macro lens

gess · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2008, 11:46 PM

Hi all, I'm relatively new to photography, apart from the usual family record stuff

I'm hoping to have time to enjoy some walking and photography along the way...
I have a sony dslr a200 and was wondering about a macro lens, would value your expert opinions of a good value lens as I don't want to spend loads or choose unwisely

thanks

ron1863 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2008, 11:51 PM

I think the most popular is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Check some of the macro shots in the Gallery for sharpness etc.

Ollie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 01:03 AM

Hi Gess and welcome.
As Ron said the Sigma 150mm f2.8 is a cracking lens. I use it as do many others on here.

it's a very robust well built lens and you won't find anything at the same price to beat it for sharpness and detail it picks up.
Roger

LoveT · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 07:31 AM

I agree with all that:

I don't have one, but it's one that's definitely on my 'would buy as soon as I had the money' radar - have a look at photos in the Gallery that others have taken with this lens, as Ollie and Ron have said.

At present I use my 50-200mm zoom lens for some of my close up work (set on 100 - 150mm), but I also have a dedicated 50mm macro lens, which I use with my 1.4x teleconverter or extension tube, but that means I have to get pretty close to what I want to photograph, and insects don't generally hang around if you get too close

. However, if you only want one lens to do the job then the Sigma 150mm macro is definitely 'it'.

Thea

DavyG · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 09:53 AM

As everyone else has said, the Sigma 150mm is the macro lens to go for.

It's good value and produces great results, there are some excellent pics in the Gallery taken by WAB members using this lens.

If you can't run to the cost of the 150mm, the Sigma 105mm is also a great lens, it takes a bit more effort but produces great pics.

Dave.

highlander2004 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 09:58 AM

Hi gess,

these shots were taken with a sigma 150mm macro. I have had it about 2 months now and am very impressed with it.

I managed to get it 2nd hand on e-bay for a reasonable price and it is worth every penny. I researched other lenses and the general opinion is that this is about the best for the money. An equivalent Nikon would be a lot more money for only a slight improvement in quality although you are buying a very good build. I find it a tad too heavy to hand hold and use a tripod when I can, usually as a mono-pod if a quick shot is needed. At first I found the tripod a pain in the bum but you get used to it and the sharpness is bang on every time. To date it has not been off my camera. I am considering getting a 1.4 tele-converter just to give me a bit more distance as some of the dragonflies are a bit wary about getting close. The Keeled Skimmer had just eaten a large insect so was in no hurry to fly! Whatever you get, happy hunting!

ron1863 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlander2004

Hi gess,

these shots were taken with a sigma 150mm macro. I have had it about 2 months now and am very impressed with it.

I managed to get it 2nd hand on e-bay for a reasonable price and it is worth every penny. I researched other lenses and the general opinion is that this is about the best for the money. An equivalent Nikon would be a lot more money for only a slight improvement in quality although you are buying a very good build. I find it a tad too heavy to hand hold and use a tripod when I can, usually as a mono-pod if a quick shot is needed. At first I found the tripod a pain in the bum but you get used to it and the sharpness is bang on every time. To date it has not been off my camera. I am considering getting a 1.4 tele-converter just to give me a bit more distance as some of the dragonflies are a bit wary about getting close. The Keeled Skimmer had just eaten a large insect so was in no hurry to fly! Whatever you get, happy hunting!

So your the one who outbid me then

Ron

highlander2004 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1863

So your the one who outbid me then

Ron

Sorry Ron! Alls fair in love, war & e-bay!

Nick.

ron1863 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlander2004

Sorry Ron! Alls fair in love, war & e-bay!

Nick.

I will keep trying Nick, no hard feelings, you sw..

Ron

gess · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 08:04 PM

Thank you so much everyone

I have had a look at some of the Gallery and am most impressed by so many........ hoping I will manage to produce something close one day! Will have to keep going with what I have for now

looks like theres going to be a bit of a queue on ebay

thanks again folks