Best lens for close up corals

[snowmansnow]

looking for a great lens that fits my DSLR Canon T1i for macro shots... Any suggestions?

 

[lilrobb]

I just went through this.

If money isn't the issue the 150mm Sigma is 1st, 2nd the 100mm L-series Cannon, 3rd the 100mm non-L Canon and lastly (still a very decent lens and what I just purchased) the 105mm Sigma.

I heard that people also used the 28-135mm Canon in macro-mode, you just can't get to life-sized (1:1) images.

 

[snowmansnow]

I have a good macro lens right now (Canon EFS 55-250mm)... but it is a zoom macro.. so I have to stand like 8ft from the tank before I can zoom in haha.

 

[lilrobb]

That lens is no macro by definition.

 

[snowmansnow]

LilRobb;679552 wrote: That lens is no macro by definition.

agreed... I just use it as such ... its a lens that has a decent zoom, but is capable of focusing VERY close with the zoom engaged.

i really would love a dedicated macro lens, but wow they are expensive!

 

[ralph atl]

cannon 60mm macro is pretty good, too!

 

[smallblock]

sony has one for like 150, I'll look it up later.

 

[skriz]

I really like my Sigma 105mm. Anything under 100mm is worthless, imo. And you'll be happy with any macro 100m and above that you get..it'll be eons better than the stock lens you're currently using!

 

[ralph atl]

Skriz;679671 wrote: I really like my Sigma 105mm. Anything under 100mm is worthless, imo. And you'll be happy with any macro 100m and above that you get..it'll be eons better than the stock lens you're currently using!

exception to the rule:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-60mm-f-2.8-Macro-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-60mm-f-2.8-Macro-USM-Lens-Review.aspx</a>

[IMG]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371176-USA/Canon_0284B002_EF_S_60mm_f_2_8_Macro.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371176-USA/Canon_0284B002_EF_S_60mm_f_2_8_Macro.html</a>

 

[skriz]

mysterybox;679674 wrote: exception to the rule:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-60mm-f-2.8-Macro-USM-Lens-Review.aspx">http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-60mm-f-2.8-Macro-USM-Lens-Review.aspx</a>

[IMG]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371176-USA/Canon_0284B002_EF_S_60mm_f_2_8_Macro.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371176-USA/Canon_0284B002_EF_S_60mm_f_2_8_Macro.html</a>[/QUOTE]

Nope. You can't get past the 60mm focal length. I found it to be almost worthless as I was unable to shoot corals in the middle of my tank. Granted, this may not be an issue for most, but it's still something that needs strong consideration when spending the $$

 

[lilrobb]

 

[lilrobb]

Certainly not the best lens, but CHEAP:

 

[photokid]

you get what you pay for in lenses most of the time get a good fixed lens around 80- 120 mm.

 

[mojo]

LilRobb;679549 wrote: If money isn't the issue the 150mm Sigma is 1st, 2nd the 100mm L-series Cannon, 3rd the 100mm non-L Canon and lastly (still a very decent lens and what I just purchased) the 105mm Sigma.

What he said. I've owned all of these lenses (except the 105mm Sigma), and they're all fantastic - you're splitting hairs on quality, so go with what meets your budget. I'd recommend the 100mm macro (non-L).


Speaking of which, my new Sigma 150mm OS macro should arrive today... :yay: