Thinking about a new lens

OK, I am in the process of selling a pic and all $$$ I get for it will go back into this umm... hobby

I want a fixed macro and I realize all of them are rather long. I prefer a shorter working distance and I like to shoot handheld. The biggest concern is weight--I have a bad shoulder and I can't hold anything heavy steady long enough to get a shot if I can't prop on something.

I want to stay in the $600-700 price range. Or less if I can pick up some tubes (as I have been planning on anyway) to go with the lens. I know there will be problems with light with tubes but that is not an issue to me as I typically shoot underexposed abstracts.

Suggestions?

EF-S60 would fit your requirement, as you don't want anything long, the focal length is fixed, and it's light. Also, if you are going to get tubes, shorter focal length works better with tubes (in terms of magnification).

I have the EF-S 60 and I think leorooster is right. that's your lens of choice. And it's in the $400-$500 (USD) range so it sounds like that's your lens. Otherwise, I would suggest the 100. A little heavier, a little more working room and it's about the same cost.

This is, of course, assuming you're using a camera that accepts an EF-S lens.

another vote for this lens.

Thanks guys!

I am using a 350D. I am going to check the 60mm lens out. That price would leave enough in the budget for the tubes now. Also figured into the budget is the Peleng (?) fisheye that I am lusting for and that might leave enough for another card