40D Portrait / Macro Lens

tuckenator · 28 Apr 2011 at 12:59

Hi All,

Had my 40D and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for a while now and was wondering if the 'Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II' would be a good cheap lens to purchase for portrait / macro use? If not this lens, which would be best for say under £200 new or second hand?

Cheers,

Tucks

Rojin · 28 Apr 2011 at 13:06

If you want a true macro lens, have a look at the Tamron 90mm, these are about £200 second hand.

You would really need extension tubes to use the 50mm (or your Tamron) for macro. Alternatively the Raynox 250 is something you attach to the front of the lens to get some nice macro shots, they're about £40 I think. So you could get one of them and the 50mm...

Raikiri · 28 Apr 2011 at 13:27

I know it's over budget but have you considered the Tamron 60mm f2? It's fast, good AF, very very sharp, 1:1 macro and a similar focal length to an 85mm on full frame.

You can pick them up for just under £300 brand new.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/481-tamron_60_20_nikon?start=2

tuckenator · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:22

Damn you guys! I suppose my budget could stretch a little further.

Hopefully i can find the Tamron 60mm for under 300 somewhere.

Cheers guys.

D.P. · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:31

Raikiri said:
I know it's over budget but have you considered the Tamron 60mm f2? It's fast, good AF, very very sharp, 1:1 macro and a similar focal length to an 85mm on full frame.

You can pick them up for just under £300 brand new.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/481-tamron_60_20_nikon?start=2

This would be my recommendation.
A better focal length for portraits and a true macro lens that is a stop faster than basically any other macro lens out there.

Stuff · 28 Apr 2011 at 22:32

I'm selling my Canon 50mm f/1.4 if you're interested at all

tuckenator · 29 Apr 2011 at 12:59

Ha, i'll prob go for the 60mm, seen a few on the bay which seem financially viable

.

Out of interest, how much would you be selling it for?

Ksanti · 29 Apr 2011 at 15:11

How about the 50mm f/1.8 and the 90mm f/2.8 Macro? That could work out roughly the same price as a single 60, and you get two lenses that work on full frame if you move up?