So I've been wanting to invest in a Macro lens for a while but I have zero experience in
buying lenses. I wonder if anyone can give me advice on where to buy, how much should I be paying and how good a Lens do i really need for the shots I want? Any help of info on Macro Lenses would be a huge help as I really know nothing about them!
Glen, Sorry to say it does come down to budget and what you want to spend. I would try and speak to a good local camera shop and see what they say, you never know they may also have a second hand bargain behind the counter.
Glen I don't have a macro lens, I have an extension tube set that I use with my 50mm prime lens. If you look at my last two days worth of shots you can see what I got with the 36mm tube and 50mm lens. I can stack the tubes to get even greater macro power as I desire.
@glenglover I bought them at my local camera shop but I know you can buy them online. Mine happen to be compatible with autofocus, which not all tubes are so that's something to keep in mind and watch for.
I'd check a Cannon discussion website and do some reading to see what people like and then look for a second hand lens. You can also rent lenses from some places like Adorama (I didn't look to see where you are located).
It's a good idea to check amazon.com and especially ebay. As Padlock @padlock said, it comes down to money. The Sigma macro lenses http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/macro have a good reputation, especially the optically stabilized 105mm. But as you see, new, close to US$1,000 and that is in the US.
Check with the big camera stores in Scotland for rentals. Always best to rent first. It is cheap insurance. Here's one. http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/?a=CA02&t=CA02. They have locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh and it looks like they have an inventory of used equipment too.
Hard to beat a dedicated macro lens. Canons 100mm is top of the line in my opinion. Extension tubes & close up filters will get the job done just depends on the quality your looking for & money to spend. Good Luck in your decision.
@glenglover Not knowing what brand of camera you are using, here are some general thoughts--A good suggestion is to get a macro lens in the 100mm or 105mm. This distance gives you the a lot of versatility. One other thought, just because it is a macro lens, does mean that is all you cna use it for. Consider portriats and shots that you want to show greater detail.
I'm coveting a 100mm macro. When you're looking for these things make sure it says 1:1 magnification. Lots of lenses out there are called "macro" and they don't mean it. I hate that.
Since you're shooting Canon, you need the 100mm macro. Tubes, filters and reversing rings are options, but the 100mm macro needs to be at the top of your list.
@aponi thanks ill definatley look out for that! @grizzlysghost yeah that's the general feel I get from the replies so I've started to have a look at where the cheapest place to buy is @abhijit ahh, that's a good idea, I might try it once I've got my lens!
I bought some macro rings yesterday.
So, now i can say something more specific:
Macro rings are only useful if your focus isn't macro shots.
If you do macro for fun, or on rare occasion, then get a macro ring, as i did.
If you want to photograph insects, texture and want superb images, get a macro lens. Oh, and you might want to remain distant of your subject, because insects might fly away if you get too close.
I was testing it yesterday with my 50mm f1.4. And i could focus only a few centimeters from the lens. That's ok if you shoot textures and details of still objects. Micro life might flee.
The macro ring is TOO DARK.
Flash usage is almost always necessary.
And you will very often use flash anyway, because you will need high aperture values to get more depth of field.
Using f1.4 would give you more light, but it's useless since only a thin thin part of what you want to photograph remain in focus.
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http://365project.org/k1w1/365/2013-02-21
http://365project.org/k1w1/365/2013-05-03
These images was taken using an extension tube.
Check with the big camera stores in Scotland for rentals. Always best to rent first. It is cheap insurance. Here's one. http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/?a=CA02&t=CA02. They have locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh and it looks like they have an inventory of used equipment too.
Of course, nothing compared to a dedicated macro.
I borrowed a friend's 100mm macro, and got this.
It's the same butterfly.
Never tried extension tubes, since they are expensive here in Brazil.
@grizzlysghost yeah that's the general feel I get from the replies so I've started to have a look at where the cheapest place to buy is
@abhijit ahh, that's a good idea, I might try it once I've got my lens!
I bought some macro rings yesterday.
So, now i can say something more specific:
Macro rings are only useful if your focus isn't macro shots.
If you do macro for fun, or on rare occasion, then get a macro ring, as i did.
If you want to photograph insects, texture and want superb images, get a macro lens. Oh, and you might want to remain distant of your subject, because insects might fly away if you get too close.
I was testing it yesterday with my 50mm f1.4. And i could focus only a few centimeters from the lens. That's ok if you shoot textures and details of still objects. Micro life might flee.
The macro ring is TOO DARK.
Flash usage is almost always necessary.
And you will very often use flash anyway, because you will need high aperture values to get more depth of field.
Using f1.4 would give you more light, but it's useless since only a thin thin part of what you want to photograph remain in focus.