Which Lens do i need????

[AndyKH]

Hi Everyone. I'm going to be buying my second lens soon but i can't decide what i want, i did have the tamron 70-300 in mind but am not sure now. I am mainly shooting flowers, insects or random objects at the minute so kind of don't see the need for a zoom. I was thinking of maybe a fixed macro? What would you guys suggest? Budget of around £250 but may be able to push that slightly.

[SamHH]

If you want to shoot things properly close-up, then a macro lens is the best option. They can also be used as a normal lens and tend to be quite good optically.

However, the downside is that they're not as versatile as an equivalently priced zoom lenses, and they're not as fast as equivalently priced not-macro prime lenses. Some of them might be slow-focussing due to the wide focus range too.

Really, you have to decide what's more important to you. Some telephoto zoom lenses can focus quite close and might be good enough for the type of photos you want to take. A macro lens is always going offer greater magnification though.

I think more people would choose a telephoto zoom lens purely for the versatility.

[oobster]

I bought a Tamron 90mm SP Di Macro Lens recently (£335 from Warehouse Express) and although I haven't had to chance to use it extensively I am happy with it.

[jon-]

I'm not sure what you're shooting with but the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro isn't that far above your budget, a good macro lens and it also doubles up as a decent portrait lens.

At f2.8 isn't not much slower than the 100mm f2 alternative and is meant to be sharp at f2.8 where you have to stop the f2 down a little.

Nikon does the 105mm equivalent

Edited by jon- on Wednesday 19th August 12:29

[AndyKH]

Sorry Guys, i'm using a canon 1000d.

[jon-]

My money would go with http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod61.html

[plg101]

jon- said:

My money would go with http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod61.html

I agree. Stunning lens.... Critically sharp.

[Dogsey]

I love my Sigma 70mm EX Macro, but it's a little over your budget. Doubles as a fantastic portrait lens too.

http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod234.html

[AndyKH]

Both of those are pushing the budget a bit. Are they worth waiting for?

[jon-]

AndyKH said:

Both of those are pushing the budget a bit. Are they worth waiting for?

If you want to shoot insects with any degree of sharpness yes. A true macro lens is a fair step up from a mega zoom where the marketing department have stuck on a macro sticker.

Look at the minimum focus distances and examples on flickr to make your own mind up.

[Ed_P]

AndyKH said:

Both of those are pushing the budget a bit. Are they worth waiting for?

If you're really wanting "proper" macro photography, then you've got to get a lens that offers 1:1 magnification. The Canon, Sigma and Tamron lenses mentioned all fit the bill as far as that's concerned. I opted for the Tamron 90mm F2.8 after loads of research and testing. Have been very pleased with it. Having that extra "reach" is good for insects. You may have trouble get close enough with a 50mm or 60mm. It's "horses for courses" though.

[AndyKH]

Good point jon, i am finding sharpness an issue at the minute (using the kit lens). I'll have to push the budget i think. I'd rather pay extra and love the results than settle on a cheaper version and then upgrade again in the future. Cheers guys.

[plg101]

Don't be afraid to buy second hand. Plenty of reputable dealers about (and under list price is possible for new)

Many offer a "wanted list" and will call you when they get one...

Personally I have had very good experiences with:

www.parkcameras.com
www.mxv.co.uk
www.mifsuds.com/usedpriceindex.htm
www.mpbphotographic.co.uk
https://secure.ffordes.com/shop/Store/index.htm

Canon glass is holding its value well at the moment and will do until the Yen comes down; used is cheaper, but the gap to new isn't enormous.


For example, ffordes have the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX Macro up at £279 at the moment. I think the Canon is better, but check out the various reviews at http://www.fredmiranda.com/

Edited by plg101 on Wednesday 19th August 15:13

[AndyKH]

I did think about the 50mm canon but i'd probably get fed up of having to get so close, Any examples from the listed lenses?

[plg101]

AndyKH said:

I did think about the 50mm canon but i'd probably get fed up of having to get so close, Any examples from the listed lenses?

Try the flickr groups function but using the lens make and model:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon100mm/