Looking for a telephoto macro lens

foodpoison

foodpoison

Suspended / Banned
Messages
6,253
Name
Sean
Edit My Images
Yes
To fit a Canon EOS 350d, for sports shots and obviously macro.

I don't have a big budget, and can't really justify spending a lot of money since I am a complete newbie to photography, so I'm thinking under £200, and preferably under £150.

I had a look at this, but with my amateur knowledge, I thought it would be best if I ask you intelligent lot.

So, recommendations for a zoom (or prime, but preferably zoom) telephoto lens for sport and macro, as good as I can buy for £150 preferably.

Thanks!
 
I can't comment specifically on this lens but just want to make sure that you appreciate that the term "macro" on this lens is not "macro" in the true sense. The lens will produce only a half life size image and with a minimum focus distance of 95cm. Don't be under the impression that you'll be able to get shots like the close ups of insects etc that you see posted on this forum....it won't happen.
I would look for a zoom that does what you need or a macro that IS a macro but trying to combine the two could well leave you with an unacceptable compromise for both.
Spend wisely....
Bob
 
Sigma 70-300 APO is the best you will find for what you need within your budget. Make sure you get the APO version (not the one linked above). It slightly more expensive, but much better.

It has a macro mode which while it isnt true macro will get you some half decent macro shots. It's also good for sports.

http://www.diesel-power.org.uk/album/Macros050717/ insects with the 70-300 APO

I also have quite a lot of motorsport shots taken with this lens.

HTH :)
 
^^ I agree, get the APO version. I had the none APO version, although it was a good lens it suffered from chromatic aberration and was a bit soft at the 300mm end at times.
 
I have the Sigma 70-300 mm apo dg macro and it's nice, I even got some swallows with it, even though there weren't many keepers (but that's because those birds are pretty fast I almost couldn't track them ni the viewfinder). I found a little 'trick' how to do it and it was all good :)
Right now I'm considering the Canon 500D close-up lens, which I should be able to mount it on the Sigma like I'd mount a filter (screw in, I think) and at 300 mm it should give a 0.9 magnification instead of the 0.5 (1:2) the Sigma is able to give now.

There's one thing I don't quite understand and that is the focusing distance. It would seem the minimum distance would be 0.5 m, but I've read it would be only be 0.5 m at any focal distance and that I might not be able to focus from more (or less) of a distance.
Can anyone confirm this or was it just misinformation?
Thanks :)
 
Yes, I do understand that it is not a 'true' macro lens, but I don't intend on getting close ups of insects expressions.
As I said, this is simply a lens for a complete novice, and as I get better I'll upgrade and update etc.
I'm assuming you mean this version?

Can anyone explain to me what APO stands for, and what the difference is?
Much appreciated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top