Quote (chantal7 @ Feb 12 2010 04:37am)

Well, I am just starting to check out the macro world of photography. It seems like a lot of fun.

I just want to know a few things about macro lenses. In fact, I couldn't even tell you what one single macro lens is even called, I am that noob.

I can't buy used, and I know it's cheaper, I just cannot do it living in the place I live. And I don't do eeeebay.

Are they expensive?
Can you get a decent one for a good price?
What the hell do I start searching for in terms of a name for this lens???? It's really confusing.

Please reply in such a way that I can understand, all the camera language still confuses me after 2 years

I would like you to share your knowledge with me! I am completely new to macro, so anything I should know please tell.

I just need something to start me off so I can maybe think about buying one... just maybe!

Thanks for your time.

Quote (TheBlackRose66 @ Feb 11 2010 10:42pm)

Quote (Eek @ Feb 11 2010 11:14pm)

You shoot canon right? If you're into 1:1 ratio

These are a few good ones.

• Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro
  
• Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro
  
• TAmron 90mm f/2.8
  
• Sigma 105mm f/2.8

Those are all within the $400-500 range.

Ofc you can always go cheaper by getting a MF lens (i'm a noob there, so don't even ask me which one).

Or if you can live without 1:1 ratio, you can be like me and play with extension tubes (not to mention it's cheap too)

This is the set i have

Kenko extension tubes
http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Canon-Mount/dp/B000U8Y88M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265951565&sr=1-1

Extension tubes reduce the minimum focusing distance of lens which allows you to focus closer (thus making the subject bigger).

When doing those type of work.. i highly recommend a tripod and manual focusing.

Cheers,
John.

Quote (CitizenScuba @ Feb 12 2010 12:16am)

Lol Chan... I already told you...

Kiron 105mm f/2.8, Lester A Dine 105mm f/2.8, Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5... Best macro lens ever made! (google it) You don't need an auto focusing lens for macro... And if you do end up getting an auto focus lens, you'll end up shooting manual half the time anyway. Tripods may be useful, but they are not needed! As long as you have a flash, you seriously don't need a tripod. I've done all my shooting handheld with my macro lens so far. Look for the 1:1 reproduction ratio. Extension tubes will minimize closest focal distance BUT you lose a bit of quality with them imho.

Quote (chantal7 @ Feb 12 2010 08:36pm)

What is 1:1 ratio? I assume that's probably what to look for... those lenses you listed are about my price range. Thank you for sharing this info! This cleared up a few things.

And also, what do Extention tubes do?

And yes, I am using Canon! oops forgot to mention that.

Quote (chantal7 @ Feb 12 2010 08:36pm)

Why does macro even have auto focus anyway? Thanks a lot for this

Quote (Eek @ Feb 12 2010 07:46pm)

1:1 ratio means the object in real life occupied the same amount of space on the sensor.

So for example.. you have a 35mm sensor camera. And you're trying to take a picture of a quarter (lets approximate and say it's roughly 35mm across also).

The quarter will take up the entire width of the sensor. Thus the lens having a 1:1 ratio.


As for extension tubes. They can be attached to almost any lens with the same mount, reducing the minimum focusing distance of the lens itself. Lets say you have a canon 50mm f/1.8 and it has a minimum focusing distance of 18 inches.

By attaching a extension tube to it, you can reduce the minimum focusing distance down to 2 inches. Thus making the subject appear alot bigger on the sensor. Magnifying it.

Quote (Eek @ Feb 13 2010 01:34am)

It can also be a all purpose lens.

Lots of people love the 100mm f/2.8 macro as a portrait lens too