Macro lens

[welshdragon]

Does anyone know of a good and yes hopefully cheap macro lens for the 300D ?
Cheers
Kev :!:

[ScottE]

Vivitar makes a 100 mm f/3.5 macro lens in manual focus and auto focus versions that is a lot cheaper than most other macro lenses. I have never used one, but have heard some favourable comments.

Alternatively, you could use your existing lens with either a short extension tube (get the Kenko 3 tube set for a reasonable price) or a diopter that screws into the front filter threads (single element cheap or two element better but more expensive).

My preference would be to get a set of extension tubes for now and keep saving for a Canon 100 mm USM, Sigma 105 mm EX or Tamron 90 mm SP macro lens. The extension tubes will be a permanent part of any future lens collection because they can be used with any EOS compatible lens except super wide angle.

[Bruce Watson]

I have the Vivitar Macro. It is very sharp considering it's low price.

However, construction is horribly flimsy, auto focus awful (not a huge problem for macro where manual is the norm) and an optical adapter must be screwed onto the lens for 1:1.

But, it takes sharp images. I am replacing mine with a Sigma 105 (thanks Wolf!) and giving the Vivitar to my son so he can play around with the macro world on his DRebel.

[Jesper]

If you're looking for a way to make macro photos and you don't want to spend a lot on a macro lens, there are also other possibilities: close-up lenses (which are actually magnifying filters that you screw in front of your lens) or extension tubes.

Read the following tutorial, which explains the different options:
http://www.photo.net/learn/macro/