Best macro under $400 ebay prices

[225719]

I recently bought a 17-70 Sigma and am very pleased. However its macro just doesnt cut it for me so its time to invest in a dedicated lens. Any ideas as to wich one? I prefer a Sigma but could live with another brand ;)

[-MasterChief-]

the best macro ive used (and still use) is the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro. its fairly inexpensive, fast focusing, and you could also use it like a regular 100mm prime.

[225719]

its at the top of my list however I'm not sold on its build quality.. I prefer a sigma build...

[Cathpah]

just got the 100mm canon macro and I love it.

I would stay away from ebay in buying any lens. If you want a used lens either get it on this buy and sell forum or on the fredmiranda.com buy/sell forum (which is REALLY fast moving). just about any mahor lens you could want will either be available or come up quickly on one of those forums.

the 100mm macro being sold for 400 or even a little less is VERY common

[MikeMcL]

^^ actually i saw one last week on the fredmiranda forums. I like to stay away from ebay whenever possible, unless it is an ebay store selling brand new items, some of those are decent.

trying to save 20 bucks on a 400 dollar lens just doesnt make sense if you get crap product, or get ripped off.

These forums are a great place to buy. that is for sure.

good luck

[liza]

I purchased my 100mm Canon on FM and have been extremely pleased with it. There's nothing wrong with the build quality at all.

[petrolhead]

You may pick up a Sigma 105mm Macro fairy cheap on Ebay or the forums, I did but if I feel the Sigma is probable not as versitile as the Canon. I find the autofocus clunky and having the extending focus can be a pain

[ron chappel]

I purchased my 100mm Canon on FM and have been extremely pleased with it. There's nothing wrong with the build quality at all.

That's what i was thinking.The sigma is no better than the canon is it??
I can't be certain because the sigma i owned was the older (non DG) version.But one thing i can say for sure is that if you think the sigma has MUCH better build quality then something is seriously wrong somewhere:eek:

[Lester Wareham]

its at the top of my list however I'm not sold on its build quality.. I prefer a sigma build...

I am very surprised you say you don't like the 100mm build quality, mine is very close to my L lenses.

[JNunn]

I have the canon 100mm macro and what sold it for me over the competition is; 1) It has a fixed length instead of extending with focusing; 2) The build quality is top notch; 3) Its incredibly sharp (as are the others in its class, I'm told); and 4) It has almost unparalleled reviws from pros and folks on forums like this. If you don't want a canon lens, don't buy it. But don't wring your hands over the selection...any of them (Sigma, Canon, Tamron) will take good pictures.