for macro lens.

i want a 1:1, 1:2 wont do.

i think all the sigma macros are all 1:1

but i dont know which is better.

if someone could recommend some models with pricing that would be nice.

and is it better to order from online or in store?

also what are the main elements to look for?

This post was edited by mew on Dec 15 2009 02:13pm

sigma says macro on meny lenses that arent real macro lenses. sigma 105/2.8 EX DG macro is a great lens, personally i would choose it over canons 100mm macro(non L one), canons 100mm L macro would be really nice, but it costs quite alot.

there is used sigma 105mm macro at rajala atm, costs 395€
http://www.rajalacamera.fi/PublishedService?file=page&pageID=9&itemcode=product-321

heres the address:
Sanomatalo, Postikuja 2
00100 Helsinki

the shop is sanomatalo, between to rautationtori and kiasma

personlly i would macro with old mf lenses and extension tubes

i bet every real macro lens for canon are really sharp, nice bokeh and colors, so you should think more of the focal lenght you need and focusing. usually people dont use af for macro, but if you use the lens for other than macro allso, you might want good af, sigma has one. af on macro lenses arent as good as normal lenses usually(i think the new L macro is the only exception) and focusing ring on af lenses is pure crap compared to old manual focus lenses, thats another reason why manual lenses are good for macroing.

lol that second bug looks evul

wouldnt the magnification be lower on mf lenses with extension tubes?

here are the ones i was looking at.
50mm F2.8 EX DG
70mm F2.8 EX DG
105mm F2.8 EX DG
150mm F2.8 EX DG
180mm F3.5 EX DG


but some of the canon macros are 1:2
ill look at the l series one.
and i think i might use it for other things since i intend to attach a fisheye to it.

i think its a lobster or some sort of shrimp.

yeah i cant spend that much on the 100mm l macro

probably the only difference is the sharpness and a/f

This post was edited by mew on Dec 15 2009 02:37pm

there is an amazing website specifically with macro bug photos, its so amazing but i forgot the site.

nah, you can get eny magnification with eny lens if you use enough extension tubes.

i think you should pick the right focal lenght out of those, personally i would take the 105mm. 50 or 70mm would give bigger area in focus, so you dont need to use that big f-numbers, but you allso need to get really close with them. what kind of macro shooting are you planning on?

that 100mm is L macro is basicly the best choise, but allso costs around 1000€.

what comes to fish eye add, you should use wide angle lens for it, even 15mm fish eye on crop camera loses bit of the fish eye effect. i have never heard enyone actually using those fish eye adds on normal lenses. are you sure that they arent for point and shoot cameras? quality with fish eye adds cant be other than really poor or more people would use them.

looks like some shrimp from outer space

basicly only difference on the L macro is weather sealings(but you dont have them on your camera,so they do no good), really good is(only macro lens with is for canon) and good af compared to other macro lenses