Which Macro?

[Dark Star]

Having seen some cracking macro shots on this forum recently I'm of a mind to spend some hard earned and get myself one... budget somewhere between £300 and £400...but I'm not hugely knowledgable about the pros and cons of these beasties ie what benefits would an 85mm Macro have over a 150mm Macro and vice versa.:thinking:

For normal use I have an 18-55mm, 70-200mm and a 10-20mm.

I therefore seek guidance from the wise ones on this forum :thumbs:

Thanks in advance!

John

[dod]

Longer macro lenses usually give you a longer working distance from the subject which can be useful if you're into taking shots of nervous insects. Down side is shake is exagerated and you really need to get your technique sorted.

100mm is a reasonable compromise and at that length the Canon is about as good as it gets but I really like the look of the sigma 150mm.

[Dark Star]

Hmm - food for thought - thanks - are you thinking of buying one as well Dod?

John

[Matt Charlton]

I bought the Tamron 90mm macro lens from one-stop digital, think it was about £240. I really like it.

I'll dig you out some example shots:

http://mattcharlton.co.uk/photoblog/images/20060827001616_brid06.jpg

http://mattcharlton.co.uk/photoblog/images/20060827001835_brid07.jpg

http://mattcharlton.co.uk/photoblog/images/20060806184541_img_1320.jpg

http://mattcharlton.co.uk/photoblog/images/20060815183426_snail.jpg

[Dark Star]

Thanks Matt - love the snail!!!

John

[dod]

are you thinking of buying one as well Dod?

Nope, already got the canon 100mm, not had a lot of time to use it this year though.

http://www.hardmuircroft.plus.com/palefly.jpg

http://premium1.uploadit.org/scottydod//notsofugly.jpg

[Dark Star]

Good grief - the more I see the more I want one....all fantastic shots!

John

[Richard]

All these (http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardbaker/sets/72157594169593917/) were taken with my Tamron 90mm. It's cheaper than the canon 100mm but has the disadvantage that it extends when focussing, whereas I think the Canon does all it's focussing internally. Optically they're pretty much the same though.

[ShawWellPete]

All these (http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardbaker/sets/72157594169593917/) were taken with my Tamron 90mm. It's cheaper than the canon 100mm but has the disadvantage that it extends when focussing, whereas I think the Canon does all it's focussing internally. Optically they're pretty much the same though.

Good stuff rich - love this one
http://static.flickr.com/80/213194306_f2a21fb1e9.jpg

[Dark Star]

Very, very impressive Richard thanks - I'm thinking that the 90-105 mm focal length is good enough for what (I think) I want to do...and its between the Tamron 90, Sigma 105 and Canon 100...choices, choices!!!!

John

[Richard]

Thanks Pete :)

Dark Star - also make sure you have a read of Hacker's guide to macro stuff (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7761). It taught me everything I know :)

[Dark Star]

Ta Richard - although you can call me John :)

[busterboy]

Ta Richard - although you can call me John :)

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Hi Fred here is a sample from my macro shooting this weekend using a Canon 180mm f/3.5L

http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Macro/blowing-bubbles.jpg

And this was my first attempt when I got the lens new George...:thumbs:

http://www.timprocter.co.uk/photography/Macro/wasp.jpg

[dod]

And this was my first attempt when I got the lens new George...:thumbs:
I remember you showing that, bloody good for a lens not even run in :lol:

[Dark Star]

Thanks Eric - fantastic shots - 180mm eh? Damn the choices!

John/George/Paul/Ringo/Bert

[Hacker]

You're best bet is to try them all, I use the Sigma 180mm and it's a cracking lens if a bit heavy, the Sigma 150mm is very popular and always seems to get good reviews.

If I was buying again I would go for the Nikon 105mm VR but obviously that's not much good to you, the Canon 100mm appears to give excellent results judjing from some of the shots on here. I probably wouldn't go below that focal length as you start to get too close to your subjects.

[Dark Star]

Thanks Hacker - RobertP (a regular here) lives 2 doors away and has the Sigma 150mm - so I might have a little play when he's back from the States - need to get my hands on a shorter focal length for a play as well...

[Dark Star]

I have succumbed to a bloody good price for a Canon 100mm f2.8 from Kerso - await delivery eagerly :banana:

I'm calling it a Birthday Present in case the wife finds out :naughty:

John

[neonpollen]

John, may I ask how much for as I'm thinking of getting one too.

[Dark Star]

£315 incl p&p plus £8 for Hoya filter - very good price! Plus years worldwide Guarantee...

[Joe T]

I havent read the whole thread, but I would personally recommend the Sigma 105mm.

[Dark Star]

I've plumped for the Canon, Joe - seen some excellent results on this site and on balance I think it gets my vote....thanks anyway :thumbs: