Which canon Macro lens should I get?

[stevedola]

Looking for an affordable Macro Lens for my T3i to take great macros of my reef...suggestions from the gallery?

 

[silver17jo]

24-70 L series save up

 

[stevedola]

there will never be a day where I spend 2k on a lens. is there an affordable macro say in the 300-500 range? even if I buy used.

 

[Dave_IL]

I dont know how often you will be taking pics, but you can rent the macro lenses pretty cheap. if you just want to do images every 6 months to a year it could be more palatable cost wise


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[BlueCorn]

Take a look at the macro sticky up top.

The 24-70L is a great lens, but it's not a Macro.

 

[jroovers]

In your price range I'd look at these macro lenses:

Canon 60mm 2.8
Canon 100mm 2.8 (non IS lens is closer to your budget)
Tamron 90mm 2.8
or possibly the Tokina 100 2.8

I picked up the Tamron 90 used about in the middle of your range and couldn't be happier.

 

[stevedola]

I was looking at the 60mm last night but think I maybe better served witht he 100m to beable to get those very close shots.

 

[jimmy_beaner]

I had the 100mm f/2.8L Macro for awhile... simply amazing lens. The non-L is supposed to be somewhat close in optics from what I hear. I used it on a T2i. Absolutely wonderful. I think the 60mm wouldn't get you close enough shots and the 180 is overkill. I've always bought Canon, so I can't comment on the other manufacturers.

 

[jroovers]

I opted for the Tamron 90 over the Canon 60... My take was the same, 60 wasn't going to be long enough. If you can pick up the Canon 100 or Tamron 90 used, that is a pretty good option.

 

[Recty]

I'd recommend the non L Canon 100mm macro. I've used it a lot (my brother owns it and we swap lenses regularly) and it takes amazing pictures. No need for the L IMO (which is $500 more) unless you're never going to use a tripod or you want weatherproofing for outdoor in a storm.

 

[swjim]

I've had the Canon 100mm macro for two or three years and have no regrets whatsoever, it's a really nice lens. I bought mine used from someone on Photography on the Net but it looked brand new when I got it. KEH has some used ones right now, I've never bought from them but I've heard good things from others on POTN and they have a good reputation on resellerratings.com http://www.resellerratings.com/store/KEH_Camera_Brokers

Here are a couple that they have for just over $400: http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CE06999040813N?r=FE

As you're browsing through the listings just understand that there are a couple of versions of the non-L lens, the older one did not have a USM motor so those will be less expensive. If you're planning on only manually focusing then this could save you a few bucks but I'd recommend going with the USM because it's going to be newer and having the a lens that can autofocus faster just in case you need it is never a bad thing.

Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[jroovers]

I would agree with the above, the USM will be nice to have if you plan on using the lens for portraits in addition to tank shooting, which these lens also excel at.

 

[Mr31415]

Get the non L 100mm Macro from Canon. Had it for years - and optically it is as good as you'll get.

 

[FastUno]

Agreed on the 100mm non L. I just posted a thread called "My Fish Pics" & have a link to many shots from this lens.

Best lens by far & don't worry about price. Those damn lenses hold their value! When I sold my camera, I sold the 100mm (about 5 years ago). I now recently bought a camera & had to buy the same lense for $100 more...I shoulda just kept the original one I had.

Most of those shots were taken with older generation Canon 10D & 20D cameras. Imagine what your camera can do with it.

 

[_Aaron_]

I use a Sigma 105mm, it's excellent. Some sample images from it in this forum.