advice needed.....

im wanting to get a 1:1 macro lense and am thinking about the Tamron 90mm now im also wanting to get as close to the subject as possible (i.e a more fuller image) without cropping the final shot in lightroom too much....you know kind of semi extreme macro.....as my budget might stretch to another lens for the right price what do you recomend as im a little confused....does a 50mm 1:1 lens and extension tubes give the same results as a 90mm 1:1 lens....or just some kenko tubes for the 90mm.........i dont suppose you could post some images taken with both set ups i have inquired about just to give me an idea......oh and just as a post script, im using a sony alpha body so the mp-e 65 is out of the question.......

however, im also concidering upgrading to a canon (not sure which yet) and then selling my current kit to fund a 1:1 macro lens for that......whats you thoughts??...or do i have to ask??

1:1 magnification will give you the same image regardless of the focal length, however the 90mm will have almost double the working distance (the distance between the subject and the sensor) of the 50mm. What are you going to take photos of? Depending on that 1:1 might be too much or too little magnification, also what camera are you using?

first off im using a sony a200 body.....and im wanting to take general macro but also even closer on insects....basically the closer (not working distance) the better....im thinking the tamron 90mm plus maybe a set of extension tubes will be enough as i need a decent flash as well so i might be a bit stretched for getting say a smaller decent lens

Well with the Sony you've got a 23.6 x 15.8 mm sensor, so at 1:1 you can fit an object of that size in the frame. For insects a longer lens would be better to put some distance between you and them, it will also make it easier to use a flash as you can use a hotshoe mounted one where as a shorter lens would likely need one mounted on a bracket closer to the front of the lens. Extension tubes are a good idea (make sure to get ones with electrical contacts so you keep AF and aperture control) so you can always increase the magnification if needed.

Reading a review for the 90mm (http://www.the-digital-picture.com …Di-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx) it sounds like an excellent lens, can take teleconverters unlike the Canon 100mm, has a non-rotating focus ring during AF which has a push-pull auto/manual switch, has a focus limiter, and of course is sharp wide open. Probably the only downsides are the extending barrel when focussing so you have to make sure you don't bump into things, the odd sized 55mm filter thread, and the recessed front element is a bit harder to clean (but also more protected).

fantastic mate, i think i have more or less made my mind up to go down the 90mm route and a semi decent flash, im hoping to have around £500/£600 to spend in november so may buy a tamron 70-300mm as my minolta is PANTS, and thats putting it mildly!!...appreciate it mate