Macro lenses - advise needed

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Hello. I currently own a Canon 60mm macro. Whilst this lens is great for taking pictures of plants and objects that are stationary it's not too great for objects that move - such as insects. I'm therefore looking to purchase a macro lens with a larger focal length. How does the Tamron 90mm compare with the canon 100m (non-L version) for example? What's the IQ like? Thanks- James
 
I don't know about Tamron but having owned the Canon 100mm macro (non IS) I can state that the quality is exceptional right down to 1:1 and you can get even higher magnification if you purchase a set of Auto extension rings.

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I had a Tamron but now have the 100 L IS. The Tamron is a good lens with excellent IQ, but as I tend to hand hold for macro shots of insects etc I found that my "hit rate" was not great. Nonetheless, with ISO of 400, AI Servo, Spot Focusing, at F 11.0, in good light I got some very nice images with this lens and I would recommend it. Everything becomes a little easier with a tripod/monopod. The 100 L IS is quite a step-up in terms of success, but so is the price.
 
I had a 90mm 2.8 Tamron. I thought it was a nice lens. I do usually only use L Glass but this was certainly not out of place.

Its focusing ring was so smooth, felt pretty well built, focus was good. I think hand holding for macro is always going to be difficult. Any slight movement will put focus out.

Can't comment on the Canon. Not yet anyway ;)
 
Check out the MWD of the lens (distance from the end of the lens to subject) - the Tamron will only give you a extra 9mm over your current lens, a Canon 100mm will give you a extra 60mm - linky
 
I've just bought a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 after a suggestion on here. First impressions are great. Feels well built. As Matt says, the focus ring is super smooth! It extends to nearly double when focused for macro so you need to watch how close you get before focusing!

The front optic is buried way down deep, so could be a pig to clean. On the flip side, it is less likely to get damaged.

A few trial images I took last night look sharp and bright. And it was only in the kitchen using the ceiling lights.
 
I have just purchased a second hand Sigma 150mm macro none OS version. To be honest I am surprised at the sharpness of this lens. People said it was good, they was telling the truth. Its a very good all round lens too, took some nice shots already with it. Its got a good distance from subject ideal for insects.
 
I've got the 100 L 2.8 IS and used it on its own and with a set of Kenko AF tubes. The IQ of the lens is truely awesome without the tubes, can see the compound eye of insects straight from the camera. With the tubes it does seem to lose a slight bit of sharpness (could of been me not used to them TBH) but the IQ was still very good but focusing gets harder. If the IQ of the non L version is anywhere near as good then it'll do you proud.
 
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