Help with a lens.

DaneScott · 26-05-2012 03:20PM #1

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/532971/art/tamron/aspherical-if-macro-af-18.html
Would anyone be able to tell me if this is compatible with a canon eos 500d?

Trying to buy a macro lens for the missus. Not sure what's what though.
If anyone even had any recommendations that would be great!

Thank you!

Gregor Samsa · 26-05-2012 03:52PM

That's not a real macro lens. Its a superzoom that can focus fairly close to a subject (so they stick "macro" in the description), but it won't do 1:1 magnification, which is what you need for proper macro I don't know Canon lenses well enough to make a recommendation, but you'll be looking for something like a 100mm prime macro lens. You could go for a 50mm, which are cheaper, but I find that you have to get too close to your subject to make them very useful.

Something along these lines:

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/31920/art/canon/macro-lens-100-f-2-8-usm.html

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/533052/art/tamron/macro-1-1-sp-af-90mm-f-2.html

pixmania might not be the best/cheapest place to get it - I'm just using these links coz I'm on my phone.
I'm sure someone will be along soon with a more specific recommendation.

Necronomicon · 26-05-2012 06:15PM

Tamron make lenses compatible with both Nikon and Canon SLRs - that particular one you have linked to is a Nikon fit. Here is a link to a Canon fit:

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/532962/art/tamron/af-18-200mm-f-3-5-6-3-xr.html

Though as phutyle says, it's not a macro lens. Tamron do a macro prime lens which is a good performer by all accounts, it's highly rated. Here is a link from another website, one I've used countless times, which has it for nearly €100 cheaper than pixmania:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33826

If you can stretch your budget, the Canon 100mm is a superb macro lens:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33296

Your best bet is to look at prime lenses (i.e. fixed focal lengths, like the 90mm or 100mm suggested above) with 1:1 magnification ratio. Edit: Only just clicked the links posted by phutyle and realised they're the same recommendations as mine. You won't go far wrong with either if your budget would go that far.

DaneScott · 26-05-2012 07:17PM

Necronomicon wrote: »

Tamron make lenses compatible with both Nikon and Canon SLRs - that particular one you have linked to is a Nikon fit. Here is a link to a Canon fit:

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/532962/art/tamron/af-18-200mm-f-3-5-6-3-xr.html

Though as phutyle says, it's not a macro lens. Tamron do a macro prime lens which is a good performer by all accounts, it's highly rated. Here is a link from another website, one I've used countless times, which has it for nearly €100 cheaper than pixmania:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33826

If you can stretch your budget, the Canon 100mm is a superb macro lens:

http://www.onestop-digital.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=33296

Your best bet is to look at prime lenses (i.e. fixed focal lengths, like the 90mm or 100mm suggested above) with 1:1 magnification ratio. Edit: Only just clicked the links posted by phutyle and realised they're the same recommendations as mine. You won't go far wrong with either if your budget would go that far.

Thanks a lot man, really appreciate the advice. Talking to a couple lads on boards, both looking for 420 for a second hand canon 100mm. Considering they're 440 or thereabout everywhere brand new, I don't think this is fair. Would you agree or am I missing something about lens'?

Thank again!

DaneScott · 26-05-2012 08:23PM

Also, would 298 for the Tamron be a decent offer?

DaneScott · 26-05-2012 09:42PM

Would any of you think this is a good offer?

http://www.adverts.ie/lenses/canon-ef-macro-100-mm-f-2-8-usm-lens/1592497

Thank you again for all the help!

hbr · 27-05-2012 11:17AM

DaneScott wrote: »

Trying to buy a macro lens for the missus. Not sure what's what though.
If anyone even had any recommendations that would be great!

There aren't really any bad macro lenses. Excellent optical performance is an
absolute requirement for all true 1:1 macro lenses. You won't go too far wrong
regardless of which one you buy, provided that it will fit your camera mount.

As other posters have mentioned, many zoom lenses have a "macro" feature.
Most of these are not really macro lenses. A true macro lens has 1:1 (or greater)
magnification. This means the image projected onto the film (or digital sensor)
is the same size as the subject

Most of the 1:1 macro lenses are prime lenses. This means they have a fixed
focal length. You will need to decide which FL is most appropriate for the
subjects you are shooting. For living creatures, you will need the greater working
distance of a lens with FL in the 90-200mm region. For shooting inanimate objects,
working distance is less important and something in the 50-70mm range may be suitable.

The Canon 100mm you are looking at is a great macro lens. The Tokina 100mm f/2.8,
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 are all excellent.

For shorter focal lengths, it would be hard to beat the Canon 60mm f/2.8 USM
macro lens. This is one of the sharpest lenses available at any price. It also
makes a spectacularly good portrait lens.

Would any of you think this is a good offer?

It's a good lens. Assuming the "as new" description is accurate, it is probably
worth €380-400. BTW, it is compatible with your 500D.

You can get a brand new one for €446. As it will be a gift, maybe this would be
the best option.

Necronomicon · 27-05-2012 11:32AM

DaneScott wrote: »

Thanks a lot man, really appreciate the advice. Talking to a couple lads on boards, both looking for 420 for a second hand canon 100mm. Considering they're 440 or thereabout everywhere brand new, I don't think this is fair. Would you agree or am I missing something about lens'? Thank again!

You're not missing anything - most sellers probably add a little bit to their asking price, knowing that they'll be haggled down. Also, if you walked into a high street store around the country you might pay closer to €600 for the Canon, so if that's where these sellers got the lens initially they might not realise that it can be gotten brand new close to their asking price.

I wouldn't offer €298 for the Tamron, because it can be gotten brand new for €317.

Oral Surgeon · 27-05-2012 11:44AM

I have the sigma 105mm macro f2.8 for 5 years, use it for work every day, no problems with it...
I have it teamed with a canon 350d and sigma ring flash, but also works with my 600d....

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/105mm-f28-ex-dg-macro-sigma

DaneScott · 27-05-2012 04:00PM

That's all really great advice. Thanks guys. Yea it seems all used sellers are either chancing their arm with a price so close to new or don't know what they're doing. With the internet to hand, it's not hard for them to work out a fair price. But sure, I think you're right to say just buy it new at that rate.

DaneScott · 27-05-2012 05:55PM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800859646-USE/Canon_Telephoto_100mm_f_4_Macro.html

is this a decent offer guys?

if i'm not mistaken this is the 100mm you've been recommending. But probably not at that price.

EDIT: nevermind, I can see now this is not the right mount, starting to get the hang of this.

Help with a lens.

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