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Best Macro Lens on 20D for tight budget ?

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jhanson

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Hello everyone-

I've really wanted to get a macro lens for my 20D... Most of my wait has been due to lack of money for one, but also I've not been sure of which one to get.

I have my eye on the Sigma 70-300 APO Macro Super II. It's an awesome price, and good range and also would allow me to simply use it as an additional telephoto lens.

Your thoughts on the Sigma 70-300? Your thoughts on other macros?

My preferences are that it's not a prime lens, and that it stays under $300 if possible, $350 if need be.

My desire is to experiment with nature and whatnot with the lens. Your typical hobbiest photographer uses I suppose.

BTW, I realize there are lens forums, however I rather post here and hear about all the different brands, and the experience from other 20D users.

Thanks,
Jennifer
--
Jennifer
http://www.pbase.com/jhanson
 
I don't own this lens. I borrowed it from my brother to copy some old photos and shot around the backyard.
You don't need zoom for close up. Move the camera a few inches will do.

On the other hand, if you shot insects, then longer focal length can give you more working distance. The 100mm f2.8 is more suitable.
jhanson said:
Do you find this prime lense limits you at all? (Times you'd like
some ability to zoom in or out at all?)

Thanks,
Jennifer
--
Jennifer
http://www.pbase.com/jhanson
Click to expand...
--
Peter Kwok
http://www.pbase.com/peterkwok
 
Hello,

I would like to know if you ever experimented with macro yet?? If not and you want a cheap alternative (even though it might be a little steep learning curve) you should try a reverse lens setup. You should go to fredmiranda.com and check out the "macro world" forum there, you will find lots of help and advice on getting started, personally I don't think you want the sigma 70-300 because it is not a true 1:1 macro lens, I am selling the one I have because I bought it for kind of the same reason (dual macro and telephoto) but it is hard to use for macros because of the long minimum focussing distance. if you have any questions feel free to email me or check out the site that I recommended for you.

Oh, and you should check out Frank Phillip's site:
http://www.beautifulbugs.com

You will enjoy it!

Charles
--
http://www.fotki.com/charlemagne
 
Yes the EF 50mm 2.5 Macro is a good lens but .....

take a look also at the Sigma EX 50mm F2.8 Macro. Somewhat sharper and 1/1 (TrueLife size) without tubes.
 
The Sigma is a great lens!

Best bang for your buck, almost like the Canon 50 1.8: a lens anyone on a budget should own.
 
Hi Charles-

I have heard of people doing this and have thought about it. But figured there was indeed a steep learning curve. Maybe I'll try looking at that. I've heard of people using the same lens that I have that came with my first SLR I bought - my Elan 7. Thanks for the link and information. I might look into that.

Jennifer
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Jennifer
http://www.pbase.com/jhanson
 
B&H has it for $399.

Great lens, good distance, and 1:1 macro to boot.

Regards
Dave

--

They tell me I have to type something sensible before I can post. I sure hope this works.
 
Hi,

I used the Sigma 70-300 (not APO) on my Sigma SD9 and liked it that much, that I bought the APO-Version as I switched to Canon 20D. What I realy like is that long focusing distance, because of this: I can get 2:1 photos from butterflies, drangonflies and so on with this lens, while my friend can't get close enough (with his much better lens) without disturbing and scaring the insects away.

Also I like the possibility, when walking around in the woods, to switch from Makro (taking pictures of a bug) to Tele (seeing a bird on a nearby tree).

If you get into taking Makro-Photos, you would of course buy a better and more expensive lense, to get even closer. But I think you never would be sorry about having this one.

If you like, you find some pictures taken with this lens (with sd9 and 20d) on my gallery. Just have a look at the butterfly-, dragonfly- or spider-photos....

--
Susanne
Gallery: http://www.digital-photos.at
 
Thank you for your reply. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Probably someday I will end up buying the Canon 100mm macro lens, however I think for a cheaper and useful alternative, I will buy the Sigma APO lens. Your gallery proved it can do exactly what I'm looking for. I would definately like the ability to switch between macro and telephoto without switching lens for the same reason you mentioned.

Thank you for your thoughts again!

--
Jennifer
http://www.pbase.com/jhanson
 
Hi

As a user of this lens, a Canon 100mm Macro and an MP-E 65mm 1x-5x. I have to say that the 70-300 is pretty good, but a bit unweildy - I find it a bit hard to focus quickly with it (manually I might add).

You can also experience odd Bokeh with certain images - it can look like someone has scratched fine lines at a 45 degree angle. It doesn't do this consistently, perhaps more on the medium/long telephoto shots

Plus you have the slight inconvenience of having to remove the 1:1 filter if you need to focus on something else in the middle distance!

I prefer the 100mm Canon , but the Tamron/Sigmas are great as well. The 90-105 focal length does give you a nicer working distance than the 50-60mm range.

--
Richard Earney
http://images.method.co.uk
 
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