Lens opinion

[Reefmedic79]

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto

I know it's not a true Macro lens, but per the reviews it can get great macro shots.

 

[Misled]

What kind of lenses do you have. That's not going to be good for shooting your tank. The minimum focusing distance is over 4 feet.

 

[Reefmedic79]

I just have the kit 18-55mm. Canon Rebel 300D.

Is the fact that I'd be shooting through the tank, not make this a good lens?

 

[Misled]

My opinion. It's an average lens to begin with. If you're looking new, it's about 200 bucks. You'd be better picking up a used Tamron 90mm f2.8 or a sigma 105mm f2.8 in around that price point. Then you have a good true macro, and it would have good glass.

 

[Reefmedic79]

The prices I'm finding both those lenses at start around $380, the ones I find have a bunch of letter designations that I don't understand though, I'm assuming they ate different features.

 

[Misled]

you got a pm

 

[Reefmedic79]

Awesome, looks like I may have a new lens to play with.

 

[marcgrantphoto]

The aperture is also going to require a whole lot of light.

 

[Reefmedic79]

Do you suggest supplementing it, or should the tank be sufficient?

 

[Misled]

I believe Marc is referencing the first lens you posted. The nice thing about getting into most dedicated macros is they're all f2.8 or higher. That 90mm I had you look at is.

 

[IslandCrow]

I'd definitely go for something like the Sigman 90mm macro (or better yet the Canon 100mm, but that's a bit pricier) instead of the 70-300. A telephoto can often make for a decent substitute for a macro lens in a pinch, but as others have stated, the 70-300 isn't the greatest of lenses, and you really start seeing the difference in image quality when you start talking telephotos. I wouldn't worry as much about aperture, as you're usually stopped down a bit for macro photos anyway, but if you're looking specifically for something to shoot your tank, that definitely would not be my first (or second, or third) choice. I used to own the Canon 70-300, which performed similarly from what I understand, and actually did quite well if you shot at around f/7.1 and avoided going beyond 200mm, but ultimately I just saved my nickles and dimes and bought the Canon 70-200L f/4. Of course, I don't use that lens for aquarium photography either.