what macro lens

[Bora11]

I was looking to by a macro lens whilst in the states mainly for back home shooting close ups of flowers any suggestions welcomed

[fWord]

It actually depends on what sort of magnification you require. The 100-400mm that you have will already do closeups well, and improves if you add on the 500D close-up lens, an extension tube or an EF Life Size Converter (supposedly works with all EF lenses, not just the compact macro).

Do you really need life size or 1:1 magnification? If you do, then the Canon 100mm f/2.8 will be recommended by most. Other choices would be the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 and 150mm f/2.8. I personally went for a manual focusing Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5. The background blur quality is excellent and the resolving power is very high from wide open.

[D.C.]

Canon 100 Macro is very nice!!

[jr_senator]

Canon 100 Macro is very nice!!

That's what I have, it doesn't get any better.

[Bill Roberts]

The Canon 100mm macro is indeed very good, and if you ever move on to FF then it'll be fine. But it's also worth considering the ef-s 60mm macro which is a superb lens too, decent build quality and extremely sharp.

[KevC]

EF-S60mm f/2.8 macro is as sharp as a tack.
100/2.8 Macro is also deadly sharp.

If you're not completely sure if you'll enjoy macro, you can always pick up a set of Kenko extension tubes (~$100 off of ebay) and a 50/1.8 (~$70) and try it that way. Then after if you decide you really like macro, you can mount those tubes on a macro lens and get even closer!

If those two options are too expensive, there's always the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro which is very sharp aswell.

[liza]

Canon 100 Macro is very nice!!

That's also my macro lens of choice. The USM and internal focusing are great. :)