Jill Morgan Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I find the pics I take in the macro setting on the 3 lenses that I have are usually sub-par and not worth the effort. With a limited budget, is there a decent Canon Macro that won't cost me a fortune? Jill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeRay Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The version 1 EF 100mm f2.8 macro is a stellar lens and shouldn't be too expensive. I have one for my 5D MK2 and it is very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin P Wilson Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The version 1 EF 100mm f2.8 macro is a stellar lens and shouldn't be too expensive. I have one for my 5D MK2 and it is very good I would second that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Morgan Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 I shall look into it. Probably put it on my Christmas list for the hubby. Jill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeRay Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 If you're not concerned about AF this lens is amazing. I actually use mine as my walkabout lens on my 5D2. https://www.flickr.com/groups/eos-manual-lenses/discuss/72157625955573309/ I purchased mine for $150 plus $50 for the Canon adaptor. Zeiss are on record as declaring this lens as sharp as their primes and I wouldn't disagree. I have a cabinet full of Zeiss primes and can vouch for their comment. Difficult to find but if one comes I would recommend snapping it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Rooney Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The longer macros (100mm) are good if you shoot insects. I don't so I prefer about half that length, 'cause frankly I'm almost always shooting closeups rather than true macro (1:1 capability). I still own 4 Nikon macros (two 55mm, a 40mm for DX, and a 60mm for FX/DX). I have a Sony 30mm macro for my NEX system, but I prefer to use my ultra-sharp Sony Zeiss 24mm, which focuses to 6.5". My RX10, with the attached Zeiss zoom, can focus to closeup range at all zoom points. I don't know if it is a true macro, maybe someone does?, but it focuses close enough for me. Good luck, Jill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhandol Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 How about the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro (canons sharpest 50mm lens) and can be had new for under 200 quid, or cheaper second hand. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CANON-EF-COMPACT-MACRO-LENS-50mm-F-2-5-/251629541710?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item3a964a194e and a review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/50mm-macro.htm Parm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Morgan Posted September 5, 2014 Author Share Posted September 5, 2014 The longer macros (100mm) are good if you shoot insects. I don't so I prefer about half that length, 'cause frankly I'm almost always shooting closeups rather than true macro (1:1 capability). I still own 4 Nikon macros (two 55mm, a 40mm for DX, and a 60mm for FX/DX). I have a Sony 30mm macro for my NEX system, but I prefer to use my ultra-sharp Sony Zeiss 24mm, which focuses to 6.5". My RX10, with the attached Zeiss zoom, can focus to closeup range at all zoom points. I don't know if it is a true macro, maybe someone does?, but it focuses close enough for me. Good luck, Jill I am looking more for close-ups as opposed to insects. I should probably rent a couple of different ones so I can figure it out without buying something I won't be happy with. Jill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ann Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Jill - your idea of renting macro lenses sounds like a good one. I'll guess you already checked if photographer-friends near you have any Canon macros you could test drive. Members of NPS, Nikon Professional Services, have option of borrowing lens, when available, for up to a couple of weeks. I don't know if Canon has a similar program. BTW, I love my Nikon 105mm macro, both for 1:1 macros and close-up portrait type shots. It was great for capturing shots of wild birds I unexpectedly came across at a wildlife rescue & rehabilition booth outdoors at recent Scottish Festival - an odd, fun shot owl & person - Ann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clupica Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is arguably the sharpest/best lens that Canon has ever produced but, it's not all that cheap. It costs close to $600 at B&H. The newer "L" version is around $1000. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I've had six or so Tamron 90mm and they are brilliant lenses. You won't go wrong and save a few cents as well. I have now a 100mm Canon macro and also have the 180mm macro and use the latter the majority if the time. Used with live view it's stellar and the OOF lends itself towards cover or larger commercial use. Sadly not cheap but worth every penny.... I imported mine from Texas but it didn't seem any bigger than the other ones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Brooks Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I have a 70-200L F4 Canon that I use with canon extension tubes. It is critically sharp when used with the tubes at 200mm as a macro lens. I use this the most, because the lens and tubes are lightweight and always in my bag. I also like the more out of focus, not confusing, backgrounds when used at F11. If you already have the lens, buying the extension tubes would be your cheapest option. You could also try the tubes on a wide angle lens and get a different perspective like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Richmond Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 How about the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro (canons sharpest 50mm lens) and can be had new for under 200 quid, or cheaper second hand. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CANON-EF-COMPACT-MACRO-LENS-50mm-F-2-5-/251629541710?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item3a964a194e and a review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/50mm-macro.htm Parm Great little lens. I've got one and use it as a walkaround close up lens. Very sharp but only goes to half life size so good for flora, not so good for insects and smaller stuff. Biggest problem is that the angle of view is wider than the longer macros so getting a good, seperated background is more difficult. It's also worth looking at the Tamron 90mm macro. Life size reproduction, very sharp and makes a great portrait lens. A third of my shots on Alamy have been taken with this lens. Pretty inexpensive second hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stokie Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I can echo the recommendations for the Tamrom 90mm macro. I used to use this all the time until it developed an error - I really must have it repaired. I've since bought the Canon EF 2.8 macro and that is excellent for insects ect. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Endicott Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 I second the extension tubes - they are very inexpensive. I have the 100 Macro standard lens and it's a good lens - you can pick them up used, in like new condition for about $325 or $350. Many people will tell you this is also an excellent lens for portraits - while the focal length is excellent, I find the focus too slow and I find it focus hunts for that purpose. I would also recommend the MP-E 65mm Macro (especially if you are doing insects) or if budget is not a concern, the 90mm tilt shift (though there is a learning curve) - both of these lenses are manual focus. Here are links to reviews... http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-MP-E-65mm-1-5x-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-TS-E-90mm-f-2.8-Tilt-Shift-Lens-Review.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 The version 1 EF 100mm f2.8 macro is a stellar lens and shouldn't be too expensive. I have one for my 5D MK2 and it is very good Agreed, I used this lens for many years, excellent quality and great for flowers, insects etc. Only recently sold it after finding I wasn't using it, instead using the TS-E 90mm with extension tubes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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