macro lens for portraits - Anyone have samples?

[tkbslc]

I'm thinking about a new portrait lens, but I also really like macro work. I have heard macro lenses also make decent portrait lenses. Does anyone have any good examples of portraits taken with a macro lens?

I also have a baby on the way, do you need a macro lens for baby closeups? I heard the 85mm 1.8 has like a 3 foot Min focus distance, so I would assume it would be hard to do a little baby's hand image with that lens.

If you have any examples to share, that would be great. Thanks.

[Pete]

I'm no expert at portraits, but this is my mother taken with a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

http://www.the-aperture.com/EE/photos/normal/IMG_4657.jpg

[tkbslc]

Thanks, that looks great! Anyone have any more? I'd love to see some outdoor background blur if anyone has an example of that.

[Alan's 20D]

I have the same Canon 100 mm Macro lens as Pete and it is an incredible lens for close ups and the macro work. The focal length may be a long unless you are using a full sensor camera. Try it, you may just need to back up a little further.

[Hinson]

I have to agree with the others. You cannot beat the 100mm 2.8 macro. It's one great lens.

[tkbslc]

I have the same Canon 100 mm Macro lens as Pete and it is an incredible lens for close ups and the macro work. The focal length may be a long unless you are using a full sensor camera. Try it, you may just need to back up a little further.

Thanks. I already have a 50mm prime, so I was actually looking for a second in the 85-100mm range. Then I thought, why not kill two birds with one stone and get a macro, too! If I tell my wife it is a must for those baby shots, she will have to let me get it, right? :)

[sancho1983]

Thanks. I already have a 50mm prime, so I was actually looking for a second in the 85-100mm range. Then I thought, why not kill two birds with one stone and get a macro, too! If I tell my wife it is a must for those baby shots, she will have to let me get it, right? :)

I had that exact same conversation with my wife last night, hopefully you are luckier than me!!

The government here give you £190 when you're 25 weeks pregnant, apparently it's "not for more camera stuff" though....

[Alan's 20D]

Good luck to you, we all need to do what we need to do! Best of luck with the pictures and the baby.

[nuffi]

Go to teh Lens Sample Archive and look at the thread for teh 100mm f/2.8 Macro. You will see a lot of macro shots in it, but there are also some great portraits and even panoramas.

It is a very versatile lens. You wouldn't regret picking it up.

[yogestee]

Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Dii Macro..

[Kauaicrazed]

Here's a couple of baby photos and some of my daughter done with a macro lens.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/alohamommy/IMG_3865sml.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/alohamommy/IMG_3843sml.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/alohamommy/4051a.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/alohamommy/3964a.jpg