Macro Lens Advice

[Kate]

Could someone please advise me on Macro lenses I can purchase specifically for the Canon EOS 450D.

Thanks ever so much!

[Cussy]

I have the Sigma 50mm and 105mm. Not the quickest to focus, but for the money they are good lenses; nice and sharp. The 105 is pretty much useless in the dark UK waters, 50mm with a Nexus wet lens is plenty.
HTH,
Rob

[Cerianthus]

I would say the 60mm macro, specially for EFS cameras such as the 450D. It focusses faster, and as a bonus doesnt change length during focussing.

I had a 50mm macro from sigma for my film minolta 7xi and it hunted considerably more and was slower to focus......

[Cussy]

Originally Posted by Cerianthus

I had a 50mm macro from sigma for my film minolta 7xi and it hunted considerably more and was slower to focus......

I'd say that can be an issue, especially in darker conditions. If money isn't that strong a consideration then I'd guess the Canon lens will be the best option. The Sigma is still a good lens if you are on more of a budget.
Rob

[robindotadams]

Kate,

I was exactly where you are about a month ago. All advice I found pointed me in the direction of the Canon 60mm as a starter (as has been said here previously). I used it for the first time in Porthkerris and the pix I got were fantastic (OK guys, they'll be up here for comments/abuse soon!). Loving the 450D as I get to grips with it and DSLR for the first time. Off to Plymouth over the bank holiday to give it a work out...

The 100mm is apparently even better, but takes a bit of time to get used to and probably not for beginners like myself.

Go for the 60mm and have some fun

Robin

[Tazzie]

Originally Posted by robindotadams

Kate,

I was exactly where you are about a month ago. All advice I found pointed me in the direction of the Canon 60mm as a starter (as has been said here previously). I used it for the first time in Porthkerris and the pix I got were fantastic (OK guys, they'll be up here for comments/abuse soon!). Loving the 450D as I get to grips with it and DSLR for the first time. Off to Plymouth over the bank holiday to give it a work out...

The 100mm is apparently even better, but takes a bit of time to get used to and probably not for beginners like myself.

Go for the 60mm and have some fun

Robin

I have a 400D and started with the 100mm macro over the 60mm... Managed to use the 100mm absolutely fine until I then bought the 60mm LOL!

100mm is more limited than the 60mm, I'd defo recommend the 60 as a good macro lens to start with and if you decide to go more supermacro then head up to the 100mm

[Cerianthus]

I used my 100mm in Dutch waters only once. It does 1:1, but it has to peer through 30-40 cm of water. I liked the images, but they were mostly a little bit soft. During my last trip to the red sea, i used the 100mm a bit more, but off course then you come across schooling fish, somewhat bigger fish etc....

The 100mm will give yoiu the option to use the 250D or 500D diopters and still be usable. That is one thing i want to try out, because then its working distance is smaller. Because of all the variance in fish, I didnt dare use that in the red sea......

more lenses is more choice (and more dilemmas.....