buying a macro lens. what i should know

RazielDoomgate · 14-11-2006 1:47pm #1

basicly i been messing around my 350d and its stock lens for about 6months now and i think its time to buy a new lens.
got the bug for buying a macro after i was reading on of the camera mags in easons

but as im pretty much still a beginner to photography i realy dont know what to look for when buy macro lens or lenses at all

any help is greatly apreciated.
budget is around 350€

Dundhoone · 14-11-2006 2:02pm

Basically make sure the lens will do a 1:1 magnification ratio. A few of the 3rd part lens put a "macro" sticker on the lens but they dont do that level of magnification.

I bought one of these:http://cgi.ebay.ie/Tamron-AF-90mm-f-2-8-f2-8-Di-1-1-Macro-Lens-NEW-2I_W0QQitemZ200044153434QQihZ010QQcategoryZ4687QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
from kea.
Its very sharp, and doubles as a really nice portrait lens. Downside would be a noisey autofocus, but I wouldnt use the autofocus for macro s anyway, its a fairly delicate operation getting the depth of field right. I bought it cause it gets great reviews - its as good as can be bought at this money. Other options would be the sigma 105mm f2.8 or the tokina 100mm f2.8.
You could also consider some kenko extension tubes coupled with a 50mm f1.8 lens. Just as sharp judging by some results posted here. But you may have slightly slower shutter speeds with this option - the extensions drop the light intake a few stops.

rymus · 14-11-2006 2:06pm

I'd go for the Sigma out of the listed above. I have the 150mm version myself, constantly impressed with the quality of the shots (and the build). I'm sure Fajitas can give you a good deal of insight into his Sigma 105mm