Can you tell me the best macro lens to use for a Canon EOS 300 ?

Question

I would also appreciate any other advice you can give me regarding macro photography using this camera. I muddle through, but I'm sure I can do much better with the right info.

I did have a photographer friend who offered to help me, but his hand on my leg quickly ended that little adventure!

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me, your information is very helpful.

I'll have another question soon about those little circular macro lights that go onto the lens too.

Re macro shots I've taken, there is one on that site , called "Grevillea Ponies" which I photo-shopped.

I won't insult your excellent answers by choosing a best answer. Thank you, big smile, Lizzie :o)

Answer 1

there are 2 i like the 60mm and the 100mm, links below

you could always try close up filters, some dont rate them but i findthey arent to bad depends on the desired output

heres a image made with a kit lens and a 1x close up filter -

http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1753954358&size=l

a

Answer 2

Hmm... Interesting question. As a photographer producing photographs, it's a fairly easy question. Besides the Canons, there are:

Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro 1:1 Lens +

Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO +++

Tamron SP AF90MM F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 ++

The more pluses the better the lens in overall terms, including it being in a generally useful bracket for a 1.6 frame camera like the Canon. They are all very, very sharp, reasonably priced
and well built.

The reason I mentioned it's an easy question for a photographer is that as an artist in another medium the final use of the images may lead to a different choice. You may not need the razor sharpness any of the lenses above (and the ones mentioned by Antoni - Hi, Antoni!) will provide. another lens, with different qualities and capacities may be more expressive for you.

I can't tell from your work, which I like very much by the way, how you want to use the images artistically. As far as just macro photography goes, pick any of the recommendations and you're good to go.

There are good books on Macro photography. With the EOS through the lens metering you won't have to worry about exposure compensation and the lenses are designed for macro, so, unless you want to do something very special, you won't have to get into extension tubes and stuff. That really only leaves subject lighting and understanding depth of field and how aperture effects it to understand. You obviously don't need any tips on composition and how to use its elements.

Post some of your macro images sometime. I would like to see them.

Vance

Answer 3

Antoni knows his stuff, I couldn't have answered better myself. I might add that Tamron has a 90mm macro lens which is not quite as sharp as the Canons, but it is very nice, but for the price go Canon. Stay away from the other 3rd party lenses. All of the rest really suck.

Answer 4

A "Thumbs Up" for Antoni. Buy one of the macro lenses he recommended.

A good reference book, IMO, is "Adventures In Closeup Photography" by Leif Ericksenn and Els Sincebaugh. It was written when film ruled but still has a lot of useful information.

Answer 5

I've seen your work and it's very good.
I have always used extension tubes for macro work instead of a macro lens.
Check with your local "pro" camera shop or supply.
B & H is also online and can overnite ship to your locale if needed and their prices are uaually reasonable and you can usually find used if you search around a bit.

Answer 6

The Canons are your best option.

Second best to me is the Sigma 105mm macro. Nice lens, great sharpness, but the Canon is still your best bet.