when shooting really close-up shots. The manual focus ring works well and easy to use once you get the hang of it. Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | F/8 | ISO 100 | 1/250s View the full range of macro shots by Clinton Kay at http://www.ckayphotos.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/ckayphotos/