Thanks for the suggestions. I'm off to do a bit of reaserch on them and then I'll try and get to handle them 1st.

My expertise in Macro is almost non existent apart from with a point and shoot years ago but I keep seeing all these interesting details that I'd love to be able to capture.

Oh I'd also like to use the lens as a portrait lens on occasion would that affect my choice out of the suggested lenses?

Hi Fiona as you are doubling for a portrait lens as well I would recommend the Sigma 70mm even more strongly now. It is one of their best bits of glass for both macro and portrait and its price should make it a front runner for you. EBay Oz sell it for about 500$au ?

It all depends on which focal length you feel is best for portrait work after allowing for the crop factor. The Sigma 70 will give about a 105 which is a nice perspective. The Tamron 90mm about 135mm which is again a nice perspective so both would be excellent. Handle them both if you can in a shop and see which you prefer to work with.

So I went for a touch and feel visit to my fav photo shop and ended up shopping, took a couple of test shots, uploaded to my gallery and thought I'd let you all know what I went for. Andy you will be pleased, yep thats right the Sigma 70mm 2.8.

Heres the link to my 1st effort, not the best subject I know but my back yard is tiny with no flowers. Onwards to tomorrow as we are heading up and out country so I should get some good photo opertunities there.

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...00&ppuser=1504

Congratulation Finlaw on your new toy.
Got late to get in and give your a radical thought but you simply can't go wrong with any Bigma. Now its time to close that F stop, light up you subject and enjoy macro world.