Macro lens question

Hello

Please excuse me if this is in the incorrect section. I don't really post here.

I have a 550d and it's an awesome camera and I'm thinking of buying a macro lens. Just not sure what it good and what isn't.

Had the nifty fifty but wasn't impressed but then I dropped it and it broke Felt really cheap and only cost me $150. So I'm not looking at getting another NF.

So I'm looking at going something around the $400/$500 mark.

The 550d came with the twin pack kit and that is all I currently use/have.

Also could websites please be supplied so I can work out who ships to Australia etc.

Thanks for your help

EF-S 60/2.8 macro probably.

If your subjects are going to be insects, the longer working distance of the EF 100/2.8 macro (any of them) may be useful. There are good macro lenses from Tamron and Sigma, but I'd recommend against any Sigma products if you are in Australia as I found the support available through the only Sigma agent in Australasia, C. R. Kennedy, to be appalling.

Just about anyone will ship to Australia I expect, but it may cost you and you may have warranty issues.

Get a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, or Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro from B&H, or Adorama from web, shiping into Australia.
As it's under A$1000, it's duty-free.
I brought few lenses from them and far cheaper than getting them in Melbourne.

Happy shopping.

Depends what you want to do. I have the same camera. I have the Canon 60mm macro lens and it's great. It has pretty much the perfect focus length for what I need. The 100mm would be too long. If you want to shoot insects (I don't) then 60mm is too short IMO even with that camera. For that I would definitely prefer 100mm or more.

Click for B&H And Adorama Links As Below:

Sigma Telephoto 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS from B&H $479

Canon Telephoto EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens from B&H $559

Used Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Auto Focus Lens From Adorama $569

Just notice, the used Canon 100mm in Adorama is more expensive than new one (Gray market) in B&H!

I'd be shooting more macro of my pets [cats/dogs], plants, buildings [well little bits of buildings]; not so much insects.

So would the 60 or 100 be best? I'm not doing anything fancy, just pure hobby.

eta - Also, what is the difference [B&H website] between "imported" and "USA"?

The Canon looks so much nicer, more fancy so I think now I'll just focus on the Canon lines Might as well keep all of my gear with Canon!

From B&H:

About USA and GREY MARKET (DIRECT IMPORT) Products

"Items marked "USA" are imported and/or distributed by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's official licensed importer/distributor and are warranted by them. Items marked "IMP" are imported and/or distributed by other entities and are warranted by B&H Photo-Video. "IMP" products do not qualify for manufacturer's rebate programs. There is no difference in the item itself."

Personally, I feel longer working distant for macro better. I use my 100mm Macro on my 400D & 550D / T2i mostly.

If Canon bring out a new 180mm Macro, I might get one, too.

Awesome, thanks so much x_tan.

another vote for Canon 60mm macro.

x_tan wrote in post #12812863
Personally, I feel longer working distant for macro better. I use my 100mm Macro on my 400D & 550D / T2i mostly.

If Canon bring out a new 180mm Macro, I might get one, too.

Sigma 150 is great for the extra working distance, and working well with a TC for 210mm F/4.

Two rivers wrote in post #12812841
I'd be shooting more macro of my pets [cats/dogs], plants, buildings [well little bits of buildings]; not so much insects.

So would the 60 or 100 be best? I'm not doing anything fancy, just pure hobby.

eta - Also, what is the difference [B&H website] between "imported" and "USA"?

Hmm...you must have little pets and live in a place with tiny buildings. Good for you.

The 60mm should work great, I just sold mine. I had the 60mm and both 100's (L and non-L) and I couldn't tell which lens had shot a picture, they're all excellent.

If you liked the focal length of the 50mm, you will also like the 60mm. That's what I would base my decision on. Though I do have both. I bought the 60 first thinking I would sell when I got the 100mm, but can't bring myself to part with the 60. It's more versitile imo and from what you descibe in your needs, should be a good fit for you too. Some of the best pics I've taken of my dogs came from that lens vs the 100. Another thing to think about is whether or not you are willing to use a tripod. The 60 is easier to use without, much easier to me than the 100. Neither at 1:1, but as a close up lens that works great as a prime, the 60 is hard to beat.

Rich Smith wrote in post #12813058
If you liked the focal length of the 50mm, you will also like the 60mm. That's what I would base my decision on. Though I do have both. I bought the 60 first thinking I would sell when I got the 100mm, but can't bring myself to part with the 60. It's more versitile imo and from what you descibe in your needs, should be a good fit for you too. Some of the best pics I've taken of my dogs came from that lens vs the 100. Another thing to think about is whether or not you are willing to use a tripod. The 60 is easier to use without, much easier to me than the 100. Neither at 1:1, but as a close up lens that works great as a prime, the 60 is hard to beat.

Thanks for the reply!