is this a decent macro lens?

[LarryW]

I am looking to buy an Canon Digital Rebel XSi, and I want to get a good macro lens with it. here's the one I am looking at.

The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM is the first true Macro lens in the EF-S series. This dynamic, compact, fast-focusing lens provides dramatic detail that goes beyond the human eye. Having an effective focal length of approximately 96mm in 35mm format, it produces life-size close-up results. With capacity to reproduce an image on the sensor that is as large as the subject itself, you take your audience inside a magnificent miniature world.

Designed specifically for digital photography, the lens has specially shaped lens elements with Super Spectra coatings to suppress ghosting and flare, which can be caused by reflections off a digital camera sensor. An exclusive optional lens hood (ET-67B) further reduces the incidence of flare.

Note! Not suitable for 35mm film SLR cameras or digital cameras with image sensor bigger than APS-C size, only fits on the EOS Digital Rebel series or 50D, 40D, 20D & 30D SLR cameras.

• Uses optics designed to take full advantage of the small image circle and short back focus in EF-S lenses
• Optimized lens coating minimizing flare and ghosting prone occurring with digital cameras
• Near-silent Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) provides super-fast precision auto-focusing with full-time manual (FT-M) override
• Circular aperture diaphragm produces a more attractive appearance to out-of-focus background areas in photos shot using the widest apertures
• Accepts both MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite and MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite flashes



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=371176&is=GREY

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

That is a really nice lens for toy cars or coins but you want the 100mm f/2.8 Macro for your tank. The 180mm f/3.5 macro would be even better and I vow to own it someday. The problem with the 60mm is that, you have to get closer to your subject than the glass of the tank will likely let you for macro work. Even the 100mm has to shoot subjects relatively close to the glass for true macro, which is one of several reasons I want the 180mm.

 

[BlueCorn]

Larry,

To expand on what TS said. It's not that it's not a nice lens. It will take really sharp macro images. The issue lies in the definition of "macro." Generally speaking true macro shooting occurs at 1:1 magnification. What that means is that the size of the object in real life is the size of the image that's being projected on your camera's sensor.

So using the the two lenses mentioned at an example, to get 1:1 magnification with the 60mm you need to be 7.9" from your subject. With the 100mm you can be 1.1' away from your subject; ~5" further. The 100 gives you additional working room while providing the same magnification. The 180 gives you more distance as well but you pay for that distance in both dollars and bulk.

Cheers

 

[LarryW]

ok that makes sense. I stepped up to the 100mm f/2.8 Macro based on everyones suggestion here and a couple other places...

thanks!

Larry