Recommend me a good macro lens..

[Siphanh]

Hey, guys I'm looking for advice on my next macro lens. I have a Canon 60mm macro, but I'm not satisfy with what I'm getting. The distance between the subject and lens at full magnification is actually closer than what I thought it would be. The Canon 100mm looks good, but what about image quality? And, what advantages the 100mm has besides shooting distance on the 60mm? I want something that will produce sharp and crisp images. Well, I really want a MPE-65 but it is way out of my range for now. So, bring on the recommendation! Thanks in advance.

[gjl711]

The Canon 100 macro is the sharpest lens out there. I got to borrow a 60 when I was looking for a macro and though it was a nice sharp lens, the working distance was just too close. The 100 gives you an additional 3 or so inches and has much creamier bokah.

[silvex]

100f/2.8 macro. Keep in mind the EF-S 60f/2.8 is sharper, but does not work on FF bodies.

[PhotosByCynthia]

I can attest to the 100/2.8. Got it for Christmas and just LOVE it! One of Canon's prime lenses there. You won't be sorry.

[Jman13]

The Canon is the most popular here, but, I've tried a bunch of them, read a ton of reviews, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the following:

Canon 100mm f/2.8
Sigma 150mm f/2.8
Sigma 105mm f/2.8
Tokina 100mm f/2.8
Tamron 90mm f/2.8
Sigma 70mm f/2.8
Canon 60mm f/2.8
Canon 180mm f/3.5L
Tamron 180mm f/3.5
Sigma 50mm f/2.8

Yes, that's right. Nearly every macro lens manufactured by any of the 4 major lens makers for Canon mount is a very, VERY solid macro lens. The Canon 100mm is probably the best overall at the 100mm length, simply due to it's higher speed focusing for non-macro stuff, and it's non extending barrel (which I don't think is that big of a deal). However, optically, ALL of the ~100mm macros are essentially a tie, and if you won't be using it for non-macro stuff much, the autofocus performance really doesn't matter much. I have the Sigma 105mm macro (which I'm selling simply because I got the Sigma 150), and it is just as sharp as the Canon I tried.

The Sigma 150mm f/2.8 is a phenomenal lens for a longer reach macro...very useful if you need extra working distance for insects. It's optically stellar, has HSM focusing (very quick for a macro lens, and silent), and it also does not extend at all. It's exceptionally well built, and is really a wonderful lens.

Also, for the shorter macros, the EF-S 60mm from Canon is a wonderful lens, and, along with the Sigma 70mm, might be the sharpest of all the macros here.

[xa-coupe]

Have a read of this:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=468907

[John_B]

Siphanh,
The longer the macro lens the more room between subject and lens. However the negative is the more weight and the faster shutter speed needed to avoid blur.

The Canon 100mm f/2.8 is just about the cream of the crop :) as you can see its used the most according to this poll -=TOP TEN=- Which macro lens do you use? <--click to see (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=160960) and it is a very sharp with excellent colors and bokeh (to my eyes).

The Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 is excellent for higher magnification but truly sucks for room between subject and lens. So you might not like it.

[ben_r_]

I highly recommend the Canon 100 f/2.8 Macro.

[tenoverthenose]

I just purchased a Sigma 50 macro and think its a great lens for the money invested. My use is primarily for weddings to get details I couldn't before and the occasional sparetime backyard hunting. The working distance is close, and to be honest, too short for working with live bugs. But I want to be able to handhold it whenever possible, so it makes sense for me.

Optically, the lens is very sharp.

[Bumgardnern]

I know this wont solve the working distance problem but you should try out a Nikon 60mm f2.8 Macro. I love the lens. I started using it on my Nikon bodies and have carried it over to Canon. It is a wonderful lens, very well constructed, very responsive focusing, tack sharp. Its actually my favorite lens in my bag. I carry around a 70-200 2.8IS, 85 f1.8, 50 f1.4 and another Nikon lens for the wide end and I consistentley end up putting the 60mm Nikon on my Canon.