Macro Lense - 1 or 2 ?

[JustJerk]

Just wondering what you would do with this decision?

Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L (Macro) $1200
or
Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro $425
Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 XR Di LD [IF] Macro $700
Total $ 1125

I’m leaning towards the dual lens since both are rated very well.

Has anyone tested the Sigma 180mm f3.5 Macro vs the Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Macro? (try to get a 2fer in 1 topic:lol:)

[Marky Mark]

Hi,

I have the same problem in the UK. I have a 10D and am about to buy a macro
lens for it, but am unsure which one to go for. I have seen an artical on the
Tamron 180mm lens and it looks superb for the money about half the cost of
the same lens in the canon, but with the extra length that you get when you
use it on the 10D I am wondering if the 100mm Canon lens would be a better
bet.
I have a mate at my local camera club and he tells me that to buy the Canon
make as I would be disapionted with any other make (this is a guy that uses
Nikon).

mark

[Naytwan]

I have the Sigma 150 2.8. Its a very nice lens. Works well with my t-con as well. I've used the 1.4 and the 2x sigma on it. I also like the general feel of the lens. Oh and the tripod collar and the EX series case.

I also have the 100 Macro, so my vote is for the "combo pack".

I've did some reading and the Sigma is supposed to be a nice lens (180), but is prone to hunting and slow AF.

[J Rabin]

I've used them at one time or another, they are all sharp lenses with different working distances and features for different applications. Impossible to provide useful opinion without knowing what you are photographing. Give us an sampler. Or just buy one now and use it a while and think hard. With that said:

Canon 100 f/2.8 is the best al 'rounder, best of class in focal length, for only owning one macro lens. 15cm working distance because when focused 1x magnif. the internal floating elements are not really at 100mm, more like 70 inside lens. Smart.

The Canon 180 is a sterling beast. Best of class when you have a specific application for it. Hand holdable, but likes to be used on tripod. 25 cm working distance is best of class. Good hood. Can use Canon's 1.4x tele converter for to broaden it's use.

The Tamron 180 has a funky think to turn the filter with hood on, so difficult to use my 24EX macro flash. I can't recall Tamron's working distance.

The Sigma 150 f/2.8 is a new lens design, excellent compromise with about 20 cm working distance from front element to subject at 1x magnification compared to Canon 180's 25cm working distance (about as good as life gets at this magnification). The Sigma is 1/2 the 180s price for 5 cm.
In reality, you are paying $200+ over the Canon 100mm for 5cms working distance and more telephoto when not doing macro.

How bad (in $) do you need each 5 cms working distance gained from Canon 100 (15cm) to Sigma 150 (20cm) to Canon 180 (25cm) is a way to think about this decision.

Just remember, at 1:1 you are losing about 2 full f/stops of light inside the lens, so it this is just for butterflies, you're better off getting a 70-200 f/4, a 1.4 tele converter, and a 500D +2 front diopter. Great butterfly hunter.
Hope that helps.