macro lenses

[MarkBarbieri]

I would strongly recommend the 100mm. With most non-studio macro work, the longer the reach the better.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I strongly recommend the 100mm. Longer reach is almost always better with macro photography.

 

[Gdad]

100mm is a nice range for a macro lens. I have a 105/2.8 and really enjoy it.

 

[souper]

Thank you all for your replies. I have the 17-85 kit lens and the 430 flash.
This will be my first add on lens. Since I will be at Epcot during the flower and garden festival I thought it would be the perfect time to go macro. And the perfect excuse for buying a new lens.

I got the suggestions of the 60mm (first) and 100mm (after I asked for a second choice) from a Canon Rep in the Tech Expo part of Photoshop World this month. (No, I did not go to the real conference part.)

My old Minolta SLR had a lens with a macro built in. And I miss it.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Metallicat]

I have the Canon 100mm and highly recommend it.

 

[Groucho]

Let us know if you pick this up... a fast, fairly wide zoom is something that interests me as well. I'd be curious to hear your reaction.

 

[deletedpenguin]

The IQ on this lens is pretty good, but it's not quiet by any means. I use this lens frequently if you're interested to see some sample pics. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to spend the money for a Canon "L" lens.

 

[gruZ]

I've had this lens (Canon mount) since October of last year. I did have to send it back to Sigma soon after I received it, as it was front focusing pretty severely. They recalibrated it and it is now very sharp. The AF, as mentioned above, is pretty loud, but quick and otherwise accurate.

Overall, a very good lens. I can't compare to the Canon version, but at about 1/3 the price, you can't beat the bang for the buck.

 

[jann1033]

i'd love to see some photos please

 

[deletedpenguin]

I've had this lens (Canon mount) since October of last year. I did have to send it back to Sigma soon after I received it, as it was front focusing pretty severly. They recalibrated it and it is now very sharp. The AF, as mentioned above, is pretty loud, but quick and otherwise accurate.

Overall, a very good lens. I can't compare to the Canon version, but at about 1/3 the price, you can't beat the bang for the buck.

Your response it exactly what I would say. I had it sent back, and now it's very sharp.

 

[deletedpenguin]

Here's a few shots I took with this lens...

 

[DragonSlyr]

I have only had the lens since Christmas, thanks DW. Have been very satisfied with it so far. Wanted it originally for DDs gymnastics meets. Needed a low light, high speed, no flash lens. I find myself using it a lot for my carry around lens. Has pretty good focal length, with a compact size and not to heavy.

 

[DueyDooDah]

Uh oh, there's a Nikon user amongst us...

Boy, and I thought the moderators did some kind of quality control to prevent this kind of thing.

 

[photo_chick]

What about the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro? I know it is much more limiting in it's uses than the others listed, anyone got it? Any impressions?

 

[dcg0317]

What about the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro? I know it is much more limiting in it's uses than the others listed, anyone got it? Any impressions?

I don't own one but have been looking into it, most likely not till next year will I consider buying one, but here is a good article about the MP-65 mm, and some pics from it.
http://www.vividlight.com/articles/2914.htm

 

[jann1033]

What about the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro? I know it is much more limiting in it's uses than the others listed, anyone got it? Any impressions?

definitely one to dream about
and op, since you have 17-85 range covered i would definitely not get the 60mm, if you want a prime for that area get the cheaper by far 50mmf1.8( not a macro). so the 100 would give you a little more length as well as to what you have now.

 

[jann1033]

nice photos all, is the macro 1:4? you know i never thought to do that with a lens i would be less than happy with.( send it back) guessing it would be under warranty?

 

[ddisney333]

Hi all, was wondering what you the pros think would be a good macro lens for the Nikon D80. I would like to take shots of flowers at Epcot on our up coming trip. I will also use it for shots of bugs, people. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I currently have the kit lens 18-55 and 70-300 vr.

Thanks for your help.

 

[tinksdad]

If you got the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor, you'd be VERY happy!!

I've got the older non-VR lens and really like it. But I wonder..................................

 

[ddisney333]

Thank you Tinksdad, that is the lens I have been looking at.