 Marcia L. Getto |
Best Brand for Macro Lens I'm planning to buy a 180mm macro, upgrading from my Tamron 90mm. Since the Canon 180 L is out of my price range, I'm considering either Sigma or Tamron. Someone recently suggested the Sigma 150mm 2.8 because it's a faster lens. I've seen quality and service issues for both brands on various forums and reviews. I'd like to know why you selected one over the other. I'd also like to know whether the reported issues were isolated incidents or recurring. Thank you for your help.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hello Marcia, I have the older Canon 100mm f/2.8 EF USM macro lens (not the new one with IS) and I have been very happy with it. I just saw one on amazon for $529 - thats quite a bit cheaper than what I paid for mine. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Macro-Lens-Cameras/dp/B00004XOM3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1268874844&sr=8-1 Carlton
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Lynn R. Powers |
Hi Marcia, I agree with Carlton completely. Why would you want the 180mm or 150mm Macro lens? Having a longer lens will not make the subject any larger on your sensor. You will just be able to stand further away which will change your perspective. The Canon 180mm Macro lens is only recommended for the 1D, 1Ds and the 5D series cameras because of the larger sensors and also it doesn't balance that well with the Rebel or XXD series cameras. Although the Sigma Macro lenses rate very well you will find that the auto focus on the Canon 100mm Macro is faster. But you should be manually focusing when you are doing macro work anyway. That and using a tripod. The Sigma lens, at least the 105mm Macro, extend as you get closer to focus the subject. This may interfere with your subject and cause it to depart or worse bite or sting you. The Canon is internal focusing and always stays the same length. Remember that when taking macro photos your lens will be closed anywhere from f11-f22 because you generally need all of the depth of field to cover your subject. When using f2.8 for macro work you will have a DOF of perhaps 2mm. The f2.8 does come in handy for regular photography though. I just checked my KEH catalog and found the Canon f2.8 Macro USM for sale at $415 for a LN- and $399 Ex+. I purchase a lot of items from them and usually they underate the items they sell. They are a VERY reliable company to do business with.
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