Suggestions for a Macro Lens

tijuana taxi

tijuana taxi

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Rich
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Always been keen on taking pictures of insects etc, but the macro on my zoom could be better

Any suggestions for a Telephoto Macro Lens please (Canon cropped sensor fit) would prefer not to be right on top of the little rascals

Been eyeing up the Tamron 90mm, Tokina 100mm and the Sigma 105mm

Comments on those listed or other suggestions very welcome

Cheers
 
I've got the Canon 100mm which is awesome, it's one of my favourite lenses! Both the Tamron and the Sigma are very highly regarded (haven't heard much about the tokina), but I went for the canon as it focusses almost silently and doesn't extend. It's up to you though, to be honest they're all very good lenses, and technique will probably play a much bigger part in the quality of your photos than the choice of lens itself!

Chris
 
Thanks for the reply, just assumed that the Canon would be a bit too pricy for me

Thinking about trading my little oft used Sigma 70-200 f2.8, so maybe I could stretch to the Canon after all
The Tokina gets a good press, but hoping for first hand experience

Totally agree though about technique and sure it takes some getting the hang of especially the lighting aspect

Cheers
 
Must say that Tamron has got good reviews and nice to hear an actual testament to it thanks

Only ever owned one Tamron lens and that was a cheaper one which wasn't too great
 
There are rarely poor macro lenses tbh. Both the Tamron 90mm and Tokina 100mm are very well regarded and very viable alternatives to Nikon/Canon offerings.
 
tijuana taxi said:
Thanks for the reply, just assumed that the Canon would be a bit too pricy for me

Thinking about trading my little oft used Sigma 70-200 f2.8, so maybe I could stretch to the Canon after all
Click to expand...

Wow, I just had a look at the prices now and I nearly choked! It was a lot cheaper when I bought mine, I got it for £230 secondhand on here! If I was buying now, I'd probably go for the Sigma, and spend the rest on a flash. Even something like a 430ex (or similar) and a homemade diffuser will really help, having to use really small apertures to get a decent depth of field means bringing your own light is a must!

Chris
 
I've had the siggy 105mm & have a sigma 150mm both very good iq and the 150mm has HSM internal focusing , the 105mm excellent for the price. And as Chris321 says you really need a flash to get the best from a macro lens.
 
Looks like it might to be down to price then if they are all fairly equal

Just posted about a site I found the Tokina on for a fair price, just hope its legit

Not great with s/hand prices, but would the sale/swap of the aforementioned Sigma 70-200 f2.8 cover it in all your estimations
 
Well that's them all recommended then, definitely going to be a price thing then or maybe weight could play a part too

Like that grasshopper

Thanks all for the replies
 
tijuana taxi said:
Not great with s/hand prices, but would the sale/swap of the aforementioned Sigma 70-200 f2.8 cover it in all your estimations
Click to expand...

The usual estimate for secondhand prices is about 75% of the cheapest new price, but that's only a guideline. Use ebay and the search thingy for a better idea. I've seen Sigma 70-200s sell for around £420 I think (although I'll take it off your hands for a tenner as long as you pay postage? :D ).

So even if you buy new, you could probably just about squeeze in a Sigma 105 and a flash (maybe going a few quid over), if you buy secondhand you'll have a bit to spare I'd imagine!

Chris
 
Thanks again Chris, might try a swap offer on the classifieds here first and see what happens

Might have to pass on that king offer of a Tenner though, even I know its worth at least double that
 
Thanks again Chris, might try a swap offer on the classifieds here first and see what happens

Might have to pass on that king offer of a Tenner though, even I know its worth at least double that:)
 
Also have the Sigma - bought off here - focus aspect is a bit slow and ponderous - but it produces very good images for the price.

Rog
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the lens's mentioned. I use the Canon 100mm and it's great. However, I have owned this lens for a year and NEVER got decent shots out of it until I started using flash. Now, I love it. So, for me, I would suggest that a decent flash setup also needs to be on your list - Macro isn't only about the lens.

Hope that helps - Just don't want you to get the lens then be really dissapointed wondering why you can get the shots that others get and get disheartened -That's my story.
 
i dont have much experience of macro lenses, but i do remember reading a comparison of all those macro lenses including the canon, and they gave the best marks to the tamron 90mm and not just on price.
 
Thanks again for the info, but that jessops deal is as follows

On the front page it says no longer available for home delivery

When the shop finder postcode is entered it says home delivery only

Useless
 
tijuana taxi said:
Thanks again for the info, but that jessops deal is as follows

On the front page it says no longer available for home delivery

When the shop finder postcode is entered it says home delivery only

Useless
Click to expand...

That's because they are all sold out and have been for a while (they no longer stock Sigma lenses).
 
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