I brought mine for $785 brand new ^_^.

You lucky bastard!
hehe maybe you can buy another one for me

It's was back then when bing was awesome. Bing cashback + eebay bucks + adorama sale = win.

I have heard of those Bing cashbacks but it only works if I order stuff in the US right?
hehe maybe I will just wait until Canada become the 51st state

Ahh, but autofocus is almost never used in macro photography. So this is actually a good suggestion if you're on a budget. I think if you read up on macro photography and techniques you'll change your mind about manual focus!

If I ever get that lens if won't be for macro exclusively, and I plan on using it for horse photography and stuff....

Macro is pretty much always shot focusing manually. Even with AF lenses, it gets to a point where you pinpoint your focus manually, either by using a focusing ring or doing the whole rocking back and forth thing. Seriously, I would go cheap and get a used mf macro lens, then spend what you'd save on a prime to shoot your horses with Marie. You'd be much happier shooting your horses with a sharper, faster, non macro lens anyway. I really think you need to consider this option.

You'll be getting a Canon brand lens likely, so anything you get is auto pro. Nevertheless, a macro lens is 100% fun.

I'd go with one of the 100mm lenses then if they're in your budget. Obviously the L will be better, but the non-L is excellent also (no IS though)

I have never used a true macro lens before but I do find AF necessary if you are shooting lets say a dragonfly hovering in the air or any other living insects that are not sitting still.