First Macro lens

[trapper501]

Well it will be second I suppose, as I've started with the Canon 500D close up filter that I teamed with a borrowed 70-200 f4L

After my experience at the TP Lakeside meet I realise I should be looking at flash, but I'd also like my own lens.

So I'm thinking the Canon EF 100 f 2.8 Macro, but the alternatives seem to be the tamron 90 and the Sigma 105. If I'm going third party I could afford a longer lens like the sigma 150 I suppose. (I can't afford the Canon 180 Macro !)

A couple of the canon 100s have sold on here recently for just over £300.

I was thinking about whether to start off by just getting flash set up for my current rig, but I think I'd like the marumi ring flash which won't be happy on the 77mm 500D.

I can go for just an off the camera flash set up but with a 200mm lens I think I'll have to make my own bracket.

 

[andyred]

The latest edition of PhotoPlus has a feature / review on various Macro lenses - might be worth picking up a copy and having a read through, might help you decide

We have the Sigma 50mm Macro and are very pleased with it. Possibly having a bit more reach would be nice, but at present for us it's not worth the extra money.

 

[mastertrinity]

im in the same boat as you. i saw the sony 100mm f2.8 macro but its £450 and i think im tempted to go with a third party tamron 90mm.

 

[Trev4]

I second andyred's comments about the informative review in PhotoPlus. I was quite sure about buying the Canon EF 100mm, and while I havent quite kicked it into touch completely, the Tamron SP AF 90mm looks a viable contender in most aspects including price. Id be interested to know what you all think and decide.
Cheers
Trev

 

[Wildlight]

The Sigma 150mm and Tamron SP AF 90mm are both outstanding macro lenses!
Have a look through the many reviews on the internet (ephotozine reviews are excellent) and that should help you make up your mind.

Generally, unless you're going for the wide-angle look, the longer the focal length the better for macro lenses. I picked up a Sigma 180mm second-hand for £295 and it still amazes me at its sharpness.