Need Help Choosing A Macro Lens for my 350D

Hi all, Ive only had an SLR for a few months and have built a small collection of lenses (see my signature) but I want a good but cheap macro lens, If there is such a thing!

I only have around £150 to spend. Ive heard Sigma are good and i am happy with my 55-200 from them. My Tamron 70-300 has a macro mode but ive been told its nowhere near a true macro.

Im a complete beginner with macro, up until know ive used a S7000's macro mode but ive just sold it. Thanks all. I hope this post is in the correct place!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

You might be VERY lucky and pick up a Sigma 105 2.8 EX DG for that on ebay, but expect £200. It's a smashing lens but I think all the Macro's are. Might be worth thinking about extension tubes and a 50mm 1.8. I'm probably going to try that with one of my non EOS 50mm's.

Cheers, Ive been looking on warehouse express and in my local jessops (waste of time) as well as cameraworld.co.uk but i dont know where to start!

I'm very happy with my TOKINA 100/2.8. In Europe it cost approx. EUR 450.
That'd be GBP 300.
To be honest I think the other brands (CANON, TAMRON, SIGMA) would be more expensive. Good macro lenses don't comme cheap.
There is one exception: COSINA 100/3.5 MACRO, also sold with other brand names (e.g. SOLIGOR, PHOENIX) is an unexpensive lens, optically good, but not with a sturdy build. It comes wiyh an adapter lens to give you 1:1 macro, without it it is 1:2.

The cheapest Canon "macro" lens is the 50 f/2.5 macro, but it requires an expensive adapter to get 1:1 magnification. The cheapest 1:1 true macro Canon lens is the EF-S 60 f/2.8 macro.

With your price constraints, I'd take condyk's advice and get the 50 f/1.8 and a set of extension tubes.

Thankyou all! Merry christmas!

I am thinking of getting this lens and will get it from http://www.onestop-digital.com …ath=24_28&produ​cts_id=110 for £223 free delivery.

Condyk has bought from these guys with no probs.

Mike

Be aware that "onestop-digital" ships from Hong Kong to UK and you could well be liable for Customs Duty (6%) plus VAT (17.5%) DESPITE their claims otherwise. Maybe worth a gamble, only you can decide.

Anyone care to compare the Sigma 105/2.8 to the Canon 100/2.8 from actual experience?

Nigel

Maybe consider some close up filters.

I've posted several times and so have others that onestop are excellent and refund all import related charges quickly and without fuss .... even courier collection fees!