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Macro Lens – Any Recommendations
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I had a quick browse through the Lens forum & I don’t think there has been much discussion on macro lenses in the past, so I thought I’d start one.
I hope some of you can help me here by recommending a decent Macro lens (Canon mount).
I’ve had a quick look at my options and at the moment I am a little unsure for where to pitch myself in terms of focal length vs min focus distance. It seems there are quite a range of macro lenses on the market from 50mm to 300mm, with min focus distance 20cm to 1.5m(1.5m doesn’t feel too macro to me). So any help here would be good also..
I guess the main use for macro work will be for close ups of Plants & Flowers initially (who know’s where it’ll lead).
Budget is rather dependant upon how versatile the lens is – if it’s half decent for non macro also and if the focal length suits my needs for other work then I’d be prepare to spend a bit more, but I guess I am looking at the mid range of the market.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Gary
I bought a sigma 105 macro1:1 f2.8 last month,its a great lense,i only used it once as i’m not really into macro.
It’s supposed to be good for portraits aswell.it cost ?340,and im sure they do it cannon mount aswell.
You can get really close with this lenses.Hope this helps,
Sean.
Macro doesn’t necessarily mean close-up- although it can be a corollary condition-
it refers to the magnification-
close focussing distances should be read in relation to the focal length-I prefer longer focal length lenses myself-
it allows some distance to the subject,
and might mean that you’re not modifying the light by casting a shadow through being too close to the subject.I’m sure most macro lenses will focus to infinity,
and will give quite acceptable results-The only dedicated macro lens I use is a Nikkor,
so I can’t help with specifics-j
Like Sean, I use the Sigma 105 f2.8.
It is an excellent lens and very sharp.
A good mid telephoto and not just for macro.I have the Canon 100mm as well, and absolutely love it. I went for it over the Sigma as it uses internal focusing, hence the front of the lens doesn’t extend, and has USM (focus is very fast, quiet, and accurate and you can focus manually even while in AF mode). There’s a ?30 rebate on it until the end of the year.
There’re loads of people very happy with the Sigma, and I believe it to be a fine lens. I was torn between the two, but am ultimately very happy with the Canon
John
I went for the Sigma 105 F2.8 myself and found it to be a very good lens. Very sharp and good value for the money
Thanks for your feedback folks – looks like it’s down to 2 options then. I’ll take a closer look at their reviews.
Gary
my two cents go to the magnificent canon 100.
the downside is the AF, sometimes hunts. but you can switch to MF for serious macro.
even good for portraits, if you don’t mind the huge amount of sharpness……Sorry to drop in on your topic, but i am also looking for a macro. The one I was looking at earlier was the Canon EF100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens. Is this the exact one you are referring too?
If you’re willing to put up with manual focus you’ll get a Tamron 90/2.5 (Adaptall) on eBay or similar for much less than a new Canon or Sigma. Performance is stunning, and only very slightly bettered by something the Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8 (I have both and use them via adaptors on a 30D)
i was thinking about gettin a macro lens myself, something with a 1:1 ratio. its for a nikon d50 so am i right in thinking that my only real choices are the the sigma 105mm and the nikon 105mm
Don’t overlook the Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro Lens 1:1
On the topic of focal length, there’s certainly a lot going for lenses with a longer focal length because they allow you to work at a greater distance. But as usual in life, there’s always a downside, and with a longer focal length comes a corresponding decrease in depth of field at any given aperture. It’s not the end of the world of course, but just something I thought I’d mention as being another factor you should consider in making your selection.
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