Macro lens size

I am very new to photography in general so have a question about lenses. I just bought a Rebel t3i and would like to know what lens to use to take macro photos from about 3+ feet from the subject which is about the size of a beer can. I was told awhile ago to use a reflex mirror lens of about 200 or maybe 300. I don't even know the terminology yet so I hope you know what I'm talking about. I just ordered a manual on lenses that will help me understand what all the numbers mean but would still like someones advice on this. I will be using a light tent with it.

I'm assuming that your T3i comes with the 18-55mm lens and with your current lens you can do that with no issues. Macro kicks in once you get to the real small. Think about quarter sized filling the whole frame. Beer can size from 3 feet is pretty standard.

Thanks, that's good news. So I may not have to buy an additional lens. I plan to enlarge the photo using Photoshop (that's why I wanted the 18MP), so if I can get a clear, crisp photo once I enlarge it so that, as you said, a quarter inch fills the screen, then I will be set. As soon as I receive the camera I will give it a try and find out. This is really good news if it works out! Thanks. If not I may be back.

You might want to do some reading while you wait. Check out these threads. Lots of info there.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=52418
http://web.canon.jp …g/enjoydslr/par​t1/1B.html

Patrick Michael wrote in post #15293457
Thanks, that's good news. So I may not have to buy an additional lens. I plan to enlarge the photo using Photoshop (that's why I wanted the 18MP), so if I can get a clear, crisp photo once I enlarge it so that, as you said, a quarter inch fills the screen, then I will be set. As soon as I receive the camera I will give it a try and find out. This is really good news if it works out! Thanks. If not I may be back.

If you want something small to fill the frame, why not frame the image that way to begin with? You talk about taking a picture of something the size of a beverage can, which can easily be done with your current lens, then you mention enlarging the image so you can have an image of a small detail. Why not just take the image you need, it would be much better. If you want to get fine detail closer up you can start with some extension tubes (Kenko extension tubes). They'll allow you to focus much closer up. If you need to get even closer still you can get a macro lens like the 100mm f/2.8 macro. It's relatively inexpensive (for the non L version) and very sharp.