Macro lens - suggestions?

[Grendel]

I can't really see me ever doing vast amounts of macro but I would like to feel I've got a sound bit of kit for when the urge takes me!

I'm actually surprised how much non macro work I use mine for Robyn. It's such a nice lens to work with and so sharp, I think I use it as a 100mm prime as much as I do for actual macro work tbh

 

[Dan Leach]

I must say i'm extremey happy with the Tamron 90mm. Its a wonderful lens, amazingly sharp and feels good to use. It often comes in higher in tests than the Canon for image quality, its just slower to focus and extends when doing so.
And for £199 from http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/ you cant really go wrong

 

[Janice]

But is the extending a problem Dan? Would I knock-out my butterflies with it??

 

[Grendel]

Would I knock-out my butterflies with it??

I've never heard them called that before

 

[Janice]

I've never heard them called that before

Paul...........you made me really laugh out loud then!!!!

I think 'butterflies' is rather a nice name for them actually. (sensitive and come out in the warm weather!!! )

Much nicer than the usual words!

 

[gwocni]

I got the Tamron 90 as part of my starting kit and the extending isn't a problem for me at all. I also find that it focuses very quickly and gives a super sharp result. Also good for portrait work (I'm told ) MHO, for what it's worth is, an excellent lens for the money and certainly all I think I will need in that field.

Regards
David.

 

[Dan Leach]

But is the extending a problem Dan? Would I knock-out my butterflies with it??

Well, minimum focus distance is still about 6 inch (i think its about that) from the end of the lens, so its not like a compact in terms of macro (comedy less than 1cm min focus dist). Plus i tend to decide on the focus before moving in onto the subject so moving the lens out while im try to get a shot usualy isnt too much of a problem

 

[dazzajl]

I've had a chance to shoot with the Tamron and I thought it felt rather cheap and hopeless to use. I like substancial feeling kit and this lens certainly wasn't in that catagory.

The images are really very good though and if you don't mind it feeling a bit cheap and flimsy it's a great lens.

 

[antc]

AntC, forget about AF for bugs - 99.9% of the time it will hunt a lot and finally lock onto the wrong part of the bug leaving the eyes OOF

good point i guess, will soon find out when mine arrives early next week

 

[George]

More food for thought, been having a quick play with my tubes and yes I take the point and see the advantages of a dedicated lens, but I like the (lack of) DOF with the f2 at full aperture for portraits etc, and I suppose the stopping down effecrt is a factor pxl8, but I am starting with f2. so the 1st ex tube doesn't leave me any worse off. Just balancing budget with necessity. Anyway, off to Le Mans next wed, so MACRO NOT A PROBLEM!!- But big tele will be in actin!!

Good thread, lot of interesting points.

Thanks to Janice for some of these,too!!

George