New to digital slr's and macro photography

afroyeti · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 12:42 PM

Hi im new to digital slr's, macro photography and the website so hello i hope to contribute lots of photos when i buy the camera.

So i've finally decided to upgrade from my film based slr to a digital one, now i've found this forum extremely useful in deciding what camera and equiptment to buy. now i'd just like to ask for your help as i want to just check that i've made a wise choice and that it will all work together, also not too sure which lense to buy out of the two i've listed.

CAMERA: Cannon 350D (comes complete with the 18-55 lense)

LENSE: Tamron AF 180mm f3.5 Di 1:1 Macro (72mm)
or
Sigma 105mm Macro

ALSO: Kenko Pro 300 AF 2x Teleconverter

So, thanks in advance and i hope i can add lots to the forum.

Tobyh · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 01:09 PM

Hi there, welcome to the site.

Looks like a great choice of kit. I don't have any of the items you are looking at (I own a Nikon D50 and use the Tamron 90 with a 1.4 TC) but I'm pretty sure a few others will pop their ideas in. The Sigma I think is one of the most popular macro lenses due to being a decent lens but not overpricey. The Tamron 180 I'm sure would be excellent, I love my 90 but couldn't stretch the cash far enough for a 180. I can't see you being disappointed with either.

I use a Kenko Pro 1.4 TC with my setup, I didn't go for a x 2TC as I'd read a few reviews that discouraged that amount of magnification. I can't honestly remember if it was losing the F stops or the quality that was an issue, maybe worth considering although I'd love to know how it works should you get one. For info the TC works fine on my Tamron.

TobyH

Alan · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 01:19 PM

Hi afroyeti, and welcome to the forum.

I’m a Nikon use so cant really comment on the 350D, from what I’ve heard though, you cant go far wrong with it if it’s in your price range.

I’ve used the Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro, which is a really good lens. Again I can’t comment too much on the ones you’ve listed, but some of the other members will give you more help.

The macro lens of the moment seems to be the Sigma 150mm, but this may be out of your price range. The 105mm is a good lens though, but you don’t have the working distance of the 150mm. If you can, try them out first before you decide.

I have a Sigma 2x converter, but it can only used it in extremely bright conditions. You might have been better off sticking with a 1.4 or 1.7x converter. Do you intend to use it on one of the macros?

Again, you’ll get more advice from the other members.

Hope this helps

Alan

Boddie · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 01:23 PM

I have the 350D and the Sigma 105 and here are some of my results.

I am very much a novice by the way.

Please click on the images to enlarge them

I love both pieces of equipment and rate them highly. I would say go for the 1.4 also

DaiTheDragon · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 01:45 PM

The Canon 350d is a great camera, the 18-55 kit lens is not so good. Have you thought about buying the 350D body only and getting an eqivilent 15-55 lens from Sigma.
I don't think there are any "bad" macro lenses. The 180 Tamron or 150 Sigma will let take photographs without having to get to close to the subject.
Don't forget that using a 2x converter will add 2 f stops so you will either need good sunlight, insrease the ISO or use a tripod.
Dai

nightshade · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 02:40 PM

Buy a body Nikon or Canon,a Sigma 70-200 and 1.4x converter

cannylad · #7 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 05:55 AM

I am using the Canon 350 and have just bought the Sigma 105 for close up work and am quite happy with the combination. The Sigma 150 seems to be very popular but is more expensive, i also use a Sigma 170-500mm for bird photography and have been very happy with the results so far.

regards cannylad.

afroyeti · #8 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 06:30 AM

Got to say im amazed by the quick replys not only in how welcoming they are but the information they contain, thanks guys you've made me really welcome.

Also you've given me your insight to the equiptment i plan to buy and i'll defenatly share with the group what my final decision is.

Thanks

Andrew

Fourwings · #9 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 08:00 AM

The combination of the Canon EOS 350D and the Sigma 105mm macro is an excellent choice, its fairly compact, well made and you can hand-hold it in good light conditions.
I'm sure you have already seen Boddies images earlier in this thread so you know just how good the results from this combination can be. I use a Canon EOS 20D fitted with a Sigma 150mm EX DG macro lens which is an awesome macro outfit but as others have already said its very expensive.

Personally I'd forget about converters, you loose far too much light and image quality through them where macro work is concerned, I know it gives you a bit more distance from your subject, but if you practice your fieldcraft techniques you will find that getting that close approach is easy.

eeyore · #10 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 08:01 AM

Hi Andrew and welcome to the crew , out of the two lenses you have listed i would go for the tamron 180 , but as several other people have said the sigma 150 is also worth a look.

if you want a shorter macro then as well as the sig 105 , the tamron 90 is a good bit of kit too

hope thats helpful