Macro Lens for Canon Rebel XT

[amcarrig]

Hi folks. Just wondering what you all would recommend for a macro lens for a Canon Rebel XT EOS 350. I'm not too saavy on this camera yet as I just got it for Christmas so I was hoping that somebody could help me pick the right lens. Thanks in advance!!

 

[gregr]

This is pretty much the standard of excellence for aquarium photos with Canon Eos cameras. Another option is the Canon 50mm macro- about half the price but it won't give you true macro performance (1:1 magnification, aka lifesize) but only 1:2. That's not bad but if you really want to fill the frame with polyps you'll want a lens that does 1:1.
Other manufacturers make good lenses too- Sigma and Tamron are probably the most popular after Canon.
Canon also makes 180mm and 65mm macro lenses but those are very specialized and expensive.
Greg

 

[amcarrig]

:eek1: DANG! I didn't realize that they were so expensive! Gonna have to wait for my tax refund for that bad boy.

Thanks Greg!

 

[Fliger]

After living with the 50mm macro for a while, we REALLY enjoy it. The 100mm would be awesome if I took tons of tank pix, but I don't. We use the 50mm for several purposes. Its easily the least expensive lens in the bag. I bought it fully expecting to upgrade to a 100mm macro later, but doubt I'll do it now. I also like the site below (not everyone does) cuz it has everything from dummies to pixel counters reviewing the lenses. I also got the triple rebate which made it a little cheaper.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

 

[clippo]

FWIW, unless you are a pro or are having your image scrutinised by pros, you won't be able to tell much difference between the Canon, Tamron or Sigma as far as I read it. I use a Tamron 90mm myself as it was less than half the price of the Canon. Sure it's less well built, but its also lighter which makes it nice and balanced with the 350D body.

 

[Hoggn]

I would also go with a Tamron lense. Great reviews from what I've been reading...

 

[gregr]

The older version of the Canon 100mm macro lens did not focus internally-- the lens barrel extends outward as you focus closer- nearly doubling the length of the lens. That can make using a flash on close subjects kinda tricky. I'm pretty sure the Tamron does the same thing- not sure about the Sigma.
Something to consider...

 

[clippo]

you're right Greg - the Tamron does extend too. Could be a problem if you are using on-board flash, even a speedlite.

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

For my 350D I have the Canon macro 100mm and I just adore it! Now if I could just find the ET 67 hood for a decent price!

 

[louist]

FWIW, unless you are a pro or are having your image scrutinised by pros, you won't be able to tell much difference between the Canon, Tamron or Sigma as far as I read it.

Either of the 3 will do. The pro's can't tell the difference either. The Tamron is considered to be the best, optically speaking, but it is made from plastic.

 

[Mykayel]

I just got the Canon 100 macro today and I absolutely love it.
Here are a couple of shots of my zoas that I took while playing around with it. Not the best pictures ever taken with it but I love the short focusing depth you can get with the 100mm versus what you would get with the 50mm.