Macro lens for beginner

[ChelleFish]

Hi,

I am thinking of treating myself to a macro lens sometime in the near future and was after some recommendations. My camera is Canon 30D with 70-200 IS USM and 18-55 IS USM lens kits. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I stick with the Canon lenses would Sigma or Tamron be just as good??

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,

Chelle

[DJT]

Depends on your budget of course, but it's pretty hard to go past the Tamron 90mm

[Yi-P]

Best bang for buck, Tamron 90mm

Next up Canon 100mm

Then the further ranges of Sigma 150mm and 180mm

Don't forget a flashgun, too...

[ATJ]

Chelle,

Do you have any idea what sort of macro photography you will be doing? This influences what macro lens is best. It is also possible that you don't need a dedicated macro lens.

Macro lenses are available in a range of focal lengths. Shorter lengths (e.g. 50-60mm) work well for subjects that won't fly away and can be easier to provide sufficient light as you are generally closer to the subject. However, for very high magnification, the closeness can work against you as it can be harder to get the lighting at the right angle.

Longer focal lengths (100-200mm) work better for things like dragonflies and butterflies and you can get a macro shot from further away. If you use flash for lighting, the flash will also be further away which can work against you, unless you are doing higher magnification which brings you in closer.

An inexpensive alternative, to get you started, are diopter lenses which you screw on the front of an existing lens. You lose a bit of quality, but they are cheap and you can determine if macro is really your thing.

A slightly more expensive option, but still cheaper than a new lens, are extension tubes. These go between the lens and the camera and allow you to focus a lot closer - giving an existing lens macro capability. They are better quality than diopter lenses as there is no glass - they are just a hollow tube.

[Oneputt]

Absolutely the best value for money is the Tamron 90mm as has already been stated. How they do it for the price is a mystery.

[dviv]

I have the Canon 100mm macro and it's a fantastic lens.

One of the big differences between it and the Tamron 90 is that the canon does not change length when you focus. As you change focus the physical lenth of the Tammy changes, which could frighten insects etc.

Not a big deal but might be for some people.

[Marvin]

Another vote for the Tamron 90mm macro. I have it and love it!

[ChelleFish]

Thank you all for your feedback Much appreciated. Looks like the Tamron 90 mm wins hands down.

Thank you very ATJ for your comments. You have given me lots to think about...

[Killakoala]

Interesting you should ask as I was thinking about buying the Tamron 90 as well. Your thread saves me asking the same question

I was impressed with the Tamron 90mm when I tried it out once.

[makario]

Really good thread, as I am looking at getting a macro lens as well.. I was leaning towards the canon 100mm. Cost difference aside is this a good choice as compared to the Tamy.


Cheers
Mak

[Travy]

Im a macro n00b too.
I recently purchased the Tamron 90mm.. great lens!!!!



One thing i found very quickly though was macro isn't easy

But good fun

[Yi-P]

One thing i found very quickly though was macro isn't easy

But good fun

Its a mixture of optical physics and photography joy