Now that I've got a DSLR, which macro lens should I buy?

Well after reading through this thread I ended up with more questions than when I started. I know nothing about photography, but would like to work on it. My girlfriend has a Canon EOS Rebel XS that I've been using. I've just been using the kit lens and would like to purchase a macro lens for it. But the EF 100mm f/2.8 costs around $600. Will it behoove me to spend more on the lens than the camera is even worth? Particularly if I have no idea what I'm doing?
 
Yes, it's a portrait lens. It's not a macro. It is a very nice lens but won't do what we really want it to for a reef tank macro. You can look into a Sigma 105mm f2.8 or a Tamron 90mm f2.8. Both are highly reguarded and very nice lenses and also can be found on ebay and CL. You can also look at B&H dot com and Adorama dot com for used equipment. Neither lens will auto focus on the D40, but for macro shooting you're better off in manual anyway.
 
i plan on buying the cannon ef 100mm f/2.8 macro usm ill be using it for insect and coral close ups. experiences with this lens ?
 
This is probably a stupid question (love when a post starts like this) but...

If your goal is primarily online posting of your shots, and you shoot with a decent depth of field, do you really need a macro lens or will you get good quality just shooting at a wider angle and then blowing up the focal point up on your computer. I'm assuming a pretty low resolution for online posting.

I'm sure I didn't say this perfectly so please forgive me. The last time I used an SLR, it was a Canon AE-1 and I was a junior in high school (we used chisels and slabs of rock to take notes in class). Thanks.
 
I have shot professionally for the NCAA for years now and have experience with the Nikon 105 and 85mm macro lenses. Canon L series are also phenomenal glass. I would not go with Tamron or Sigma from previous experience with lots of their glass. Their focus motors are louder, take longer to focus, and the glass is not as sharp. Price is always a consideration, but for me I have always loved the Nikon 105mm f/ 2.8.
 
For shooting a tank, I'd say the 100mm. The MP-E is quite the different lens. I'd love one for shooting bugs. Plus I'd need a Canon body.
 
lenses

lenses

Hey guys, I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and although I have read through this thread, I was wondering if going with a Sigma 70-300mm DL Macro Super Zoom Lens will be good for getting some nice macro shots of my corals. I know I could get a Canon eF 100mm f/2.8 USM...but I don't really want to spend that kind of money at this moment. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
The Sigma 70-300 is not a true macro. I won't say you won't be able to take pics with it, but a true macro has 1:1 magnification. If you are working on keeping costs down a Sigma 105mm macro or a Tamron 90mm macro would be your best bet.
 
Macro lens recommendation

Macro lens recommendation

Hello everyone. I have a Nikon D3100 and looking for a macro lens recommendation. I will be taking top down photography of mostly coral frags and small colonies. Coral placement is approximately 5 inches below the water level. I'm currently using the lens that came with the camera. I can get fairly good colony shots, but frag shots are just plan blurry no matter how I adjust the settings and lighting. I'm shooting under LED's with T5 supplementation. I would say the light level is low to moderate. I'm also using the Avast top down porthole. Of course, cost is a factor. With that said, which lens would you recommend? Thanks a bunch!
 
Question....
What is the difference between the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM? I guess Im asking what the L stands for? Also what are the advantages of it....
Thanks!
 
The L is the new version and it has IS (image stabilization). The L stands for luxury, believe it or not. Both are very capable.
 
So with the use of a tripod which you should be using anyway... There is no big different between the two correct?
 
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