Finally a digital SLR! (Macro) lens advise?

[modamor]

Hi there!


Im new to the forum and could do with some good advise. Ive been looking for a good photography forum to be a part of and I think this could be it!

I used to use a traditional SLR at college but since leaving have turned to digital which I love but always missed the SLR advantages! This week Ive purchased a Canon EOS 300D and would love some advise on lenses before I. Im mainly interested in an excellent but hopefully quite affordable macro lens! As I love macro true photography. But an advise in general would be helpful. I want to make sure i understand which lenses are compatible etc.

Any advise?

[lomond]

Hi Modamor,
Welcome to the forum.
I did some research into a macro lens earlier this year and, although I didn't buy one, my decision woul have been the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM.
True 1/1 macro for around £400.

[condyk]

There are 2 or 3 similar threads over last day or two and you just need to read through a little bit. Like here ...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=79961

After much research I got the new DG version of the Sigma 105mm EX and recommend price/performance. The Canon is great and the Tamron 90mm too. Seems the Sigma 150mm is the baby to have at the moment. Can't lose with any of these.

Some nice images on your web site BTW.

[J Rabin]

Modamor.
Every macro lens I've ever used, from all manufacturers, was sharp. That's rarely the issue. The issues is focal length and working distance vs. cost.

Please check the post I did buried in this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=74519
comparing macro lens working distance vs. cost. If your serious about macro (as most UK members are!) then try and avoid a lens where the lens body changes length during focus, like the Sigma 105. The Canon 100mm and Sigma 150 are excellent lenses. If you need a handheld macro, for keeping in pocket during field trips, the new 60mm is nice, but that's its only strength, as noted in post.
J