Canon 50mm Macro

Is the canon 50mm macro a good starting lens for macro? I have filters at the moment but would like clearer, closer shot and even shots. I know the 100mm macro is great and I would love that it's just out my price range. So would you suggest the 50mm or to just stick with the filters?

from what i have done you should get a set of tubes (jessops £74) and your kit lens to start with

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I think it is...and I own one. It's a little slow to focus, and has a noisy focus motor, but other than that, it's a pretty sharp little lens. Light enough to hand hold, for the most part.

Check this thread... here ... for a shot that I took with the 50mm macro. Enjoy. Oh, and by the way, the flower was about the size of a silver dollar to a quarter ($US).

Not sure of the pricing but think I would get the 50mm F1.8 and a set of extension tubes( Kenko or Jessops). That will give you over 1:1 magnification whilst I think the 50mm macro lens only goes to 0.5:1.

50mm macro is a 1:2 ratio. So half of life size. There is a converter for it, which will convert it to lifesize, but it's almost as much as the lens itself. I might just get it one day...for 239, can't really go wrong with the converter...I guess.

It wasn't until someone pointed out to me that it wasn't a 1:1 ratio and that it was actually a 1:2. Thats put me off it a bit now. I think I might go with what Courierman said and get some extention tubes as the next step after filters.