help?

starky987 · February 12, 2008

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 · February 12, 2008

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 · February 12, 2008

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 · February 12, 2008

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 · February 12, 2008

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 · February 13, 2008

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 · February 13, 2008

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 · February 13, 2008

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 · February 13, 2008

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.

help?

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