Macro lens - best bang for the buck

Right now, i have a 30D, 70-200mm F/4L and the 50mm 1.8. I also have a wired remote for my cam and some extension tubes. I have had my extension tubes for about 3 months now but have only used them once - now, i'm craving for some macro lens.

Now, the question is - what's the sharpest, best bang for the buck macro lens i could buy that i could also use as a portrait lens? I've been reading Miranda reviews but i just want to compare your opinions too.

As for the budget, well, i could easily buy a $300'ish lens anytime and sell it for an L in the future so L macro lenses are out of the picture right now. THANKS POTN.

Ciao.

I'd go for the 60mm EFS Macro. It's a true macro lens, 1:1 focusing - tack sharp. Also the equivilant FOV on FF is around 100mm. I find it too long for a walk around lens, but perfect for head shots (to be honest, I do more headshots than macros with it, but thats because I can't find many insects).

Most of the pics in my gallery are snapped with it. The santa pics were taken at 1:1. Here's a quick photo (wide open):

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Awesome photo!

Ditto ^^

Nice shot.

Is the 60mm EFS discontinued? Cant find it on BH.

either the 60 EFS or the EF 100mm 2.8 macro. its a great lens, super sharp and great IQ.

airshaq20 wrote in post #2266730
Nice shot.

Is the 60mm EFS discontinued? Cant find it on BH.

Here it is.

Wow, I had no idea that the 60 gives full 1:1.....nice.

Best bang for the buck? Get a used Tamron 90 macro from eBay.

Just picked up a Canon EF 100 f/2.8 used for $385 shipped. Not too bad.

second the 60mm . just love mine

It depends on what you will be shooting. I have previously owned the Tamron 90mm, Sigma 180mm and Canon 60mm. They are all good. Actually I have not heard of a bad macro lens. Although the Canon 60mm might be one of its sharpest lenses you will probably be frustrated if you try to shoot insects. Allot of insects get spooked if you are a foot away and with the 60mm you will be just a few inches. If you want to shoot small objects the 60mm would be great. Since it seems you want to do both portraits and macro I would recommend the Canon 100mm f 2.8 It will give you decent working distance for insects and it works very well for portraits in a decent sized room. This lens costs about $450 and I know that is over your budget so as alternative I would recommend the Canon 85mm f 1.8 lens. This is one of Canons sharpest lenses. It works beautifully for portraits and IMHO is surpassed only by the 85mm f 1.2 L lens. It will also do very well in Macro if used with the extension tubes that you currently own.