Macro lens suggestions

[Reburn]

I am looking for a good quality macro lens for a Canon Rebel T1i, model # DS126231.

I currently have a 18-55mm canon lense that can with the camera and a 70-200mm ultrasonic red ring.

I'm open to suggestions.

[Robb in Austin]

The 100mm version is probably the best overall 'size' to get. I'm not a canon guy so I'll defer to others on which exact model.

[footballdude2k3]

You can find used versions of the 100mm for much cheaper now that they released the 100L, that would hands down be my suggestion, you can usually find them for under 400. Before this, you could usually just get Kenko extension tubes, but they're not worth the price anymore since they are 125ish, and then you need a lens on top of that.

[jestep]

Does your current 18-55 have the macro switch on it? You can typically get decent close up pictures with the macro zoom lenses and they're cheap compared to true 1:1 macros.

This would be my first pick for a true macro lens. There's also an IS model, but it's almost double the price which shouldn't be needed if you use a tripod.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_100mm_f_2_8_macro_usm

The 60mm isn't a bad lens either. It is an EF-S lens which will work fine on your camera but probably not on a full frame of 35mm camera.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_60mm_f_2_8_macro_usm

[+dapettit]

I don't shot Canon, I shot Nikon. However there is a very good 3rd part lens made by Sigma.

105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro it's a little pricey but in this hobby you get what you pay for.

Canon comparable lens EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

I have used the Sigma lens and really liked the quick focus, the quality of the images and how it felt when using it. All the controls, for me, seemed to located in right spots.

Here are a couple of photos taken with the Sigma

[Robb in Austin]

I'll +1 the Sigma. I have the 150/2.8 version and it is one of the best lenses available regardless of price or manufacturer. I wish I could do it justice.

IMO, all of the 3rd party (Sigma, Tokina, Tamron) macros in the 100-150mm range are VERY worthy of consideration.

[footballdude2k3]

If you look third party, I have always had better luck with Tamron over Sigma

[nvrEnuf]

If you look third party, I have always had better luck with Tamron over Sigma

Funny, I've had the opposite experience.

To me, the glass in the tamron and Sig are both of quality near the nikon and cannon. It's the build that is different.

For macro and portraiture I'd say the sigma is a better buy than either the canon (dad shoots canon) or the Nikon (D800 myself)....but those I consider "inside lenses".

When it comes to lenses I am going to use in the field I have been utterly defeated by Tamron twice. Once a 18-300 and once a 105. I LOVE the Sigma 85 however; despite it's lack of weather seal. and as stated above the Sig 105 stands right up to the 2X priced Nik and canon; I mean really..how often are you going to shoot macro in a stand storm? If a lot, don't buy any third party!

Pay special attention to the AF/MF button as well as the barrel of any lense you purchase, this is where a lot of your money SHOULD be going...into protecting and making usefull the bad a$$ glass inside the barrel!! This is where I most often find the tamron short...the AF switch. It's not a HUGE deal, but not having your lense more than half the time BC it's ALWAYS in the shop is a pain.

Also; try a macro tube before buying a lens, you may find that the lense you have can do quite a bit depending on min focal distance. I still go to my original 18-55mm starter lense with a set of macro extenstions a lot of time just because I like having the zoom. Now, there does have to be plenty of light even for my D800 to use that set-up...

...now If I could figgure out a way in post to un-destort a shot taken in a bow front aquarium I'd have a pic worth posting!!