Help me choose a macro lens out of these 3 please. [Archive]

Ozzybound

14-06-2007, 10:47

Hello all,

I am about to splash out on my first macro lens. It is for a Canon 300D.

The Sigma 150 would seem to be the one that is recommended, but it is out of my budget.

The current pick of the crop for me would be

Canon 60mm
Tamron 90mm
Sigma 105mm

I am favouring the Tamron at the moment, as it seems a good price for what you get and should allow decent 1:1 shots from a workable range.

Can anyone comment on the above lenses, does anyone have experience of all three?

I am new to macro, and SLR in general.

Thanks.

markgray

14-06-2007, 10:51

Having seen some of the shots from the Sigma 105 i would go for that, haven't seen shots from the others so not sure of the quality.

namllihs

14-06-2007, 10:54

I've got a Sigma 105mm and I really like it, the Tamron 90mm gets very good reviews.

oldgit

14-06-2007, 10:57

Full discussion on very similar lines here:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=25151&highlight=macro+lens

nictry

14-06-2007, 12:00

I love my Tamron 90mm and also available for some great prices around the web.

danza

14-06-2007, 12:25

http://www.pbase.com/cameras

You'll find loads of sample shots there from all the lenses you've mentioned, if that helps.

Ozzybound

14-06-2007, 12:31

Thanks everyone - I think I'll plump for the Tamron after reading tons of reviews this morning.

Thanks for the link danza - I'll go and check the test shots out this afternoon, maybe then order a lense later.

Cheers.

Witch

14-06-2007, 13:10

Well on the strength of advice received on here recently I've just taken the plunge and ordered the big brother to the Canon lens you mention - the 100mm. An excellent price from Kerso plus cashback available from Canon persuaded me along that route. The Sigma 105mm came a close second in the opinions of most people.

Ozzybound

14-06-2007, 13:19

Well on the strength of advice received on here recently I've just taken the plunge and ordered the big brother to the Canon lens you mention - the 100mm. An excellent price from Kerson plus cashback available from Canon persuaded me along that route. The Sigma 105mm came a close second in the opinions of most people.

Who are Kerson? I keep seeing them pop up on here. Do they have an on-line shop? Do you have a link?

I may plump for the Canon, but it depends on price. From the reviews I have read, I would be happy with any one of the three - it just depends on which one I can get for the best price. There doesnt seem to be many of these lenses available second hand, shame.

TomB

14-06-2007, 13:24

Its 'Kerso', he's a very well regarded ebay seller (his ebay shop is http://stores.ebay.co.uk/FLASH-CAMERA_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm). He's also a member on these forums, if you send a PM to him (username Kerso, funnily enough!), he'll be able to tell you what his best price is.

Ozzybound

14-06-2007, 13:28

Its 'Kerso', he's a very well regarded ebay seller (his ebay shop is http://stores.ebay.co.uk/FLASH-CAMERA_W0QQsspagenameZL2QQtZkm). He's also a member on these forums, if you send a PM to him (username Kerso, funnily enough!), he'll be able to tell you what his best price is.

Brilliant - thanks very much for that, I'll drop him a PM.

Cheers.

Dan Leach

14-06-2007, 14:12

Tamron 90, I love mine :)

Ozzybound

15-06-2007, 05:40

Tamron 90, I love mine :)

Great stuff - I think I am set on the Tamron 90 after reading so many great reviews.

Cheers.

Gandhi

16-06-2007, 07:42

These (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1039) are all taken with the tamron 90mm. Good lens optically, but a little slow to focus and a bit plastic. Cheap though.....

Ozzybound

16-06-2007, 07:51

These (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1039) are all taken with the tamron 90mm. Good lens optically, but a little slow to focus and a bit plastic. Cheap though.....

Brilliant - thanks for the link, thats exactly the kind of thing I am thinking of when I think about wanting to try my hand at macro stuff.

I am sold on the Tamron now, I'll nip to town after work today and see if Jessops will do a price match with Devon Camera's for one at £260.

Thanks again.

woadrage

16-06-2007, 14:55

I have the Sigma D EX 105, though I've not used it since I went digital. I can't compare to the others mentioned but I will confirm it's a bit clunky, slow and noisy on AF. However I found it razor sharp. In my film days I photographed some of my coin collection and was surprised by the fine pitting of the metal the lens recorded found that wasn't visible to the naked eye. It showed up under a magnifying glass though.

That said, I don't imagine you'd be disappointed by any of the three lenses. Have fun with it - whatever you buy.

Ozzybound

18-06-2007, 05:35

Thanks woadrage.

I went down to my local camera store on Saturday. They didnt have any of the Tamron 90mm in stock, they did have a 70mm Sigma which I had a little play with.

I must admit, the amount of length the lens extended when focussing put me off a little. I believe the Tamron is the same.

I may have to rethink now, and save up for one of the Canon models that dont extend.

Thanks.