best inexpensive macro lens

Anyone recommend a good but inexpensive macro lens?

How inexpensive? Everyone has different terms of inexpensive. Also what body? If our body accepts ef-s lenses then 60mm macro is fairly cheap. Also look into extension tubes which you can find Kenko extension tubes for $120 ish

just picked an older used macro on ebay for 80

What do YOU consider "inexpensive"? Also for what camera

No price range makes it kind of difficulty to give a answer

For me it was the canon ef-s 60mm macro. For you that may be too expensive, too cheap, or just won't fit your camera.....not a clue with out more info.

also need to know what you are going to shoot--the combination of body and what you will shoot influences what focal length is best. If you are shooting APS-C, the efs 60mm that two people recommended is superb, but a bit short for bugs. I've used mine for bugs a lot, but it is not optimal. for bugs, something in the range of 100mm is better, like the canon 100mm non-L. You can probably find either one used. But most dedicated macro lenses are optically good.

I would recommend extension tubes with AF functionality. IMO its the cheaper way to get into macro.

Nikkor 55mm f/3.5

I have a 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro. I LOVE that little lens for $200. It is razor sharp. I do not do detailed macro like bugs and such, but for what I use it for, it is awesome. I can throw it on my 7D for a tighter crop or put it on my 5D2 for a different framing. For $200, I think its the best bang for the buck.

Zuiko 50/3.5 macro, but it will only give 1:2.

I agree on the extension tubes with AF. rented a canon 60mm from borrowlenses.com i dont know if it was because it might have been used alot or thats the way it is but did not enjoy shooting with it. going to go with the extension tubes, 80 bucks for a decent set.

I use a Canon 18-55mm reversed and love it. Check out my flickr link. All the bugs and flowers are shot with this setup. The reversing ring cost $6 so its very cost effective.

i had the 60mm Canon lens for awhile, very good quality for not a lot of money

rick_reno wrote in post #15057334
i had the 60mm Canon lens for awhile, very good quality for not a lot of money

for a crop 60mm macro is the best you can get..wish they had one for full frame....im using a Sigma 105...my only non canon L... i only use it for ring shots and up close detail stuff,,,it does a good job

You didn't mention the purpose. From the least investment to most expensive, you can get lenses like the Tokina 35f2.8 macro (crop only), Canon 50f2.5, Sigma 50f2.8 macro, and then the prices hit $400 or over.
What is your price range, camera and purpose?

Kenko automatic extension tubes. Best and cheapest macro option long term because every lens you have or get will be a macro lens. You could reverse mount lenses as well