What Macro lens

M

Matt27

Suspended / Banned
Messages
6
Name
Matt
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi, could anyone suggest me a macro lens for my Canon EOS 500d.

I would like a moderately priced lens that would allow me to take some close ups of insects etc that would produce some stunning detail.

If it could also take macro shots from a smallish distance away, as I feel this may allow me to get photos of some insects which can be more difficult to photograph, due to the nature of the subject likely to flee if you get too close.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Matt
 
The Sigma 105mm macro is good value especially second hand, you might also be able to pick up one of their older 150mm ones without os cheap secondhand.
 
Reverse adapter ring, fit your lens on back to front, H/K £2:75p including postage, just put in the filter size of front of lens, 77mm, 55mm e.g. well worth a look, pay a couple of £'s extra get from UK quicker,
Jim
 
Worth pointing out that buying a macro lens and pointing it at an insect does not an instant superb photograph make. The depth of field is tiny in close up work which often necessitates use of low aperture values to try and increase depth of field, which often then means there is not enough natural light to get the pic. Combine that with wanting a fast shutter speed to freeze subject movement..

Also there is no 'e' on the end of lens. ;)
 
For mainly insect stuff I would go as long as I could afford, so 150/180mm. It's possible to use 90/105mm macros but some bugs are a little skittish and don't like you getting too close.

Reversing rings are a good budget alternative - or were when lenses and cameras didn't need to communicate so much to work easily. IIRC there's an EOS reverser that allows the electrical connections to be made but I know no more!
 
A vote for the non-OS 150mm Sigma - but of course I'm somewhat biased!
biggrin2.gif
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a look into the Sigma Lens when I get 5 minutes. Work is a bit hectic at the minute. Lez325 that's a lovely shot.

DorsetDude - whilst I realise that just buying a lens does not make an instantly good photo. Practice, technique and critique allow you to improve and I feel that is the only way to learn. Further to this my beliefs is that photography is a fine art. Being reasonably new to photography I'm keen to learn in anyway I can.

Thanks again all to those that replied.
 
Tamron SP 90

Sharp
Light
Relatively cheap compared to all the rest.

Also doubles as a great portrait lens
 
The obvious one for me would be the Canon 100 f2.8 macro, and if budget isn't an option go with the L series for the IS. The 100 macro is a great lens, fast to AF and very sharp and a second hans non L series would set you back around £250. A ring flash would be a good option for lighting the shots too, you can get some decent E-TTL ring flashes from around £60 and upwards but they give a very nice even light to the shot.
 
I would say your best bet is a set of auto extension tubes which can be used with any lens and can give superb results.

Amazon have these at extremely good prices:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polaroid-Fo...r=1-1&keywords=polaroid+extension+tubes+canon

I have used them with all types of lenses from the 350D kit lens , the 50mm f1.8, the 70-300mm IS USM lens and the 70-300mm L IS USM lens.

Examples here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/collections/72157623582958987/

But you should be aware that macro photography is HIGHLY addictive and also has a fairly steep learning curve to get the best results.

Even now I take literally hundreds of shots and usually bin a large proportion because of various faults keeping only the good ones :)

And a good flash unit will also be a great help - I use a fairly high one which can give a good flash even when I'm using my 70-300mm lens with all extension tubes fitted - especially in bright sunlight.

.
 
iancandler said:
Tamron SP 90

Sharp
Light
Relatively cheap compared to all the rest.

Also doubles as a great portrait lens
Click to expand...
This. Sold mine recently but would have another in a flash, only problem is they don't come up used very often, and there's a horde of versions. If money's no object, the Canon L would seem the obvious choice, I've a Canon friend who rates his very highly indeed.
 
I've borrowed a friends Tamron 90mm F/2.8.. I'm not sure which version it is but I know it's a little old. The autofocus is quite slow but my god, it was the sharpest thing I have ever had the pleasure of using in recent years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top