Best macro lense

[tengr_68]

What is considered the best macro lense? Is there a clear cut best or a couple that are pretty much equal? I hear great things about the Canon 100mm macro and the same about the Tamron 90mm macro. Is there a clear cut winner out there? Any and all opinions appreciated.

[Citizensmith]

That's a fairly broad question. Between those two the Canon wins as the optics are about equal, but it has better focus mechanism and build as well as a slightly better working distance.

Macro lenses in general though, there are too many out there. From the close-focus lenses mascarading as true macro to things like the 5x lifesize Canon MP-E 65mm.

[tengr_68]

It is a broad question. There are a lot of lenses out there. That's why I need help!!:D I want to hear opinions from those who have comppared and bought macro lenses. Thanks for your opinion. Which macro lense do you have?

[Citizensmith]

I've got the 100 f/2.8 macro and its great. My 'its a broad question' comment probably was a little broad itself. What I meant was can you give us some more information like budget, camera body, any specific intended used or restrictions.

For instance the MP-E 65 is probably the ultimate macro lens but it is expensive and of no use for anything else. The 50 f/2.5 is probably the smallest and cheapest but only goes to half life size. Then there is also the possibilty of using extension tubes on one of your exisiting lenses.....

[Raj]

Sorry for hijacking this thread...
A straightforward question - I have 100mm f2.8 macro which gives me 1:1 magnification. If I use a telecon (1.4x), will I be able to cross 1:1 barrier ?

[J Rabin]

What is considered the best macro lense? Is there a clear cut best or a couple that are pretty much equal?
A better question to post about macro lenses is tell members what you want to take pictures of, where, and what's limiting you now? Also, search the forums, there are years of good threads here. E.g., I justed posted this a while ago on macro working distance, same forum:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?postid=545019#poststop

They all sharp. When we mean macro, we mean life size reproduction (1:1) magnification or greater. There is loads of fun "close-up" photography at less than life size, say 0.25x to 0.70x (butterfly and dragonfly hunting range) that you can do with diopters, close focusing zooms, etc.

Here's a proverbial boring flower shot from day before. I just liked the Bleeding Heart's color, but it was windy, so the image is not sharp enough.
http://postit.rutgers.edu/uploads/Bleeding%20Heart%20f8%2040s%2Ejpg

They're all sharp. Just don't buy any macro in this era where the lens barrel length changes while focusing, like the older 105mm Sigma. J.

[J Rabin]

Sorry for hijacking this thread...
A straightforward question - I have 100mm f2.8 macro which gives me 1:1 magnification. If I use a telecon (1.4x), will I be able to cross 1:1 barrier ?

Raj. Whose 1.4x TC? The Canon does not fit and the others will lower image quality. You can put a Canon 250D diopter on the front. Or start getting into reversing lens mounts. I don't care for the 25mm extension tubes, but I believe from my Canon 100mm macro, it will get you to about 1.3x +/- with a 25mm extension tube, which is darn good. But you lose infinity focus, and struggle for enough light. J

[Raj]

Raj. Whose 1.4x TC? The Canon does not fit and the others will lower image quality. You can put a Canon 250D diopter on the front. Or start getting into reversing lens mounts. I don't care for the 25mm extension tubes, but I believe from my Canon 100mm macro, it will get you to about 1.3x +/- with a 25mm extension tube, which is darn good. But you lose infinity focus, and struggle for enough light. J

OOps, I didnt realized canon wont fit. However I wasnt planning to buy canon anyway. I will get a sigma 1.4x TC for my 70-200 mm & thought since lens mounts are same it may work on macro lens too.
Extension tube seems to be the candidate then.

[nosquare2003]

OOps, I didnt realized canon wont fit. However I wasnt planning to buy canon anyway. I will get a sigma 1.4x TC for my 70-200 mm & thought since lens mounts are same it may work on macro lens too.
Extension tube seems to be the candidate then.

Sigma 1.4TC will fit your Sigma 70-200mm, but not on EF100/2.8.

[Dante King]

I have heard that the canon is better for usm and the tamron is sharper.

[Jon]

Raj. Whose 1.4x TC? The Canon does not fit and the others will lower image quality. You can put a Canon 250D diopter on the front. Or start getting into reversing lens mounts. I don't care for the 25mm extension tubes, but I believe from my Canon 100mm macro, it will get you to about 1.3x +/- with a 25mm extension tube, which is darn good. But you lose infinity focus, and struggle for enough light. J

A close-up lens, which includes the Canon 250D, will also degrade the image somewhat. About the only way of passing the lens' closest focussing barrier without degrading the image is through extension tubes/bellows.

Canon and Sigma TCs essentially fit the same lenses (list referenced in the TC sticky) due to their protruding front elements, and the 100 macro isn't one of them.

I haven't used both, but I have a nice example of the Tamron 90.

[tengr_68]

Thanks Citizen. Sorry about the vague question. I have the Canon 350XT and I wanted to stay at $500 or below. I decided to order the Canon EF 100mm Macro and will pick it up tomorrow. Thanks all.

[Citizensmith]

You won't regret it, great lens.

[aam1234]

You won't regret it, great lens.

Very true. And it's a great lens for normal uses also. My sharpest pics were taken with that lens (and I have few L's).