Macro - what lens should I start with

GW1970

GW1970

GW1970

Associate
Joined
16 Nov 2012
Posts
457
I have always been interested in all creatures great and small but never had the opportunity to spend money on a dedicated macro lens.

I'm looking for advice as to what lens would be ideal to start with - my camera is a canon 600d.

Any / all help is appreciated. :)
 
Canon ef 100mm F2.8L macro usm lens it is then - looks like its discounted on canon spring money back scheme so even better.

Thans for the quick solution
 
Price brackets, pick the best one you can afford basically.

c. £200
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro
(Not the VC model which is new and much more expensive)

c. £300-400
Tokina 100 f/2.8 or Canon 100mm f/2.8
(The Tokina has better build quality, but the Canon has slightly better optics and internal focusing which can be a boon)

c. £500 and up
Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS
There are arguments here for the likes of the new Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX OS DG HSM lens which is a fantastic one, but the build of the Canon is better and there's something to be said for having a first party lens. If you want to go with Sigma then I'd look at the 150mm f/2.8 OS HSM but bear in mind on a crop camera like yours that will be a very very long lens which might not be ideal.

You can go with shorter and longer lenses but there are issues with both. Go much shorter and you lose reach and start having issues with the lens blocking light on the subject and having to get too close to things like insects. Go much longer (talking about the 180mm lenses primarily) and it becomes impossible to shoot handheld without a seriously good vibration reduction system.
 
A lot depends no what you want to shoot, insects, then look at the sigma 150mm or 180mm.

Flowers then a 105mm lens is useful. For still life then something wider liked 50mm, even 35mm if on crop.
 
Last edited:
I guess its mainly going to be insects as my garden tends to attract a wide range of species - looking at the reviews on the new 100mm Canon that would seem to be a good starting point for me.

thanks everyone for your input its much appreciated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom