Macro Lens for XTi

[gemtracker]

I am at the verge of purchasing my first digital SLR. I shoot somewhat serious diamond and jewelry shots currently with my trusty Nikon FA. I am in the business and make photos of custom pieces and wish to place some on our web site. I am planning to purchase body only (or possibly the kit with the short range zoom that comes with it for personal photos). I would greatly appreciate user comments on the 50mm, 2.5 macro vs the new, 60mm macro. I have a home made 2x2x2' light box and like the relative short working distance of these lenses vs the longer macros. Your assistance and advice is greatly appreciated. Ed

[basroil]

60mm macro is a 1:1 lens (i believe 2.5 needs the life size converter to be 1:1), and it's pretty damn sharp (though f2.8 instead of f2.5, though you'll be using it stopped down anyway). all i can really say about that subject, since it was a friend's lens i once used...