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01/20/2008 12:32:26 PM · #1 |
I am looking into buying a macro lens, hopefully spending under $500.00, I was looking at a EF-S 60MM F2.8 MACRO, and would also want a ring or twin lite,(not counting the light in the $500.00) and wondering if anyone is using this and their opinion on it. Any other suggestions would be great. Besides the lens that came with the camera, I had purchased a 75-300 mm zoom. I am trying to find an Angle finder C, but everyone is outa stock. (That is one thing I am dissapointed about this camera, you can't use the lcd for snapping pictures.) But everything else is great. Along with camera, I had purchased a 64" sunpak tripod (on sale!!!! $30.00) a remote switch, 2 filters: red and a polarizer, and lowepro cases.
So any suggestions or must haves would be great, Thanks in advance! |
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01/20/2008 12:39:22 PM · #2 |
No opinion or knowledge on the macro lites but I would go for the 100mm macro over the 60mm. If you want to use the LCD to take pictures then you have to move up to the 40D. :)
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01/20/2008 12:40:05 PM · #3 |
Do you currently have a flash (other than the built-in one)? The reason I ask is that you may find that a flash like the 580EX is nearly as useful for Macro as a dedicated ring or twin flash, and of course serves as a normal flash as well. I use my 580EX as my macro flash, using a lumiquest 8020 bouncer to direct light onto the subject. A a short off-camera cord and bracket make such a set-up even more useful.
The dedicated macro flashes are expensive. They do a nice job, but I've never been able to justify the expense for such a narrow use. If you do a *lot* of macro then that's a different story.
The 60mm macro is a very good lens, and as long as you are not chasing skittish live subjects, it will serve you well. The 100/2.8 macro is another great performer, with a little longer working distance. |
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01/20/2008 12:44:04 PM · #4 |
| Thanks for replies I will be looking into those suggestions. I am still learning as I go, glad there is a place such as this to ask for opinions. I only have the built in flash, for now. |
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01/20/2008 12:53:36 PM · #5 |
You may also want to consider the Sigma 105/2.8, The Tokina 100/2.8 or the Tamron 90/2.8. They have extending tubes (the Canon's don't) and lack USM, but optically, they are as good as the Canon. And a lot nicer on your budget.
I have the Tamron, it's a great lense.
ETA: Canon's 60 is optically as good as the others, but 60 is short for macro. Not impossible though. You might want to test its shortest focussing distance in a store.
Message edited by author 2008-01-20 12:55:12.
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01/20/2008 01:17:25 PM · #6 |
I have the tamron lens. I like the fact that the lens is recessed. The push/pull mechanism for changing between af and mf is very convenient. No looking around for the tiny switch on the side of the lens.
If you use a longer macro lens you can use extension tubes to essentially allow you to move in closer and get more than 1:1 magnification. |
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01/20/2008 01:23:16 PM · #7 |
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Amazon reviews one of the best under 500 bucks :) |
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01/20/2008 01:33:49 PM · #8 |
| The Sigma 50mm f/2.8 is a great little lens too, supersharp and at around $235 the price can't be beat. The Sigma 105 f/2.8 gets great reviews too, if you want something that allows you to stand a little farther back from your subject. |
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01/20/2008 03:01:14 PM · #9 |
I think all the macro lenses are good, and sharp. The differences are in their non-macro uses (USM on the canon ones will focus MUCH faster than the third partly lenses). A 100mm can be used for portraiture more so than a 60, for example.
Working distance to the subject is the biggest difference in the macro use arena - the longer the lens the farther from the subject you can be - important for some things.
As to the flash, consider an off-shoe cord and a 580 - more versatile setup than a dedicated macro light.
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01/20/2008 03:05:36 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
A 100mm can be used for portraiture more so than a 60, for example.
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That's strictly a matter of opinion and how you work. I find quite the opposite.
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01/22/2008 06:03:05 AM · #11 |
I'd go for a longer lens too. Tamron 90mm is my choice, but the others are good as well.
Re the angle finder, you can pick up third-party ones that suit Canon in shops or on eBay. I got a Seagull brand angle finder for my new Pentax and it's just as good as the genuine Minolta one I had when I was shooting Minolta.
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