Can anyone suggest...Good Macro Lense for Canon 350D?

[Steve149c]

Hi All,

Am interested into getting into the macro side of photography. Has anyone got any recommendations for a lense that would enable me to take good closeup's? Approx 10 to 20cm from an insect? Perhaps Image Stabilisation? Budget is approx £350.

Steve

[matt_xyz]

I don't think there are any true macro lenses with image stabilisation apart from a Nikon lens which obviously wouldn't fit your Canon body. The favourite macro lenses amongst WAB members seem to be the Sigma 105mm and the Sigma 150mm. The benefit of the 105 is that it can be handheld more easily and it is cheaper. The benefit of the 150mm is that you don't need to get as close to your subject. Both are very good lenses. Another good one is the Canon 100mm.

Matt

[galanthus]

I have the Canon 60mm macro which has been brilliant, however, I don't like getting so close to the subjects, therefore, I'm about to upgrade to the canon 100mm macro. I've done loads of research over 3 months and this is a stunning lens and the shots I've seen with it are amazing, faultless by all accounts. There's currently a cashback offer with the 100mm macro so you could pick that up for about £354 in Shopping4cameras; cameras2U and tecno. Warehouse express also pretty good. The 60mm you should get for around £220, I've been watching them on ebay cos mine is about to go on there.

[pressld2]

Hi Steve,

I've just taken the plunge and bought the Sigma 150. I used it for the first time yesterday and have posted a few images in the bottom of this thread...

Do I need a macro lens?

I'm going out to play again this afternoon!

The cheapest UK price I could find was from Tecno but Warehouse Express are offering a price-match deal so I bought it from them for £379 on their intereste free credit option. Matt_xyz pointed out in the other thread that you can get it cheaper from Hong Kong but you will have to ship it back to Hong Kong if you ever need any work done under the warranty.

Dave P.

[Steve149c]

Thanks all - plenty to think about. I notice you mention an extender tube? What does this do? Does it make your closest focal distance smaller? Do I lose AutoFocus?

[Ollie]

Another vote for the Sigma 150 mm macro here Steve. Although I would recommend either a tripod or monopod to get the best from this lens it is a superb lens. Build quality is second to none and although this is my first season with it I am already addicted to it.
Roger