Macro lense help!

[v20102]

Hello all,

This is my first post!

I have had the Canon G10 for years and recently (last week) upgraded to the Canon EOS 600D, and am loving it!

I used all of the functions of the G10 and I am taking this upgrade as an opportunity to expand my hobby photography skills.

I have however hit one snag.
I love taking macro photos (VERY close-up), and I could do this quite well with the G10.
Unfortunately the lens that came with the EOS 600D seems to be actually less suited for this work.

I believe that I need to invest in a macro lens.
I have never purchased lenses in the past, so I am looking for advice on a good (but reasonably priced) macro lens for my 600D.

THANK YOU!

Johnny

[silversnapper1]

Hi Johnny and welcome to the forum.

Just had a quick look at WE and your cheapest option for 1:1 is likely to be THIS but in my opinion it is a little too short focal length wise. I have the Nikon 60mm but think that maybe something around the 100mm is more suited to macro work.

If you are happy with 1:2 you can get a Sigma 70-300 for about £130.

[blech]

Hey Johnny!

I also like to do a macro photography and about a year ago I bought myself a Tamron 90mm 2.8. All I can say about it is that it's great! Very very sharp. Having a 90mm lens means that you don't have to be that close to your subject even if you want to shoot at 1:1 ratio. Quite often I tend to use it for portraiture since it's got a very nice bokeh and it's focal length gives me a good working distance. The lens is also considerable cheap if you compare it to the likes of Canon or Nikon. I got mine for about £250 on eBay

[OldBoy]

Agree with blech but would also suggest the Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro Canon fit. Both of these lenses have received great reviews and are loved by their users.

[wavemachine]

The Canon EF-100 Macro is a cracking lens as well, great for portraits as well as macro of course the L version is even better but then the money starts to go up

[canonman47]

Depends how close in you want to get. I enjoy getting close up of flowers even right in to stamens etc. I use my Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG Macro lens and it is superb. If you want to photograph insects then you would probably need a longer lens such as a 100mm. My Sigma is an extremely sharp lens and is incredible value for money. It is also the perfect portrait lens. So it is definitely worth a look!

[Mk50]

Hi Johnny,

You might consider what you want to photograph. I agree with the other comments that a 90mm or 100mm is a good choice and more suitable and flexible for insects and other moving objects. However, if you plan to photograph still objects that you can set up, then a 60mm lens would be more than adequate and save you money.
I started with a Canon EFS 60mm f2.8 and as my experience and interest widened, I found it difficult and frustrating to get the shot I wanted for wild life. I then got the EF 100mm f2.8L and it made a huge difference.
If you can afford to get a 90mm to 100mm macro lens, then look into it. You will avoid the limitations of a shorter focal macro lens.
Good luck.
Mikchael