Stepping up, need your advice.

Well, it looks like I'm about to move up to a Rebel XT/350D. Yeah, I'm hooked.

I know many of you have or have had one so I would like to know what is/was your favorite macro combinations? Lenses, tubes, extenders, ect based on overall versatility and results. Thanks!

Read the "sticky" thread at the beginning of this forum for macro advice. You find helpful hints there. Come back and share your results.

Yes Dennis thanks, I've already read the sticky. Was just trying to get a better idea what combinations work best day in and day out for some of the regulars here. There are sooo many options available and several of you here have obviously sussed them out.

So let me approach this from a different direction. As a spoiled S2 IS owner (w/12x optical) I really think I would enjoy the long minimum distance to focus that the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO would afford. From there I'm guessing the 1.4X extender would be a good option for closer work. Or could I add some Kinko Tubes and get the same/similar results? Would I retain autofocus with the tubes?

Or should I really post this to the lens forum instead?

Hi Dave,

Canon 350D is an excellent camera.......I got one...
and when it comes to Macro work......Nothing beats a Macro Lens
I myself recently bought a Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro
and you can see the picture of the combination (Canon 350D + 100mm 2.8) here

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=122853

I also have some similar questions.......and looking to get the answers in a day or two...

Throw some light on the subject guys......

Thanks
Kaipu

Well obvoiusly I'm going to say my 105mm EX macro lens and a set of extension tubes (I use Jessops but the Kenko ones are about the same) but any of the macro lenses will be great but I would also get a set of extension tubes. I prefer the use of tubes to an extender as you do get better image quality and with practice the minimum focus distance should not be a problem.
Ckeck out my gallery to see the results of my favourite combo)
Brian V.

Hi Kaipu. Yes I had seen your wasp. That is an excellent shot!

I did find one important bit of info in my search to understand the lens choices better. The Kenko tubes won't work with the EF-S mount lenses that are exclusive to the 20D and 350D cameras. Fortunately I haven't bought my Rebel/350D yet as I was considering getting it with the kit lens. That also means the tubes won't work with the Canon 60mm macro lens, as they are both EF-S mount.

Thank you Brian, I was hoping you would respond. I knew you had both a Sigma 105mm and the/some tubes but wasn't sure if you used them together regularly. I think one of the things that was bothering me was how close in you were in that "beanpole" photo. Definitely remote flash territory, ie more money/equipment.

That's why I'm considering the Sigma 150mm instead of the 105. Still not sure if it would be worth another $180 for only a 3" greater minimum. Maybe that money would be better spent on a flash. The 150 sure is getting some good reviews though...

http://www.fredmiranda​.com …owproduct.php?p​roduct=280

Decisions, decisions... Thanks again!

I seem to be in a minority in having a short focal length macro - the Canon 60FES (EFS is fine by me as I like the 1.6x crop and have no intention of going FF). The downside with a shorter lens is working distance and I will definitely get fewer butterflies and dragonflies than someone with a 150 but the plus side is compactness/portabilit​y; you can shoot one-handed if necessary. Jessops extension tubes work with EFS lenses but with the occasional err message, I also have a Canon 25 EFS tube. Ringflash - again compactness, ease of op is superb but off camera diffused EX flash can give a more pleasing, less uniform light.
You could do worse than a Sigma 150 with a 430EX flash and some Kenko tubes.

Extension tubes are great, I'm really the odd ball here, I like putting them on telephoto/macro lenses. like my 28-300, did a real good job and gave me lots of working room. Canon does have a 180mm Macro.

Aaarrgh... you guys are killing me! Four responses with four different combinations.

We have: Kaipu with the simple but sweet Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro.

LordV with the Sigma 105mm macro w/Jessops Extension tubes.

Racketman with the Canon EF-S 60mm macro, Jessops tubes, and the occasional Canon 25mm EF-S tube.

And last but not least, Bald Eagle with the Super Wide/Telephoto/Macro Tamron 28-300 with extension tubes.

You guys sure made it tough, but I decided to go with the most versatle, though slightly different combo:

Rebel XT - Sigma Zoom Wide Angle Telephoto 28-300 f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro - Kenko Extension Tubes.

This lens reviewed sharper than the Tamron, nearly as good as an L lens up to about 200mm, but with occasional focus hunting at the longer ranges. I can live with that, if true as my S2 with a TC tends to do this too.

Thanks for all your help guys. Should have the new toys by Friday at the latest. Bring on the Macro Challenge!

Dave, speaking from the success I had with my 28-300, you are going to love that combo. Cant wait to see your pics, If you have any problems with anyhting, let me know, I'd be glad to help a fellow oddball

Thank you BE. I'm a bit concerned about buying so in-expensive of a lens sight unseen, but figure if it will meet my needs in macro and walk about, I will have a headstart on saving up for a fine long range wildlife lens... my other passion. Thanks again, I really appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge with us macro newbies.

mecdave wrote:
Thank you BE. I'm a bit concerned about buying so in-expensive of a lens sight unseen, but figure if it will meet my needs in macro and walk about, I will have a headstart on saving up for a fine long range wildlife lens... my other passion. Thanks again, I really appreciate you guys sharing your knowledge with us macro newbies.

you'll need a decent tripod with the long wildlife lens when you get it. I tried out a 400mm f5.6L and couldnt get any decent hand held shots and exchanged it for a second camera.
Anyway good luck with the zoom - i've used my 70-200f4L with a tube successfully for butterflies.
You might consider the 50 f1.8 lens too for a compact walkabout that will work well with the tubes you are buying. Useful, cheap fast lens and very sharp.