Looking for Macro Lens Recommendations

[Space Face]

Can a extension tube be put on a macro lens, and if so, what would be the result?

Yes they can and it just up's the mag even more, as they do on any lens.

 

[Warhorse]

Yes they can and it just up's the mag even more, as they do on any lens.

Thank you

 

[Braineack]

Can a extension tube be put on a macro lens, and if so, what would be the result?

do not divide by zero.

 

[Robshoots]

I have been using the Sigma 105 macro on my Canon 800D and am very happy with it. The lens offers 1:1 magnification and a comfortable working distance; on my crop sensor it’s a 168mm FFE. It offers a focus-limit switch so you can match the focus range to the distance of your subject. But the lens also focuses to infinity and so works as a prime. The OS works pretty well, too. Extension tubes certainly cost a lot less and are okay in a pinch, but having used both I much prefer the macro lens.

 

[jeffashman]

Yeah, the L tax is costly. There's an f2.8 non L version of that lens which is very similar IQ wise and half the price of the L Well worth considering.

Review of it here:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens Review

Is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

www.the-digital-picture.com

Thanks! I ended up getting a pre-owned Sigma 105mm f/2.8 from MPB. Cost was a factor. I looked at the Canon, Sigma, and Tamron offerings for EF mounts. The L was out of range at this time, and the USM doesn't have image stabilization, which I think is important for a guy with shaky hands like mine. The Tamron wasn't available new or pre-owned. I did some research on the Sigma, and decided at the price point, I could work with that. It will take a bit of learning, since it's a different sort of photography, and has it's own quirks.

extension tubes are cheap and can convert every single one of your lenses into a macro lens without any IQ loss.

Thanks! I should have come back to the thread prior to purchase, but I may still add an extension tube to my kit.

 

[jeffashman]

I have been using the Sigma 105 macro on my Canon 800D and am very happy with it. The lens offers 1:1 magnification and a comfortable working distance; on my crop sensor it’s a 168mm FFE. It offers a focus-limit switch so you can match the focus range to the distance of your subject. But the lens also focuses to infinity and so works as a prime. The OS works pretty well, too. Extension tubes certainly cost a lot less and are okay in a pinch, but having used both I much prefer the macro lens.

This is the one I settled on. I like that it can work as a prime, and I like the OS. I took it out for the first time. It will take some getting used to, because I'm so used to using a zoom to change focal length. Now I have to move myself closer or further away. I guess as long as there isn't a drop-off behind me, I'll be fine.

 

[LWW]

I'm looking to round out my kit with a macro lens. I have a Sigma 50-500mm, a Tamron 18-400mm, and a Sigma 17-50mm. Now I'd like to add a macro lens that would enable me to focus on the smaller world, from close to medium range. I found a couple of 18-200mm macro lenses (Tamron and Sigma, the Tamron is aspherical), but I'm not sure if 200mm is overkill, given what I already have. Suggestions to research appreciated. Will probably by pre-owned from mpb or keh.

You will want at least 100mm for satisfactory working distance, longer is better.

Older non AF macro lenses are out there and a relative bargain in most cases.

Unless the lens has other uses, AF is IMHO a waste of money on a macro.

 

[NS: Nikon Shooter]

Can a extension tube be put on a macro lens, and if so, what would be the result?

I use the 60mm from NIKON on the repro bench only.

For macro work, I use the 100 mm, from NIKON as well, that I will combine
to a full contacts extension tubes dedicated to it.

Results? Since extension tubes have no lenses the quality remains at 100%
and one gains more flexibility on the macro factor with the numbers of tubes.

 

[jeffashman]

You will want at least 100mm for satisfactory working distance, longer is better.

Older non AF macro lenses are out there and a relative bargain in most cases.

Unless the lens has other uses, AF is IMHO a waste of money on a macro.

I decided on the Sigma 105mm. With these shaky hands, the OS the lens has comes in very handy.

 

[Scotland Photographer]

Canon EF 100 L IS USM on EOS R system with an adapter works great. Buy a used copy and it won't cost too much.

 

[oldhippy]

Great success with Tokina 100mm. Macro lense. Great lens and good price. On par with Nikon macros