Which Macro?

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I want to invest in a Macro lens something with 1:1 but really not sure which one to get below are the ones I've been looking at in your opinion which one would be the best lens and why. all the Sigma's seem to be within a few pounds of each other, or is it really worth double the money to get the Canon lens, any input would be greatly appreciated.


Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG
Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG

Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG

Canon f2.8L Macro IS USM
 
I have the new Tamron 90mm VC, it's also worth considering as it really is very good - better I'd say that the Sigma 70 and 105mm (which I've owned in the past).
 
theres a 60mm f2 tamron too :)

id say ignore there macro ability (probably all similer) unless you need a long working distance, and think about what length in general use will be good for you, and favour one with a range lock if you can.

and/or just get a raynox :)
 
I have a Canon 100 f2.8L IS Macro and it's an absolute belter of a lens. I use it on both a 70D and a 5D3 and it truely surprises me every time I use it. It's so sharp and it's very fast to AF, so fast I can shoot Auto Focus most of the time when I'm shooting insects etc. I've also had a go with a Sigma 105 f2.8 and a Tamron 90mm f2.8 and both of those are excellent lenses also, the Tamron having VC is very handy, and they are a good focal length for insects as you don't have to get too close to the subject to get a great shot.
 
Used to have a Tamron 90mm and was very happy with it. Ended up with the Tamron over the Sigma 105mm purely because I could only afford 2nd hand at the time and the Tamron appeared on a local shelf first! Only upgraded to the Nikkor 105mm VR because I was expecting to be recuperating for longer after my op 18 months or so ago and thought I would be fairly housebound and a bit shaky. The other advantage is that it doesn't extend in use so there's less chance of disturbing the subject as it focusses.

FWIW, in the group tests I've seen of the "usual suspects" (Nikkor, Canon, Tamron and Sigma) at around the 100mm FL, there's very little to choose between the manufacturers' own Macros and the 3rd party ones and in terms of VFM, the 3rd party lenses always seem to come out on top.
 
If you go for the Sigma, get the OS version. (Optical Stabilization)

Got mine a couple of days ago but i dont have anything to compare it to. :)
 
What working distance do you need for your chosen subject(s)? - that's what the focal length decision comes down to with macro. Identify the focal length you need/want first, then look at specific models.

Everyone's chipping in with the usual response of "buy what I bought" (aka "validate my purchase decision"), but you haven't yet given enough information for a useful recommendation because you haven't identified your intended use well enough.

What do you intend to take macro photographs of?
How close can you get (or do you want to get) to the subject(s)?
 
:agree: But with the lens choices OP has made suggests he is not looking for the 0.5m focal distance that you get from 180mm. Which is probably why people have suggested their lenses.

I have a Tamron 90mm but wish I had an 180mm (for in flight and bees etc) too.

Personally dont think there is much difference between Sigma 105mm and Tamron 90mm so either will be great. If you want shorter focal length 60mm etc I would suggest sticking tubes on a 50mm (if you have one) to see what sort of distance you will be working at.

In fact none of these may be what you are after and you may want to look at alternatives like the Raynox Achromats. See this link... for great explanation and images taken with that set up.
 
Alastair said:
Everyone's chipping in with the usual response of "buy what I bought" (aka "validate my purchase decision"),
Click to expand...

what a statement - pretty much describes a vast number of posts on the equipment forum (including some of mine :rolleyes:), people either slating gear they decided not to get or bigging up what they own.

back on topic - a big consideration should be if the barrel extends when focusing, some people don't mind this - personally its something I don't like.
 
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psenior1 said:
what a statement - pretty much describes a vast majority of posts on the equipment thread, people either slating gear they decided not to get or bigging up what they own.

back on topic - a big consideration should be if the barrel extends when focusing, some people don't mind this - personally its something I don't like.
Click to expand...

Primes don't extend! ;) well none of the ones OP mentioned.
 
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Tintin124 said:
Apology offered as well, that is rubbish on Sigma's behalf I'm sure the 105 didn't but hay ho. Happily proved wrong in that case wouldn't go for Sigma.
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I'm sure it is something they will design out with new versions as it is pants, the 70 is probably the sharpest macro lens I've owned (and at one point or another I've had most of them) but the extending barrel just drove me nuts.
 
If im right on topic with you guys (?) The older Sigma 105 does and the newer Sigma 105 (with os) does not :)
 
Mache said:
If im right on topic with you guys (?) The older Sigma 105 does and the newer Sigma 105 (with os) does not :)
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You are correct the new one with OS does not extend. Risking falling into the category of buy what I have all I can say is the Sigma 105 is on par with the Canon.
This is also stated in several reviews. It is also a few hundred pounds cheaper. Well worth a look at.

The following is review of most of the lenses stated and may be of some use.

http://www.techradar.com/news/photo...st-macro-lens-8-tested-1041461#articleContent
 
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It is very difficult to buy a bad macro lens - they're all very sharp. Go Sigma. With the Canon you might find the expectation that the best new lens will make amazing photography suddenly happen unmet. But first, do research on what you want to shoot, so what focal length to prioritise.

Ps I have neither
 
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