help?

starky987

I'm very new to photography and don't even know the terms yet. What I am looking for is a lens for taking up close photographs. What I mean by that is I want to be able to shoot flowers, water drops, etc. I'm not interested in shooting sports and animals from a distance. What do I need to purchase (a macro lens??) and do I just attach it to my camera or how do I go about being able to take up close shots like some of the ones I've seen here.

thanks
starky987

Van Isle

Hi! Glad to see you found the site.

For best macro results you'll probably want a dedicated macro lens. But way before that you'll need to know what to do with that lens, so have a long read through the forums specifically the technique and macro sections. And always be aware of the top bar at the top of the site: it has tutorials on most everything, as well as a search function to find just about any question that has been asked before.

Good luck!

VI

starky987

i will now plan on reading and learning about how to use a macro lens, thanks for the advice. as for the lens itself, any recommendations as to a good one? I have a canon eos xti 400d. my current lens is a canon 28-135. thanks

swintonphoto

How much are you looking to spend?

The Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro looks like a great one with a very reasonable price tag.

Here is a link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341925-USA/Sigma_346101_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

And here is a review:
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/299-sigma-af-50mm-f28-ex-macro-dg-test-report--review

starky987

ideally id like to purchase a lens that is in the range of $500-$600 new. This would allow me to purchase it on ebay for slightly less I would hope. I'm a college student so i don't have the biggest budget. Thanks

Scott_Quier

The Canon EF 100 f/2.8 USM Macro is right in your price range and the ratings/reviews at photozone are virtually identical to that of the above suggested Sigma. The advantage of the 100? It will allow you to work from a longer distance. I have this (the 100 f/2.8) and really like it. Another choice might be the Canon EF 60 f/2.8 USM Macro for a bit less than the 100 as it reviewed well at photozone.

Zanotti

There is a dedicated macro forum here on this site, a little further down that has everything you need to know to get started!

Z

zacker

swintonphoto wrote:

How much are you looking to spend?

The Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro looks like a great one with a very reasonable price tag.

Here is a link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341925-USA/Sigma_346101_50mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html

And here is a review:
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/299-sigma-af-50mm-f28-ex-macro-dg-test-report--review

I use it on my 30D and LOVE it, also works as a super sharp portrait lens.. really great deal @ less than $300.00

claudermilk

starky987 wrote:

ideally id like to purchase a lens that is in the range of $500-$600 new. This would allow me to purchase it on ebay for slightly less I would hope. I'm a college student so i don't have the biggest budget. Thanks

While I haven't gone the macro route yet, I've been reading a bunch of reviews as it's something I want to try. Some of the more highly-rated lenses are in your approximate price range, those being the Sigma 150/2.8, 180/3.5, Tamron 90/2.8, 180/3.5, and Canon 100/2.8. I'm looking hardest at the Tamron 180/3.5 and Canon 100/2.8 right now.