I'm after a macro lens as I'm looking forward to taking those gorgeous floral close ups and I'm a big fan of insects... so which lens. Do I buy a prime lens for macro, if so what mm? Has anyone got one they're really happy with or not happy with and wish to share your thoughts, so I have a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid?
Really appreciate any advice or hot tips on where to buy a cheap one!!
I have a Sigma and I hate it. It has focusing problems if you want to use the auto focus, it just doesn't work. I wind up using my add on Quanaray +10 inexpensive macro lense instead most of the time. And I've heard complaints on other forums about the Sigma macro lenses too. I wish I had not relied on the camera store for advice...
I own a Nikon D80 and use the Sigma 105mm macro lens. It's ok, but in my opinion, it lacks sharpness. I never use auto focus for macro shots. I always focus manually. However, the sharpness is what puts me off most. Nikkor macro lenses are much sharper (and much more expensive, too) :-} My next macro lens will definitely be the Nikkor. As to Canon, I'm not sure what is the best option.
I bought Koshi the EF-S 60mm macro lens, and it works very well. It's also good value for money. It won't work on a full frame (35mm) body though, so if you plan to upgrade to one later you should steer clear of any EF-S glass and stick to EF. The EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro is really good (I use one for my less-creative photographic responsibilities). I like the 60mm a bit better, though. If you have some extra cash you can't go past the EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM macro. Love that lens, and it is high on my list of lenses to buy.
For a fun and inexpensive macro, you can get a reverse ring and mount your existing lenses backwards. My 18-55 kit lens takes pretty good macros mounted backwards - and it only cost $12.
The colors on this one are kind of boring - I was too late for bright flowers and shot seed heads instead. http://static.365project.org/1/591218_bchjkmnpuz_s.jpg
Here is the link from Amazon. Just choose your camera body and the filter size of the lens you want to use. The ring fits into your camera body like a regular lens, then you screw your lens to to ring like you are putting on a filter. You can zoom and manually focus the lens, but everything works backwards, so it takes a little practice - and a tripod. http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Filter-Reverse-Adapter-Digital/dp/B001G4PA36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290124972&sr=8-2
I've got their 105mm 1:2.8 DG Macro and its specifically their macros that I've heard complaints about. The problem is is not just a macro and winds up setting itself on infinity focus all the time, I'm not good right now at, manual focus because I need to get glasses updated badly. So I rely on the auto focus a lot for quick moving bugs and such. Its so indecisive with focusing, lense going in and out and in and out over and over before it settles on infinity, that the bugs long gone before I get a picture. I keep going back to it and keep coming away frustrated.
I have the Canon 60mm f2.8 and image is pretty good. I'm looking to trade it for a 100mm f2.8 only because I need a little more distance from the subject specially when taking pictures of insects.
I LOVE my Canon 60mm! I did test the off brand ones before I bought and they just didn't compare.
I take a lot of pictures with this lens and that includes most of the flower shots on my page, as well as most of my insect shots, and all of my water drop shots.
I have just seen an article of macrolens´s. If you buy a 50 mm you have to be pretty close to the subject (8 cm). With a 105 mm you have 24 mm to the object and with a 180 mm, 47 cm. In the article the talk about Sigma, Tamron and Canon. They recommand Tamron or Canon.
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The colors on this one are kind of boring - I was too late for bright flowers and shot seed heads instead. http://static.365project.org/1/591218_bchjkmnpuz_s.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Filter-Reverse-Adapter-Digital/dp/B001G4PA36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290124972&sr=8-2
I take a lot of pictures with this lens and that includes most of the flower shots on my page, as well as most of my insect shots, and all of my water drop shots.
Tamron also has a newer 60mm f/2.0 macro as well. I've heard good things about it, but I haven't used it.
heres some shots ive done with the 100 mm. I yet to try this lens out on ppl , because ive been told its a great portrait lens.
Have you tried close up lenses?