macro lenses

[NostalgicDad]

I have the non-HSM version of the Sigma and love that one. Over at Nikonians.org, it seems to get good reviews. I haven't seen any on the HSM though. Although I can't speak much to this newer version, I do know that it weighs about 3 oz. more and has a little wider angle of view. The hypersonic motor is driven by ultra-sonic waves which is supposed to be faster and quieter so it sounds like a good deal. I think it's only $80 more at B&H than the non-HSM version.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I have the non-HSM version of the Sigma and love that one. Over at Nikonians.org, it seems to get good reviews. I haven't seen any on the HSM though. Although I can't speak much to this newer version, I do know that it weighs about 3 oz. more and has a little wider angle of view. The hypersonic motor is driven by ultra-sonic waves which is supposed to be faster and quieter so it sounds like a good deal. I think it's only $80 more at B&H than the non-HSM version.

Thanks Nostalgic! Yeah, I read a lot of good reviews about the older Sigma but nothing really about the newer HSM version...Strange... I know on other boards a lot of people were excited to get it and try it.

My dilemma is that I can try the Tamron here locally, but would have to order the Sigma online. So I won't be able to get a feel for it if I order it online. Then again, I heard the Tamron is really noisy when you zoom in. I do take a lot of symphonic concert pictures, and I would hate to have the person next to me dislike me because they're hearing my lens instead of the music!

I guess nobody has the Tamron??...

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

Wanted to know if anyone here has used this flash? I'm considering picking one up for the upcoming macro season. Thanks friends..

 

[MassJester]

Wanted to know if anyone here has used this flash? I'm considering picking one up for the upcoming macro season. Thanks friends..

I know someone who uses it and likes it a lot, but I've never tried it out.

BTW, absolutely love your galleries -- really nice work.

 

[Villainess]

Is this lens worth getting?
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-18-250...r_1_47?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1207251221&sr=1-47

I have a 28-75mm lens that I like but I miss taking wider pics. I know I could change back to the kit lens, but was wondering if this lens would be worth while so I wouldn't be switching back and forth so often. Other suggestions are appreciated too!

I will also be ordering the 50mm 1.8.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Jeanne B]

I purchased this lens this past fall for my Pentax K100 to replace my 18-55/50-200 combination and I did it for the same reason you mentioned, not having to switch lenses so often, during vacations especially (although I was looking for longer rather than wider). I definitely have more $$ invested in it than my previous combination but I've been very happy with it and it's been a great walkaround lens for me.

I also have the Pentax 50mm 1.4 and 10-17 fisheye but the Tamron 28-75 is still on my wishlist.

 

[Merrywheather]

This sounds familiar! I have the Tamron 18 - 250mm in the Canon mount and a Canon 50mm 1.8. I used these 2 lenses exclusively at WDW during my last trip. I really liked the versatility of this lens - it is a great all purpose lens. I knew that I would not have had time to keep changing lenses AND keep up with my family, and I wanted the extra reach that this lens provides. I did notice that it sometimes hunts to focus in lower light situations. Since there is no IS you have to be aware of holding very steady when zooming in low light situations (or in situations when you want a slower shutter speed). Here are a few example pics from different situations:

18mm, 1/400s, f/8, +2/3 EV, ISO 200

100mm, 1/125s, f/7.1, ISO 200

250mm, 1/125s, f/6.3, -2/3 EV, ISO 1600

25mm, 1.3s, f/9, ISO 400

32mm, 8s, f/10, ISO 800

I would recommend this lens to anyone that wants a good all-purpose walk-around lens.

I think my next lens will be something with f/2.8 throughout. I better start saving!

Hope this helps!

 

[Groucho]

I've heard a lot of good things about this lens, that it's surprisingly sharp and good for such a large focal length range. Probably a great choice if you don't like switching lenses and low-light performance isn't a top priority.

 

[Villainess]

Thank you all for your replies; I truly value your opinions and admire all your work! I think I'm going to order it. Since I have DD - 19mos and DS - 6mos to keep up with, changing lenses may not be too pratical! I'm also going to order the 50mm f/1.8 for low light.

 

[skr8pn]

I've heard a lot of good things about this lens, that it's surprisingly sharp and good for such a large focal length range. Probably a great choice if you don't like switching lenses and low-light performance isn't a top priority.

Maybe surprisingly sharp for the focal length is something I should think about more. I have the lens too for my XT and it seems soft. Now granted my other lenes are the 18-55 and 75-300 neither better than a 3.5 Ap. But my pictures are just never as clear as I wish they could be, probably as much user input as the lens. However I can say you'll never say, "I missed the shot because", it will reach way out there while still being able to back way up. That part is great!

 

[DizzyV6P]

You might also want to consider the Sigma 18-200 OS. It now has image stabilization and has gotten pretty decent reviews. For its price range, it's a pretty good deal and a nice walk around lens. If you want something decent for lowlight, also consider the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.

 

[Ratpack]

Anyone tried their 28-300? I am looking at this one since it would give a little more reach and not lose a lot of the close range.

 

[pbnjrockette]

Am looking for information on macro lenses. In my "film" days I used a CanonAE1 and had multiple lenses for close up and zoom. Loved the camera--hated the weight of it all.

Moved on to digital and have loved my P&S Olympus UltraZoom 10x (but am looking to upgrade to more megapixels) and really hate the "slowness" of it.

Last year my dad lent me his SonyAplha100 SLR with extra 75-300mm lens. The regular lens (18-70) gets so-so but not great close-ups. Although I don't really want 3 lenses to lug around, I really do love being able to do ultra-close-up shots.

Question---What type of lens for macro photography should I be looking into? Sony makes a 50mm f/2.8 lens, a 100mm f/2.8 lens, a 50mm f/1.4 lens. I've been busy reading online reviews but still am confused! Would these lenses replace the 18-70 lens and yet provide REAL macro close-ups?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Gdad]

Look for something with a 1:1 ratio- which more or less means you can take a picture of something the size of the sensor and fill the frame.

 

[Groucho]

I can almost guarantee that the 50mm F1.4 is not a macro lens. I think that to be a "true" macro, it has to be at least 1:2 - most zooms and non-macros are 1:4 or higher. (Not to be confused with the 1:2.8 or 1:1.4 that the lens might say around the front element, that's different.)

The 50mm F2.8 and 100mm F2.8 very well may be true macros, but they are going to probably be a bit bigger and heavier than the lens you use now. However, the image quality will probably be much better - macros are generally extremely sharp.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

An inexpensive alternative to a true macro lens would be adding a closeup filter or extension tubes to your existing lens.

 

[AndrewWG]

I just finally ordered the extension tube set for the 30D. Hopefully they will come in soon so I can see how well they work. I'm not expecting miracles, but I think they will help get me in a little closer to fill the frame a bit more anyways. I'll keep the board posted with some pics when UPS gets here in a few days or so!

 

[YEKCIM]

A few examples from this afternoon's trip to the local airport to see the restored World War II B-17 heavy bomber, "Liberty Belle":

A fine piece of lens.

~Y

 

[Gdad]

I like them all but this one is really great. My favorite in composition but I also really like the B&W- always a good choice for vintage aircraft pictures.

Very happy you are enjoying your new lens. (Even though FATHER'S day is still a month away. )

 

[YEKCIM]

The more I use this lens, the more I like it. A few macro's from this afternoon. The clematis (purple flower) was handheld; the lens was on a tripod for the lily shots and the rose bud:

Thanks for looking...

~Ed