quick, need lens suggestion

[kmacartney]

I am considering either a Canon 60mm or a Tamron 90mm. The big difference I see is that the Canon is APS-c and the Tamron is full frame. Any advice/opinion on the difference for the same price?

 

[kmacartney]

Both are 1:1 magnification, BTW.

 

[kmacartney]

Any advice?

 

[nickb]

What camera is it for? What do you want to use it for? To use the 60mm, you will need to get closer to the subject than with the 90mm. Have you consider the Canon 100mm macro?

 

[kmacartney]

It is for a Canon Xsi 12.2 MP. I want to shoot mostly macros. I have considered the 100mm Canon but it is twice as much as can afford at this time.

 

[kmacartney]

I guess I was leaning toward the Canon since it would better work with my camera and it has the USM focusing.

 

[nickb]

Do you mean macros of reef tanks, insects, flowers, coins, etc.? They will have different requirements for lenses.

The Tamron has a very good reputation. But, most Canon users strongly recommend the Canon 100mm which I thought was similar in price (I have Nikon so can't comment first hand). B&H has them at $490 (Canon 100), $360 (Tamron 90 after the Tamron rebate) and $400 (Canon 60mm). Those look pretty close.

 

[kmacartney]

Yep, those kind of macros. I guess I wanted something that could get me close all around.

Right now I can get the latter two for about $250 used. I can't touch the Canon 100mm for under $400.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14267235#post14267235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kmacartney
Yep, those kind of macros. I guess I wanted something that could get me close all around.

Right now I can get the latter two for about $250 used. I can't touch the Canon 100mm for under $400.

Yeah there is a reason for that. The Canon 100 is the bar others are measured to. Unfortunately in your reef tank, you may have to dedicate a special staging area for a 60mm macro. You will have to bring all of the subjects to it. I don't even think the 100mm is enough sometimes and I am looking into the 180mm.

 

[nickb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14267235#post14267235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kmacartney
Yep, those kind of macros. I guess I wanted something that could get me close all around.

I was trying to ask 'which of these' but my question wasn't clear There are different requirements. For example, to take macros of live insects, you need a longer focal length since getting too close will spook the insect. But, for inanimate objects likes coins, you can get as close as you want.

Is the $250 price for a used lens? That seems too low for a new one.

 

[kmacartney]

Yep, used. I actually ended up picking the Tamron. It seems that a full frame lens is slightly better. The lens had good reviews elsewhere. If I get more into photography then I will get the Canon 100mm.