macro lens for rebel xt - DPChallenge Forums

02/10/2006 03:51:57 PM · #1

what is the best macro lens to go with a 350d (rebel xt)?
are there any good multipurpose lenses (i.e. macro & non-macro in the same lens. i know some sigmas have a switch on the side that says "macro").
thanks guys.

02/10/2006 03:54:23 PM · #2

oh i should mention, preferably something with budget in mind.

marcellieb

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/10/2006 03:55:02 PM · #3

I would love to get my hands on a macro lens and then also one of those light thingies you screw onto the lens.

Strikeslip

02/10/2006 03:56:50 PM · #4

I'm also interested in this question (clicking 'watch thread'). I'm planning on getting a macro lense this spring/summer.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/10/2006 03:58:14 PM · #5

Originally posted by marcellieb:

I would love to get my hands on a macro lens and then also one of those light thingies you screw onto the lens.

a ring-flash? yeh those things are awesome.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

02/10/2006 03:59:50 PM · #6

The Sigma 105mm is well regarded. You could also get a set of Kenko extension tubes and use your current lenses as macros.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/10/2006 04:01:13 PM · #7

i tried the kenko extension tubes, and found focus to be rather soft while using them... maybe its just my inexperienced self.

cheekymunky

Canon EOS-40D

02/10/2006 04:08:49 PM · #8

canon efs 60 macro. Bit pricey new...but a bargin second hand, i just got mine and it rocks, USM is amazing and its by far the sharpest lens I've used, great for portaits as well (its the lens thats so sharp it makes good skin look bad!) Worth considering at any rate!

02/10/2006 04:11:29 PM · #9

Originally posted by cheekymunky:

thanks. where did you pick it up and for how much if you dont mind me asking? was it in good condition?

marcellieb

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/10/2006 04:20:44 PM · #10

Anybody got an extra macro lens and "ring flash" they want to sell? Make your price, but please keep in mind the Rand/Dollar exchange rate. Would love it if you want to give it away - WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF THAT HAPPENING. ;-O

yido

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

02/10/2006 06:22:57 PM · #11

There is no such thing. You have to pick what features you want for the price available.
Most macros are fast and sharp so we're mainly splitting hairs. All macros can focus close and also focus far away. Since most macros are 50mm-180mm or so, they make good portrait lenses as well.
I'd recommend considering the EF-S 60mm if you don't mind the EF-S mount.
In the 100mm range, you really can't go wrong. Sigma 105mm is pretty nice, Canon 100mm is nice, Tamron 90SP is nice (and a bit sharper than the Canon-see photozone.de and photo.net). The new one is Tokina 100mm ATX PRO D. Popular photography has given really good reviews and it's relatively cheap at $370 after a rebate at B&H.

There are some at 150mm and 180mm, but they are much more expensive.
Good luck

02/10/2006 08:30:09 PM · #12

thanks alot yido. i understand that its essentially a price/quality tradeoff, and i was aiming at the $400 pricepoint which i think will easily afford me the canon 60mm ef-s lens which looks like its very sharp, and i like the fact that its 60mm so it would make a good portrait lens (i currently use a 50mm 1.8 canon for this purpose).
thanks again!

yido

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

02/10/2006 08:39:18 PM · #13

It's a nice lens. I've tried it out once and like it. The guy that actually owns it is a bit hesitent about it b/c he's thinking about adding a II N to his lineup and hence won't be able to use it. If you plan on upgrading to a non EF-S mount camera, then consider another lens. If not, it's an excellent lens.

ace flyman

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/10/2006 09:02:17 PM · #14

I have a 100mm f2.8 canon macro for sale...pm me if interested.

Strikeslip

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

03/30/2006 10:00:31 AM · #15

Any more action on this thread?

I'm hoping to have time for a walk to Henry's today to get a remote shutter release, so who knows what else I might walk away with.

Wanting to get some extreme bug closeups, the closer the better!

Beuller? Anyone? Beuller?

bluenova

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

03/30/2006 10:08:54 AM · #16

I use the Tamron 70-300, it was cheap, as I'm on a low budget at the moment. Sure it's slow, but works great for macro (it has the little switch to focus as close as 0.95M)

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

03/30/2006 10:16:47 AM · #17

I picked up a mint Vivitar 100mm 3.5 macro with Matching 1:1 adapter for 60 bucks.

Not as fast as the canon 50mm 1.8 but darn near as sharp. They call it the fantastic plastic as it is almost all plastic except the mount (go figure). It comes under four brand names, the two I can think of are Vivitar and Phoenix.

I have been having a blast with it, not a bad 100mm prime either. As I said it is plastic but if you take care of your gear...not a problem.

Andy

jayhan

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

03/30/2006 10:25:23 AM · #18

Originally posted by bluenova:

I use the Tamron 70-300, it was cheap, as I'm on a low budget at the moment. Sure it's slow, but works great for macro (it has the little switch to focus as close as 0.95M)

Im new here. So a big HI to everyone!! :D

Im still waiting for my Tamron 70-300mm... came free with my recent purchase of the 350D. I sent them back cuz the silly retailer sent me a Nikon mount one!! So Im still waiting for the replacement. 0.95m doesnt sound too near... is it any good? do you have any images taken with this lens to share bluenova? would appreciate it if you could.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

03/30/2006 10:26:46 AM · #19

Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro is an amzing lens for macro and great as a 100mm prime for under $500. I'd save up and get it if i didn't already have it.

The Sigma 70-300 APO DG does an okay job at macros for $200 but you have to work at it. It's not nearly as sharp nor does it focus as fast as the Canon 100mm Macro.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/30/2006 10:30:23 AM · #20

Originally posted by bluenova:

0.95M

0.95m = 95cm = 1.039 yard

arlanbart

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

03/30/2006 10:37:49 AM · #21

I'm a low budget guy. I purchased the Sigma 70-300mm APO and am pleased with it. Of course used alone it only takes 1/2 life macro shots. I also purchased the Kenko extension tubes and think they work very well together. These 2 shots were taken with the tubes and the Sigma:

Hope this helps your decision.

Message edited by author 2006-03-30 10:39:13.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

03/30/2006 10:40:30 AM · #22

EF-S 60 mm USM macro, Canon - excellent lense, tack sharp, easy to use and full 1:1 focus. On the 1.6 sensor size it is like a 96mm lense. Great for macros, portraits, and just about anything you point it at.

ibkc

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

03/30/2006 10:44:47 AM · #23

Originally posted by arlanbart:

I purchased the Sigma 70-300mm APO and am pleased with it. Of course used alone it only takes 1/2 life macro shots. I also purchased the Kenko extension tubes and think they work very well together.

And I just happen to have the lens for sale that's he's talking about at a great price right here:
My Lens For Sale

Strikeslip