Recommend me a macro lens

treaclesponge

treaclesponge

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Richard
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Im new to this picture taking game and have found that I like the macro shots a lot. Ive got an A200 so needs to be sony fit and also dont want to spend the earth first time around.

Been looking around and found a Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG for around the £240 mark. Is this any good? The equivilent Sony lens is almost another £100 on top. Would I be better off looking second hand or at a different lens altogether?

Any input appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Richard
 
Depends what you want to shoot macro wise.
If you are after bugs and insects then 50mm is too short, you need to be as far away as possible so as not to frighten them off .. look at Tamron 90mm or Sigma 105mm f2.8
 
Tamron 90mm, accept no substitute, particularly more expensive ones:)

Seriously though, it's a fantastic lens. I find the length adequate for insect photography and it's particuarly good for taking pictures of butterflies etc. The image quality is absolutely outstanding.
 
RichieRich said:
Tamron 90mm, accept no substitute, particularly more expensive ones:)

Seriously though, it's a fantastic lens. I find the length adequate for insect photography and it's particuarly good for taking pictures of butterflies etc. The image quality is absolutely outstanding.
Click to expand...

Rich, I've heard there are 2 versions of this, one that 'works' with digital and a Di (specifically for digital), which is yours?
 
Mine's a Di, so for digital, but works with full-frame too (although I used a 50D).
 
Agree with comments about 50mm being too short for a lot of general macro. I much prefer 100mm or so.

But with all the many different comments about good and bad lenses on here, I don't recall anyone saying don't buy this or that macro lens. As a breed, they all seem to be very good so you'll probably find it hard to go wrong :)
 
The Tamron 90mm was recommended in one of the mags recently as best budget macro I seem to recall... of course I now can't find the mag ...
 
Seems like the Tamron is the way to go then. Thanks for all the replies so quickly!
Just gotta start saving now!
 
another vote for the sigma 105 macro...:thumbs:

took this shot with one...

DSC01311.jpg
 
If you're on a tight budget and want to get going now, you could do worse than the Raynox DCR 250, it clips onto the filter ring of a telephoto and can give good results. They are about £40 at the mo. I have one in the interim till I can get a proper macro lens.

I took this shot with my 55-250 and the raynox

IMG_3787.jpg
 
Just recieved my Tamron 90mm this afternoon, it's the Di version (I wans't sure because I ordered it from LCE without seeing it). Can't wait to finish work at 5 to go home and have a play! Feels nice and solid and the manual focussing ring is super smooth
 
Mike.P said:
Depends what you want to shoot macro wise.
If you are after bugs and insects then 50mm is too short, you need to be as far away as possible so as not to frighten them off .. look at Tamron 90mm or Sigma 105mm f2.8
Click to expand...

Dont forget the minolta 100mm f2.8 macro too if you are looking to buy secondhand.

If you still want a 50mm there are a lot of the f1.7mm minoltas to be had second hand at a reasoable price and give you that considerble extra sharpness.
 
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