Thinking of Buying a new Macro lens

[grenl]

I'm thinking of buying a new macro lens for my 30d and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I should go for??

[Fourwings]

If you want the best there is and budget isn't a serious issue then buy a Sigma 150mm f2.8 EX DG HSM macro lens. You will not be dissapointed.

A review of this lens is here.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/re...uct/294/cat/31

[eeyore]

on a more modest budget (circa 300notes) you could also look at the tamron 90mm f2.8 macro or the sigma 105 f2.8 macro - both of which are also reviewed in our reviews section.

I believe sigma have also recently brought out a 70mm f2.8 macro which is a bit cheaper still but i dont know if anyone here has used it

[Newhythebirder]

On my 10d I use the Tamron 90mm Macro and the Sigma 180mm Macro. The Tamron is superb IMHO. So good in fact that I don't feel the need to spend out on the Canon 100mm Macro. The Sigma 180mm is also very nice, but I don't use it that often for butterflies & Dragons - I tend to stick to my 100-400 Canon for that and get some nice images.

[nightshade]

Tamron 90,Sigma 105,Sigma 150 seem to be most popular
The Sigma150 for serious money and use
The lighter Sigma 105 with good handling(my choice)excellent images
The Tamron 90 a very good choice on a par with the Canon 100
You pays yer money.......

[colincurry]

Originally Posted by Newhythebirder

On my 10d I use the Tamron 90mm Macro and the Sigma 180mm Macro. The Tamron is superb IMHO. So good in fact that I don't feel the need to spend out on the Canon 100mm Macro. The Sigma 180mm is also very nice, but I don't use it that often for butterflies & Dragons - I tend to stick to my 100-400 Canon for that and get some nice images.

I have a Canon 100-400 and am inerested to see what you say about dragons and butterflies. Which techniques do you use and how do you go about it, please?

Thanks

Colin

[Boddie]

For handholding my choice is the 105 Siggy. The 150 is just a tad heavy. If you are going to employ a tripod I dont think you'll find better than the 150 Siggy however. I just find that a tripod for macro work is a bit too much but have yet to get into it big time

[nutmeg]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I believe sigma have also recently brought out a 70mm f2.8 macro which is a bit cheaper still but i dont know if anyone here has used it

I'm looking for a macro lens and have been considering the Sigma 105 -- then read eeyore's comment about the new 70mm f2.8 macro and I too wonder if anyone here has used it? I've read a few favourable reports of it online and it is cheaper...

[eeyore]

theres a 50mmthats cheaper still - but if you are going to photograph anything that might run , fly, hop or slither away i would reccomend you to get something with a bit of length - the 105 or tamron 90 are ideal to start with - if you have more money the sig 150mm is also excellent.

if you are only interested in flowers and other static subjects however you could do a lot worse than the 50mm or 70mm , and a couple of ext tubes or a tc for added mag

[Steve H]

Originally Posted by Fourwings

If you want the best there is and budget isn't a serious issue then buy a Sigma 150mm f2.8 EX DG HSM macro lens. You will not be dissapointed.

A review of this lens is here.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/re...uct/294/cat/31

I am presently using this lens,and yes it is very heavy but a cracking lens!
I have tried using it with a tripod and monopod but without glueing the subject down by the time I am ready to take a shot of an insect it has left appox half an hour ago
So all of my shots with this lens so far are handheld.