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06/01/2006 01:47:35 AM · #1 |
| This is my first DSLR and I've been researching telephoto lenses like crazy lately. But I've never really had a camera with any amount of zoom so I really don't know what I'm missing. What I am missing though is macro. I did alot of macro work with my Canon G6 but I can't do that with my 50mm f/1.8 obviously. I'm thinking of putting off the telephoto idea for now and just getting a macro lens instead. So what do I do? Extension tube for the 50mm? Would this work? Is this a good idea? What are the cons to extension tubes? If not an extension tube than what lens should I get for macro? The Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro was on my telephoto list. Is this lens good for macro? Can I get larger than lifesize macro shots with it? Tons of questions I know but I'm a lens noob so bare with me. Thanks for any help as always. |
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06/01/2006 01:50:29 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
I did alot of macro work with my Canon G6 but I can't do that with my 50mm f/1.8 obviously. |
Actually you could. Tutorial :)
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06/01/2006 02:07:02 AM · #3 |
| I just orderd myself the sigma 70-300mm APO, should have it by next week. I'll let you know how I like it. |
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06/01/2006 02:25:19 AM · #4 |
I always recommend that mix. It works GREAT! Having a bit of zoom is pretty nice with the on-camera lens.
When I get off my butt, I've got a handful of new critters to start snapping. |
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06/01/2006 11:27:02 AM · #5 |
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06/01/2006 11:40:31 AM · #6 |
Some comparisons I made for sharpness between the Sigma APO, a 50mm F/1.8 with closeup lenses (Nikon lens, but Canon 50mm is comparable), and a dedicated macro had the macro the sharpest, but the 50mm with closeup lenses was not that far behind when stopped down to F/11 to F/16 (the true macro lens was good even wide open).
The Sigma APO came in a poor third. I consider the macro feature of that lens to be a "bonus" in an otherwise inexpensive fair quality lens. Consider that the macro mode only works at 200mm-300mm and the image quality falls off above 200mm, this shouldn't be too surprising.
The bottom line is I haven't used the Sigma APO in macro mode after buying the macro lens, but I still occasionally use the closeup lenses when I want to travel light.
I used extension tubes on my old Minolta SLR decades ago and considered them a PITA to deal with. They should give great results though when used with a good lens to begin with (such as the 50mm).
Message edited by author 2006-06-01 11:41:50. |
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06/01/2006 11:49:56 AM · #7 |
telephoto with macro capabilities are good, but they aren't technically a 'macro' lens. e.g. the sigma 70-300 macro only does 1:2 magnification ( a true macro should be 1:1 ) and also the focus distance is still very large, I don't have the spec but I believe it will focus atleast 2ft away even in macro mode.
If you are really looking to do macro work, use a dedicated macro lens, canon 100mm 2.8 or sigma 105 2.8 lens would give you the best results in decent price range..
also the Canon 60mm 2.8 lens ( compatible with your camera )
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06/01/2006 11:58:45 AM · #8 |
If you get really into macro photography, then a dedicated macro lens is what you want. You'll need to decide on which focal length based on your specific needs.
I'd suggest that for the short term, an extension tube set used with the 50/1.8 is a great idea. Kenko makes a set of three that is economical and provides the flexibility of usning them alone or combined to achieve extensions from 12mm to 68mm. |
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06/01/2006 12:59:16 PM · #9 |
sigma 105mm. can also be used as a landscape lens and be coupled with the canon 50mm for an extra super macro lens. I have it & I love it!
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