Which Macro
 

I am about to buy my first true macro lens but can't make my mind up on which to purchase.
I was going to get the Sigma 105mm but have found good reviews on the Tamron 90mm, I am now stuck as to which I should go for.

I think all of the available macro lenses seem to be OK optically so it's down to how it handles as much as anything. So you've got to try them to see which you like best (you knew that, anyway, didn't you!)

On a similar thread over on BF I said don't forget the Sigma 150mm lens - my mate's got one and I haven't seen a sharper lens. Being a new model, it has digital cameras requirements to the fore in its design rather than just new coatings on the rear element plus the Sigma HSM with full time manual over-ride

Hi Saphire

The Sigma 150 is indeed a cracking lens - have a look at my plant macro pics in the gallery (Stuart R). The Tamron is also a very good lens but, from my point of view, the Sigma has a couple of advantages
1. You are further away from the plant or insect on the plant with the 150
&
2. The 150 does not extend when you focus unlike the 90 which almost doubles in size and can be a little difficult to use. It can also scare insects away when focussing. It is however, a very sharp lens and is considerably cheaper than the Sigma

Don't think you would be disappointed with either. The choice is up to you!

Cheers

Stuart

Thanks for the imput guys. I did look at the Sigma 150mm but its way out of my price range:((Don't want to push it;)). I have just been doing a search to find as many reviews as possible on the two lens compared with the Canon 100mm, which I would have preferred to buy, mainly because I know I wouldn't be getting the dreaded error 99 which can happen with none dedicated lenses.


I may be lucky as I have just found a source for the Canon at £288:D which is what I am willing to pay, so if they have one in stock it will be the Canon I get, Tamron will be my second choice as optically its the same as Canons.

Embarrassment time here, the Canon 100mm f2.0 lens that is priced at £288 is a non macro version:(. Good job I noticed.

I have just bought a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro (£300 + P&P from Kerso).
It has reasonable good reviews.

If you are already considering £288 as possible then the Sigma 150 is only £22more from Digitalrev including the postage and I wouldn't let them being in Hong Kong worry you - they are completely reliable.

Thanks Roy and Nigel. I have been given the okay to get the Canon so have ordered one from warehousexpress at £349 before the better half changes his mind.:D. I have tried to reach kerso last week to see if I could get a better deal and had no replies.

By the way Christine - do not forget that Canon are still doing a £20 cashback on this lens (always annoys me having to wreck the box by cutting out the barcode).

Thanks for that Roy, I didn't know about the cashback. I presume I have to download the form from Canons website.

Roy I have just gone on Canons website to download the form and it says the cashback is available from 1st April to 30th June. none for this time period. Is there a new one out.

Try this link Christine http://canon2007promotions.onlinereb...uk&view=promos

Thank you Roy, I did a search to find any new offers but couldn't find any, I must have been looking in wrong place. Thanks again.

I take it Mario predicted the inevitable pondering comments from you whilst looking back at the images on PC, such as, "oooh, I wonder if the Canon would've been any better with that image than the Tamron/Sigma"!:D ;)
...The canon is easier to live with in that respect!?

YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE MARIO ;)



P.S, I just splashed out a whole 99p on a set of s/h Contax bellows off ebay.....
Want to try with my Tamron 90mm or Contax 50mm. But I don't want to compare notes next time I see you as I don't want to cause any tears! :p

P.P.S.....I'm glad you didn't go with the Tokina in the end. We tried it out at work today...a lovely well made lens, just a shame the glass is more like something the milkman would leave on the door step in the morning....Could see the differences on the PC screen, compared to a MF 100mm macro Nikkor we also have. unusually very dissapointing for an ATX lens, or maybe the one we have is a poor/duff one?

A bit of thread catching up.
 

Nice one Christine,

I have just been looking at your early results. IMPRESSIVE.

Don

Thanks Don, I am still trying to get to grips with the DOF, not easy hand held for insects I sway to much. I have tried with tripod but by the time I have it in position the insects have gone, Lots more practice I think.

Christine,
Leif's flash diffuser for the pop up could be just the answer to off the tripod jobs. You should I think be able to get to f16 with that.

When I have finished, about a weeks worth left, and cleared my rubbish, I will try it on my off seperate flash as D2X does not have a pop up.

Don