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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Looken for a GOOD macro lense for a 300D
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08/27/2004 02:46:20 AM · #1
Hey!
I own a canon 300D Rebel and I am looking for a GOOD macro lense. I have been looking at the Canon MP-E 65mm.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=183199&is=USA

What is the general opinion of that lense?

Is there a BETTER lense for around the same price?

Or can you recomend another lense that will come somewhat close to that?
Thanks MUCH!

Message edited by author 2004-08-27 12:13:57.
08/27/2004 03:19:28 AM · #2
the new tamron 90mm is the bees knees its an f2.8. I have a Tokina ATX f2.8 and its the best i,ve used, its not the latest one but boy its sharp you could cut bread with it!!!!!!
08/27/2004 05:56:17 AM · #3
The MP-E lens is a very nice lens indeed. I don't know of anything that beats it out, but I've had great luck with the ($300) Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro, if you are looking for a bit more magnification, you can add mount a 50mm lens in front (in reverse I think) like Jacko does.
08/27/2004 08:10:25 AM · #4
This one is on my to buy list!
//www.popphoto.com/article.asp?article_id=773§ion_id=2

it sells at B&H for about $685
although if money doesn't permit or I get impatient
I may get the canon 100 instead!
just my two cents
08/27/2004 08:11:36 AM · #5
The MP-E65 is a great lens if you want to do extreme macro, but of course it is useless for anything else, since it doesn't go below 1:1 magnification. The working distance is also somewhat short. If you absolutely need magnification up to 5:1 (a single green pea would occupy the entire frame) The MP-E65 is the way to go. It's the only lens available (for any system, I believe) that achieves this range of magnifications by itself.
Standard macro lenses, like the Tamron 90mm, the Sigma 105mm, and the Canon 100mm will all go up to 1:1, and with various tricks (teleconverter, extension tubes, reversed 50mm lens, etc.) can be coaxed well over 2:1 easily. Magnification as high as 5:1 is possible. The advantages of these lenses are longer working distance, the ability to focus to infinity, meaning you can use them as normal 100mm (or so) lenses, and much lower initial cost. They are all incredibly sharp as normal lenses.
Of all the options available for normal macro lenses, I would recommend the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro. Although it's prety much a wash in sharpness between this lens, the Tamron & the Sigma, I feel the USM focusing on the Canon, the lack of worry about ever having to "rechip" for a newer camera, the dual-range focusing (faster AF in normal shooting) and easy one-touch switching between AF and MF modes (unlike the Sigma) make the Canon the lens of choice. Mine sees a lot of use, both for macro work and in normal shooting.
If your macro subjects are skittish, i.e. live insects, you could also consider the 180mm macro lenses. The Canon is a beautiful lens but expensive. There is also a Sigma that's roughly in the same ballpark price-wise as the MP-E65.
08/27/2004 08:45:46 AM · #6
The MP-E is also a manual focus only lens, no AF. AF is another advantage to the other macros like the 100mm Canon macro. I would recommend either of the 100mm or 180mm Canon macros lens to start with.

Check out //www.beautifulbugs.com/
It's Frank Phillips site, he only uses the MP-E and gets great results. But even he will tell you that it is not an easy lens to use.
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