beginner macro equipment help

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gav713

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Hi All,

I wish to shortly purchase a Canon DSLR, to take macro photos of bugs/ flowers/ fungi etc.

I see the latest Canon EOS's are the 1100D, the 600D and the 550D. For beginner macro photography, which would be best, bearing in mind I want to do this on a bit of a budget. Or, if I were to seek a 400D or 450D second hand would these be up to the job?

I'm after something that is responsive, can operate well in low light. Also, if you know any good cheap first macro lenses, or should I start with extension tubes? I currently have an 18-55mm from my old canon 35mm camera.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks
 
Those cameras will all be able to get good images. The main factor is your choice of lens. Extension tubes or reversing rings are a very good, very cheap way of starting out and enable you to use lenses you already have.
Are you looking to buy new or used? If you're happy to buy used a 30D/40D will get you a better camera for the cost of the others new. A used 400/450D would be cheaper still.

Getting really close up, high magnification, shots requires a small aperture to get a reasonable depth of field so additional light/flash is needed and is something else you'll need to consider.
For an example, one of mine taken with a 500D and 20-35mm with reversing ring:

Wasp by Andy_S_C, on Flickr
 
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Agree its the lens that's important for macro the choice of body will make little difference
I would look at a lens such as the sigma 105 mm or the tamron 90mm these will be perfect for insects and get a nice secondhand body with the rest of my budget:)
 
In case you may be interested I have a mint condition as new boxed Canon 60mm EFS lens which works well on a crop body, effectively a 96mm lens. I also have the MR-14EX to go with it, also as new boxed. :thumbs:

These are on the classifieds here.

Larger images also here: http://www.zen150704.zen.co.uk/
 
Although I do agree that extension tubes are a great cheap way to try macro if you can afford I would personally spend a bit more and start with a macro lens like the Sigma 105 or Tamron 90mm
You will get much sharper pictures than the 18-55mm and tubes and be easier to use:)
I started with tubes and ended up getting the Sigma 105 anyway, a proper set of tubes is at least £60 and that could go towards a lens

taken with Sigma 105 and Canon 350D:)

IMG_7023.jpg
 
Thank you for your help. A lot of people refer to the tamron 90 and the sigma 105, i'm sure this is something asked lots but, what is preferred?

I now have a 400d second hand body, nice and cheap so can spend on lenses etc. I'm going to try the reverse lens technique as it can be done cheap, using a lens i already have and then a 50mm fd lens i have just purchased, with a 52-52mm reverse adapter to try get some really cool close ups.

I would like to get the sigma 105mm or the tamron 90mm, but may see what i can get a 50mm lens for with a 2x converter and extension tubes, if i can get these cheaper, i may do this.

if anyone has any further help or advice it would be very much appreciated :)
 
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