90-100 macro lenses for non-macro use: Canon or Tamron?

I'd like to get a longer macro lens to add to my Sigma 50f2.8 macro. I already have a Canon 85f1.8. The Sigma 50 macro is a sharp lens, but doesn't always give me the working distance I'd like or need.
I am considering the Canon 100f2.8 macro (not L), the Tamron 90f2.8, and perhaps the Sigma 105. I am leaning towards the Tamron, because I like lighter lenses and it is more than $100 less than the Canon.
Does the focusing speed of the Canon work for street candids? How many of you use the Canon macro for things other than macro work? Is it worth the extra bucks to you?
I am willing to spend a little more for the Canon if it is going to give me much better results than I might see with the Tamron. Is the Canon worth the extra money? I am not up for the L version. I can use my Canon 85 for outside use, and it is a good lens. There are times when I'd like a little longer lens, and the Tamron won't do it as well as the Canon. The Canon 100 will give me more reach than I can get with the 85, and is a plus for macro use.
What do you think?

To simplify the question:
Is the Canon 100f2.8 worth the extra $110 + hood cost ($47) over the cost of the Tamron?
Why?

Whatever you do, don't sell the Sigma 50mm... you'll regret as I did.

The results with any macro lens(as you should know) are stellar, and as such you shouldn't see any large deifferences in image quality between the lenses. IMO the biggest difference between the Canon and 3rd party is that the Canon does not extend while focusing and has USM(although the hood isn't included like with the 3rd party lenses). It's up to you.

RaZe42 wrote in post #11155481
Whatever you do, don't sell the Sigma 50mm... you'll regret as I did.

The results with any macro lens(as you should know) are stellar, and as such you shouldn't see any large deifferences in image quality between the lenses. IMO the biggest difference between the Canon and 3rd party is that the Canon does not extend while focusing and has USM(although the hood isn't included like with the 3rd party lenses). It's up to you.

The Sigma 150mm doesn't extend either and has HSM . But might be out of the budget.

THe Tamron has a very short working distance for a 90mm lens due to it's long extension while focusing (much like your 50mm macro does). If you are after more working distance, the Canon is the way to go because it has an internal focusing design.

Honestly, since you already have an 85mm, I would go with something like the Sigma 150mm f2.8. That has a significantly longer working distance.

Sigma 50mm f2.8 has a 1.75" working distance
Tamron 90mm has a 3.9" Working Distance
Canon 100mm has a 6"
Sigma 150mm macro has a 7.6"

You have gotten some nice photos with the Sigma 50 macro. I sure won't be selling mine.
Are your photos with the Sigma heavily cropped? I would guess that you have a lot to work with using a 5D.

I just took a look at the Sigma 150, and it is a sharp lens, but a handful. The price runs a bit over what I can stretch the budget to, and it is heavier than I'd like. I wonder whether I'd use it - perhaps on a tripod.
I am still in a quandry about which lens to get. The Sigma 50 is good, but short for some things, like bugs. The Tamron is sharp, but doesn't get as much working space as either the Sigma 105 or the Canon.

While my experience is only with the Canon 100 2.8 macro, it focuses VERY quickly for portrait shots.

artyH wrote in post #11155556
I just took a look at the Sigma 150, and it is a sharp lens, but a handful. The price runs a bit over what I can stretch the budget to, and it is heavier than I'd like. I wonder whether I'd use it - perhaps on a tripod.
I am still in a quandry about which lens to get. The Sigma 50 is good, but short for some things, like bugs. The Tamron is sharp, but doesn't get as much working space as either the Sigma 105 or the Canon.

I own both , the 50mm 2.8 macro and the 150mm macro. I tend to use the 50mm more for non-macro shots , while the 150mm does the macro.
I really don't find the 150mm heavy and it's not much heavier then the 100mm. But weight is a personal thing. I either hand hold it , or use it with a monopod or tripod . It really depends on what i'm doing.

But the 150 , does come with a hood , tripod collar and a nice case and a longer warranty (depending where you live), then the Canon.

CountryBoy wrote in post #11155602
I really don't find the 150mm heavy and it's not much heavier then the 100mm. But weight is a personal thing. I either hand hold it , or use it with a monopod or tripod . It really depends on what i'm doing.

But the 150 , does come with a hood , tripod collar and a nice case and a longer warranty (depending where you live), then the Canon.

Something i found with longer macro lenses is you can sometimes be in a more relaxed shooting state, So despite the weight and everything you're more braced and thus will get better results handheld...

I've done better with 100mm and 180mm macros than i ever did with the 60mm one i owned Just too hard to get so close to me sometimes...

And check the used market on the 150mm, they can be pretty close to the Canon 100 in price last i looked

KenjiS wrote in post #11155612
Something i found with longer macro lenses is you can sometimes be in a more relaxed shooting state, So despite the weight and everything you're more braced and thus will get better results handheld...

I've done better with 100mm and 180mm macros than i ever did with the 60mm one i owned Just too hard to get so close to me sometimes...

And check the used market on the 150mm, they can be pretty close to the Canon 100 in price last i looked

Yes and wait until the new Sigma 150 hits the streets , one might get a good deal on a used "older" model.

I'm use to using a 3+ pound lens all the time , so the 150mm seems light to me .

CountryBoy wrote in post #11155636
Yes and wait until the new Sigma 150 hits the streets , one might get a good deal on a used "older" model.

I'm use to using a 3+ pound lens all the time , so the 150mm seems light to me .

Heck, I'm thinking of getting the new model, Cautiously wanna see what the OS is like though.....I like my macros longer after all