I Need a macro lens

Reefun

Reefun

New member
I would like to get a macro lens but would like to do it on a budget. If anyone knows of a cost effective lens please point me in the right direction. I found a few on Ebay but don't really know what I'm looking for so it's hard to spot a good deal. I would like to keep it under $100 but if I really have to go higher I might have to deal with it.

Thanks for any info
 
Firstly...what DSLR are you using?
Secondly...macro lenses need to be high quality, and < $100 is going to be a very difficult hurdle. You will have to buy used at the very least.

It's like walking into the Outback Steakhouse with $7. I mean you could order a beer...but...even the appetizers cost more than that.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14842903#post14842903 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
Firstly...what DSLR are you using?
Secondly...macro lenses need to be high quality, and < $100 is going to be a very difficult hurdle. You will have to buy used at the very least.

It's like walking into the Outback Steakhouse with $7. I mean you could order a beer...but...even the appetizers cost more than that.
Click to expand...

Sorry I was little tired when I wrote that.

I have a Canon Rebel xsi

I know I should be buying a steak but I would like to get a appetizer or a beer and if I like that I will go for the prime rib. I don't like the idea of buying a used steak but I would be open to the idea of buying a used macro lens.
 
Well a real macro lens is a steak. Your not getting it for $100. The 18-55 is a beer...or a lemonade...you should already have it. lol
Sip on your drink and decide if you want a $500 macro lens or not. That is basically your choice as I see it.

No, the "Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro" for $170 new is NOT a macro lens.

I say time and time and time and time again, DSLR's are $2000+ hobbies. If you have no intention or desire to spend that kind of money but want a decent camera, get a Canon G10 or Panasonic LX3, or some other point and shoot.
 
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I currently have the Canon XTI and use the Sigma Macro found HERE and I really like it. It's over $100 but its still very affordable. Good luck!
 
While that's a decent lens, it's not a true macro. It only does 1:2.3 magnification. True macro starts at 1:1. I'm not aware of any zoom "macro" lenses on the market that can do true macro. You're much better off getting a dedicated macro lens.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14846775#post14846775 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
While that's a decent lens, it's not a true macro. It only does 1:2.3 magnification. True macro starts at 1:1. I'm not aware of any zoom "macro" lenses on the market that can do true macro. You're much better off getting a dedicated macro lens.
Click to expand...

Ok now I have to ask what its a dedicated macro lens???
Please be nice I'm new to this and trying to learn
 
My wife just picked up the Tamron 90mm macro today. Gotta admit, it's a nifty piece of hardware. She liked its feel, features, and balance on her camera much better than the Nikon 60mm macro (they didn't have the 105VR to try but it wouldn't balance well on her Fuji S2 Pro so she wouldn't have liked it anyway).

I may have to play with it to see how well it does. She does a lot more macro stuff than I do.
 
If you want to go the cheap route before you spend $500 pick up an inexpensive (~$80) 50mm lens and a reverse mount adapter and play with that.

Before you ask... just google it :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14847502#post14847502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jacob D
If you want to go the cheap route before you spend $500 pick up an inexpensive (~$80) 50mm lens and a reverse mount adapter and play with that.

Before you ask... just google it :)
Click to expand...

wuts google? (jk) hahaha
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14847502#post14847502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jacob D
If you want to go the cheap route before you spend $500 pick up an inexpensive (~$80) 50mm lens and a reverse mount adapter and play with that.

Before you ask... just google it :)
Click to expand...
Yeah but good luck taking a picture of anything in your tank aside from the mouth of a snail attached to the glass. For someone who already has a macro lens and is bored, I can see trying that just for kicks. For someone looking to save money that looks like a good way to waste it IMO. Now you have $100 + whatever you were going to already spend. Just do it right the first time. Canon 100mm f/2.8. Compared to what competing manufacturers off it is a BARGAIN at $500. In the world of macro $500 *is* cheap. :lol:
 
Alright I've looked and looked and done some reading. And I now would like to find something in the $500 range. I think the canon 100mm f/2.8 is what I want.
So now the question is where is good place online to buy it???
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14850778#post14850778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefun
Alright I've looked and looked and done some reading. And I now would like to find something in the $500 range. I think the canon 100mm f/2.8 is what I want.
So now the question is where is good place online to buy it???
Click to expand...

B&H Photo Video. They'll have very close to the lowest legitimate price available online and they're great to work with. I have my paychecks wired directly to them. :)
 
Ok I went to B&H and have the canon 100mm f/2.8 in my shopping cart and even went with the two day shipping for only $6.25 more what a deal on shipping:)
But the site says they are not excepting orders for another five hours. So I have left the page open and with make the order this afternoon when they start again. Thanks for the help I can't wait to get my new toy :)
 
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