Entry level Macro Lens
- This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated Dec 5, 2008 at 2:50 pm by
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Can anyone recommend an entry level macro lens for my Canon 20D, that will not break the bank.
Doesn’t have to be top of the line, as I am a relative newby.EDIT: relative = total
I’m sort of a newbie myself and I can tell you that you won’t be happy until you get the best or at least a high quality lens. IMO where lens purchases are concerned, if you can’t afford what you want save up until you can. This is especially true if you are buying new lower quality lenses. Used lenses are not such big a deal since the deprecation hit has already been taken.
For example the kit lens for my camera would have been $200 new but you can’t get over $50 for it on ebay, and that’s brand new in the box. A 70-200mm 2.8 “G” lens was $1300 ten years ago and they are bringing $14 to $1500 on ebay now. If you take care of good glass you really are only renting it.Look at some used or new Sigma EX lenses on ebay for a good less $$ Macro. All the usual rules for shopping on ebay apply….
Daryl, I am a newbie to the whole photography gig myself. I just purchased a 6 month old used canon 100mm 2.8 macro off the dgrin photography sites for $300, which I thought was a really good deal. This lens goes for about $400+ used in most ebay auctions. The lens is flawless and looks brand new, plus came with the original box and a blank warranty card.
Thanks Benjamin, I’ll check it out, I might just find something 🙂
Mick, I have been doing a little experimenting, and now feel that I will be needing a lens more capable than the one I’m using now.
I think I need to have a chat to Santa
Mike has a great point about taking care of lenses. I am one of those photographers who goes the extra mile to take care of my gear and it has paid off again and again. I keep all the boxes gear comes in and when I resell it regularly, I take a very small hit on original cost – just like Mike said.
As per warranty and macros – they are without a doubt the sharpest lenses out there regardless of brand. If you buy grey market gear and it breaks, US authorized repair centers will not touch them (at least that used to be the case), and what you are left with is an expensive doorstop.
I have never heard of an exception to the claim that name brand manufacturers like Nikon and Canon have superior glass to folks like Sigma or Tamron. Nothing against them though and they do have a purpose in the scheme of things.
shannon
As per warranty and macros – they are without a doubt the sharpest lenses out there regardless of brand.
Bingo.
Daryl. Macro lenses are the one type of lens you can buy and not worry about whether the lens is sharp. Regardless of maker. So really as a buyer what your left with is trying to decide how much focal length you want (or need).
The greater the focal length, the more working distance you get. By that I mean the greater the greater your minimum focus distance is going to be. For studio shots, thats unimportant. For bug shots it can be important.
Thus, you can really buy any 1:1 macro lens and not worry about IQ, all you need to decide is how much focal length and how much your budget is. The more length, the more its going to cost.
If you dont want to “break the bank” have a good long look at the Sigma 105 f2.8. Which up here retails for around 500. By compariosn the Canon 100mm L retails for about 800
Most bug shooters start at 100, many eventually upgrade to 150 for the extra working distance but its not absolutely neccessary. The extra working distance just means there less chance of spooking the bug and or casting a shadow over the subject depening on the directionality of light.
Shannon.
The Tamron 180 f3.5 is widely regardest as the sharpest macro. The Canon 180 f3.5 is one of lowest rated. Kinda of silly though as all are wicked sharp.By far the most poular macro lens for bug shooter is the Sigma 150mm f2.8. Its great balance between length and price. In fact it retails for pretty much the same as the Canon 100 f2.8.
Yup. I believe that about tamron v. others. I am a Nikon shooter, so my knowledge is brand limited for sure. I think it is safe to say – all lens manufacturers use their Macros as an opportunity to manufacture their best product. Macros have always been the sharpest of lenses in a photographer’s quiver, and that hasn’t changed. Macros are focus critical, so as my eyes age I find I use my favorite lens (typically) when I have the most control of the situation – personally kind of depressing. My “desert island” lens would be my 60 2.8D no question whatsoever.
shannon
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