Best Macro Lens for a Beginer?

[Navydave1974]

I'm new to the Macro scene and was wondering what a good entry level macro lens would be? I'm not Donald Trump so the price can't be way up there. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[Pete-eos]

Canon:
100mm f/2.8
60mm Ef-s f/2.8

Sigma
105mm f/2.8
150mm f/2.8


Or a set of extension tubes with a 50mm f/1.8 for example..

[blam]

Can the canon 100mm f/2.8 be used as a non macro lens?

I don't completely understand what the difference is??

[scraps]

I recently picked up the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 macro lens and am finding it to be a fantastic lens; very sharp. It also makes a great portrait lens. A little bit easier on the pocketbook as well.

[LordV]

Can the canon 100mm f/2.8 be used as a non macro lens?

I don't completely understand what the difference is??

All macro lenses apart from the specialised MPE-65 are high quality standard prime lenses with the added ability of being able to focus extremely close, they will still focus on infinity as well. The downside of them tends to be slower than normal AF (autofocus). This is not a problem for macrophotography where most people use MF but can make them unsuitable for say action sports. Optically all the macro lenses from the major manufacturers (canon,tamron, sigma) are equivalent to canon L-lenses. They make excellent long portrait lenses for example.
Brian v.

[blam]

thanks LordV

[iplayazi]

I second the 100mm Canon F2.8 Its a great lens and alot of people love the sharpness including myself.

Todd