What macro lens ?

I really love all the macro shots and I'm thinking I need a macro lens. My question is what one would be the best without breaking the bank? Just want some opinions or a point in the right direction. Thank you

What is your budget?
What type of macro work?

In any case, look at the EF-S 60/2.8, the EF 100/2.8,or the 100/2.8L.
The Tamron 90 is also well-regarded, and I think there is a Sigma 105 mm.

For less than 1:1 reproduction there is the EF 50/2.5 CM.

Then there are older lenses that could be adapted cheaply, such as the Zuiko 50/3.5.

By the way, both the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS that you have will get close to 1:3 - would that suffice?

There's also the sigma 50 2.8 macro which is 1:1 IIRC and is quite cheap, and the tokina 100mm 2.8.

Ive got the Sigma 150mm F/2.8 OS. Its every bit as awesome as advertized.

The Canon 60mm is excellent and not expensive. The two 100's give you more working room.

I have a Tamron 90mm. It extends out to 1:1 but the front element is recessed an inch or so which gives it a built in hood so to speak. It's really sharp. I use it for macro only, but the AF is the typical Tamron whine.

They can be bought quite cheap. I got mine for around $300 shipped from here.

EDIT: If you go to the Macro section they have a multitude of threads on this same exact question. https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=123

On a budget a lightly used EF 100mm f2.8 would be a pretty good choice IMO. I've compared one with the EF 100mm f2.8L and from what I could see, there wasn't much in it to be honest..

Both are internal focusing lenses so they don't extend, which I prefer to those that grow substantially.

Geejay wrote in post #14014338
Both are internal focusing lenses so they don't extend, which I prefer to those that grow substantially.

The Canon 60 f/2.8 is another that doesn't extend.

It has ring USM focusing which is accurate and fairly fast. And quiet.

Which is good for general purpose shooting, but you probably will want to focus manually for macros.

Speaking of manual focus, my 60 macro has about 180 degrees focus ring rotation from infinity to 1:1, while the rest of my Canon lenses are about 90 degrees or less. This is a Good Thing in a macro lens.


-js

If you want to play with marco you may want to consider extension tubes
they go for $60-100 and provide excellent way to do macro

lounroxluv wrote in post #14012945
I really love all the macro shots and I'm thinking I need a macro lens. My question is what one would be the best without breaking the bank? Just want some opinions or a point in the right direction. Thank you

all the macro lens will give you good sharp pics close up, it depends on your budget and features. You can find used deals on the Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro, Canon 100mm macro, Canon 60mm, etc, for $350 or less. You can go cheaper with extension tubes or reversing rings

Mjolnir wrote in post #14013166
Ive got the Sigma 150mm F/2.8 OS. Its every bit as awesome as advertized.

I just looked at that recently after some comments.

How's the AF? For instance, if I got this lens I would like to also use it for portraits indoors with my 5DII since I don't have a long sub-f4 lens.

omer wrote in post #14015911
If you want to play with marco you may want to consider extension tubes
they go for $60-100 and provide excellent way to do macro

I don't think her husband would be too happy with that!

the canon 100mm 2.8 usm can be used for portraits, but you need quite some distance indoors.
I find thebokeh pretty smooth and the pics always sharp.
The 100mm IS 2.8L is great but if you use a tripod all the time for macros and portraits, would be sort of a waste.
You can buy a used 100 2.8usm, a canon 50mm 1.8, plus a ring coupler, a reverse ring for the 50mm, and a set of extensions tubes for less than the 100mm IS costs.
The 50mm can be used for macros with a reverse ring and even with the tubes.
You can join the 50mm on the 100mm end with the coupler, and get even closer/more magnification for macros.
You can use the tubes on either 50 and 100mm and get extra reach.
All this will cost you in IQ, but it would be a very versatile setup

1Tanker wrote in post #14017870
I don't think her husband would be too happy with that!

seems they shared the camera gear already anyway - maybe is just one more thing to shared:p

If you're taking handheld shots the 100L with IS is probably the way to go. I did a lot of research and bought one because I'd probably rarely ever use it with a tripod.