Macro Lens Suggestions Help - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

04/09/2005 11:17:42 AM · #1

I trying to add a macro lens to my arsenal of lens and I debating between the Sigma 50mm macro and the Sigma 105mm. I love insects and insect photography. The price point is about 100.00 difference. Now would it be benificial to go with a longer focal length or is the 50mm sufficient. Both lens have the 1:1 magnification ratio. The focusing distance is much closer with the 50mm at 12.7 inches where as the 105mm is 7.1" does that make a big difference. I think maybe the 105mm would be better as insects will scatter if they see me getting too close to them....I think I dont know though.

waterlilies

Nikon D70

04/09/2005 11:57:59 AM · #2

I own the Sigma 50mm. It's a decent lens, I guess, but I got to try out a friend's Sigma 105mm lens yesterday, and it's on a whole different level. It's way worth the $100 differential, in my book. For bugs and flowers, you can get a bit of distance on them -- in fact, as you suggest, it's easier to shoot a bug if you don't have to be quite as close to it. If you've got the extra money in your budget, go for the 105mm. It's a great lens: sharp, versatile... really nice.

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

04/09/2005 12:01:15 PM · #3

The 105 rocks I own it. And especially if you are going into critter photography, you will regret getting the 50. The prime example of a Sigma 105 user is Jacko. Check out his portfolio and you will see just a part of the versatility of the lens.

I highly recommend it.

Some also swear by the fifty so I would abstain until you here that side of it too.

Hope this helps,
Lee

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/09/2005 12:12:30 PM · #4

For insect photography, the 50mm focal length is going to be a bit short (the working distance will be ssmall, and you'll easily frighten away your subjects and have trouble with lighting). You also have a 50mm lens that, with extension tubes, could be a pretty good macro lens.
I would recommend that you consider something in the 100mm class. (The Sigma 105mm, Tamron 90mm and Canon 100mm are all good choices. If you also want a superb ortrait/short tele lens, there is no better choice than the Canon 100mm Macro USM. It is more expensive than the Sigma or tamron options, but offers better performance wide open (not normally required for macro work), superb build quality, USM with full-time manual focus, and a focus limiter switch to make focusing at normal subject distances faster.

rscorp

Nikon D70

04/09/2005 12:18:48 PM · #5

Sigma also now has a 150mm F/2.8 Macro as well. I don't know what the price difference is. I have the 105mm and am happy with it.

04/09/2005 12:26:37 PM · #6

The 150mm is out of my price range for a macro lens. I dont quite think I am ready technically or as a photographer for that high end of a lens.

I am however looking at Sigma or Canon now and debating on those.
Anyone have the Canon 100mm macro with some pics I would like to compare with that of the Sigma 105mm. I know the lens is only 20 percent and the photographer is 80% but how bad can you really botch up a macro shot.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

04/09/2005 12:30:50 PM · #7

Originally posted by hdogg4u:

...but how bad can you really botch up a macro shot.

Heh, you'll inevitably find out! Macro is actually one of the most technically demanding areas of photography. Lots to learn, but very rewarding.

I have just a few insect macros at:

//www.kirbic.smugmug.com/gallery/460407

these were all taken with the Canon 100/2.8 Macro USM.

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 12:33:47.

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

04/09/2005 12:32:33 PM · #8

I think it really depends what you want to do with the lens. If you are thinking about doubling it as a portrait lens, than the Canon might be good for you because the Sigma's AF can be sluggish sometimes since it is hypersensitive in its focusing all the way down to 1:1; whereas with the Canon you know you can rely on the USM. However, if the AF isn't a problem (for my lens I generally use MF when im doing macro shots anyways) then the extra cash may not be worth it. With the money you save you could get a 50/1.8 as well which will fill your niche for a 50mm lens (though it is not a macro lens). Both lenses produce outstanding results.

Lee

rscorp

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/09/2005 12:38:57 PM · #9

The majority of these pics by Jacko are with the 105mm Sigma. See what you think.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/09/2005 12:46:52 PM · #10

Both Kirbic & Jacko have excellent macro insect shots and thats exactly what I'm trying to attain. Well decisions..decisions. Ok fliping a coin. Heads Sigma...Tails Canon.

Flip lands on Heads....sigma it is..no no best of three.
Flip lands on tails....canon ok here goes one more time.
Flip lands on Heads....sigma it is.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

04/09/2005 02:48:42 PM · #11

i have the sigma 105mm f:2.8 - am quite happy with it.
my only gripe is the way you have to slide the barrel to switch from manual to autofocus ( it sometimes moves on it's own, or i move it by accident), and you still also have to change the manual to auto switch on the side of the lens. if you don't do both you can't focus.

colda

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/09/2005 03:16:58 PM · #12

There is also the Tokina 90mm, this is a lens that I'd not considered but after reading a few reviews it's now something that I'll probably buy

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/09/2005 03:48:16 PM · #13

From much of the reading I have done on macro photography. Most of the articles and tips are you should try and use manual focus. In my head I thinking wow I need to start doing this but one thing I have noticed is when you read the article you think ok I can do this....now comes the time to shoot for some reason you get into this whole if I dont shoot now it will go away and they shot wont be there so you end up rushing the shot. I think taking time, doing things in a procedural manor can help with slowing myself down. Its really hard to explain but sometimes I go with the mind set of ok I use the raw feature and the creative mode to shoot but I end up shooting in fully auto and not even paying attention to small details like DOF, aperture, shutter speeds, compositon....I guess you can call me a real newbie or just an idiot.

jemison

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/09/2005 03:55:06 PM · #14

For my money (which I put where my mouth is) I'd spend $80 more and get the great Canon 100 f2.8 USM Macro. This lens is rated as one of the 2-3 highest of all 100mm for Canon. Check out any of the lens rating sites.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/09/2005 08:30:29 PM · #15

The Sigma is as good a macro lens as you can get. The Canon is just as good, but has better focusing.

docpjv

Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

04/09/2005 08:44:28 PM · #16

You can not believe the quality of the canon 100mm 2.8 macro USB for macro, portait and whatever. It is an almost unreal lens and well worth the extra money I paid.

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

04/09/2005 08:47:28 PM · #17

I was flipping my coin also between the 105 Sigma Macro and 100 Canon Macro and I just ordered the Canon one for a few reasons but the main one is that the extra 100 buck is going to pay off in the long run. If you really look at how long you will have this lens ... 1, 2 ... 3 years the extra 100 isn't that much and the canon is overall a much better lens ... according to everything I have read and see. But what convinced me is I was at the book store (Chapters in this case) and in the photo magazine section (can't remember which magazine) but right on the front cover ... All Macro Lens Review/Test ... so I read through that looked at the ratings and tests and Canon is a sure winner.

So that was my final convincing decision.

If you have time walk to you local book store and you will find the magazine ... read through it... might help.

Good Luck ... ... PS: a macro coupler and a 50mm 1.8 ... and you're really in business...

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 20:48:18.

04/09/2005 09:15:12 PM · #18

This macro coupler thing. I have the 50mm 1.8 and I too after doing some research went with the Canon 100mm. Now the macro thing where do I get it. I normally buy from B&H and I cant find in on there webpage.

krazyivan

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

04/09/2005 09:53:58 PM · #19

I see alot of Sigma and Canon fans for Macro lenses. I only saw one mention for the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro lens. This lens is excellent and as good if not better than the Sigma 105mm or the Canon 100mm lenses. Also, the Tamron does have a focus limiter on it, comes with the lens hood, carry case and has a 6 year warranty.

I know that everyone has a particular brand that they feel is superior, but I would suggest to investigate all options. IMHO, the Tamron is a better value overall, which is why I bought it.

04/09/2005 10:18:30 PM · #20

Originally posted by hdogg4u:

The 100/2.8 Macro USM has 58mm filter threads, the 50/1.8 has 52mm threads. Here is the B&H page for the 52-58mm coupler.

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 22:18:51.

kyebosh

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

04/09/2005 10:21:52 PM · #21

Don't forget you can get spectacular results with a decent 100-300 lens, a 1.4x teleconverter and a 500D! Add extention tubes for even more fun!

samples...
300mm alone

300mm with 1.4x
300mm and 500D

300mm with 1.4x and 500D

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 22:26:03.

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/09/2005 10:21:53 PM · #22

Originally posted by kirbic:

The 100/2.8 Macro USM has 58mm filter threads, the 50/1.8 has 52mm threads. Here is the B&H page for the 52-58mm coupler.

Beat me to it ;-)

That's exactly the one I ordered from B&H...

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 22:22:05.

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

04/09/2005 10:32:54 PM · #23

For even more "extreme macro insanity", try any or all of the following combinations:

Hmmm, Extreme Macro Insanity, sounds like the DPC version of a Fox reality show, LOL.
For the record, the list of equimpent used in the above chart:
- Canon 100/2.8 Macro USM lens
- Canon 2.0x II teleconverter
- Canon 12mm extension tube
- Kenko 25mm extension tube
- Canon 50/1.4 lens
- Off-brand 58mm to 58mm macro coupler

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 22:36:15.

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/09/2005 10:38:26 PM · #24

Originally posted by kirbic:

For even more "extreme macro insanity", try any or all of the following combinations:

...

Hmmm, Extreme Macro Insanity, sounds like the DPC version of a Fox reality show, LOL.

OK, now I have a question ... I found the 25mm Extenstion Tube but what is this 2.0x II think ... can you post a link to B&H?

Thanks

EDIT.... forget it saw the rest... ;-) .... Thanks

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 22:41:56.

kyebosh