My next lens will be a macro lens :)

[burstintoflame81]

Yes, but the ring flash only fits certain sized flashes as listed. So that limits you. Extension tubes would fit any lens, and if it was a long lens, like a 70-300 or something like that, you could be a little further from the subjects and still get it super close, so a regular flash ( maybe a TTL flash with a trigger that you can hand-hold would be decent. I haven't did macro too much ( plan on trying some this weekend with my new extension tubes ) but atleast then, you are buying gear that can have several uses.

 

[JeffieLove]

In the description of it:

--The macro photography ring light attaches to 55 and 58mm diameter lenses with included adapter rings.
--Ring size - 52mm (inclusive of 55 & 58mm step up adapters for ring flash)

 

[JeffieLove]

as it stands, that would fit any of my lenses

but then again... if I get the coupler, I wouldn't be able to use the ring flash because my lens will be backwards... hmmm...

 

[JeffieLove]

and now I'm feeling a little stupid...

which is better for the macro filters?

the 250d or the 500d?

 

[Ron Evers]

Wish I had a ring-light & then I would not have to resort to light from a window & a mirror.

 

[burstintoflame81]

and now I'm feeling a little stupid...

which is better for the macro filters?

the 250d or the 500d?

They are both geared to different focal ranges. Look under their descriptions on bhphoto.com. I have the 250D because I wanted to use it on the kit lens and my prime lenses that were all under 100mm.

 

[JeffieLove]

Well I will have two lenses that will work with the 250d and one that will work with the 500d.

 

[bazooka]

I don't think you realize how difficult 1:1 macro is, let alone anything at greater magnification. I have the 100mm macro and I usually don't have it at 1:1 because it's so difficult to get the focus plane just right... at least on a moving/skiddish bug, and using a tripod (without rails) makes it even more difficult. Check out this link... (although I'm not sure how he can suggest 800x600 res fills most monitor screens....)

Flickr: Discussing High Magnification Macros in Measured in Millimetres

 

[JeffieLove]

nope, you're right... I probably don't

But I want to try it... that's why I don't want to blow $500 on a lens... I'd rather get things that get me close to what the lens would do and then if I am still interested, maybe later i will blow that $500 on a lens...

 

[NateS]

nope, you're right... I probably don't

But I want to try it... that's why I don't want to blow $500 on a lens... I'd rather get things that get me close to what the lens would do and then if I am still interested, maybe later i will blow that $500 on a lens...

Maybe you should consider renting a macro lens. There are quite a few places that you could rent a macro lens from for probably about $40 for a week.


Here you go. A Canon 60mm f2.8 macro for $37 insured for one week.
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-60mm-f2.8-ef-s-macro/for-canon

or the 100mm f2.8 Canon Macro for 7 days insured for $52
LensRentals.com - Rent a Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro



That said, I would HIGHLY recommend the Sigma 70-300 apo Macro for a beginner. I have it and it is an incredible sleeper lens. Very sharp stopped down to around f/11-f/16 for macro stuff, plus at $200 it's not much more than a set of tubes or a 500d filter. Plus it get's down to 1:2 magnification.....not as much as 1:1 but still pretty dang close.....and good for you to learn how to shoot at high magnifications. Plus if you use a flash (not on-camera, but something like a 430EX) then you can easily handhold it to get great shots.

If you want examples of the Sigma 70-300 APO (make sure you get the APO version), then click on the link in my signature. All of the Insects section and all of the Flower/Plant sections are with the Sigma using a SB-600 (equivalent of a Canon 430 EX). If you are interested, most all of the animal section were taken with this lens as well (non macro).

 

[JeffieLove]

So the sigma lens you're talking about can be used for things other than macro as well?

If that's the case then I might just do that and not get the tamron lens.

I am going to stick with the bower flash and ring light only because it's about $70 cheaper.

 

[LearnMyShot]

extension tube are what you need unless you want to spend on a macro lens....look at this video it will help you decide Macro Photography How to photograph using Close Up Tubes - watch free tutorial at LearnMyShot.com good luck!

 

[Hardrock]

I know you said you dont want to spend the money on the 100mm Canon macro but just a side note I use that for portraits just as much as I use it for macro. Its not just for macro.

 

[NateS]

So the sigma lens you're talking about can be used for things other than macro as well?

If that's the case then I might just do that and not get the tamron lens.

I am going to stick with the bower flash and ring light only because it's about $70 cheaper.

Yes the Sigma 70-300 apo is a good longer lens for animals, etc... but it has the advantage of being able to focus really close (1:2) which is about the closest I have seen on a lens that's not a true 1:1 macro. I actually bought this lens with the intentions of shooting geese and ducks and other animals as well as a zoo lens (which I have used it for with great results). Funny thing is, once I got the lens it ended up spending about 90% of it's time doing macro stuff because it just does so dang well at that. Plus it's only a couple hundred bucks, will be a dual purpose lens (macro and animals) and with the 1:2 at 300mm you keep a very good distance between you and bugs if you decide to take pictures of them....

Edit: Here's a couple examples of how close 1:2 can get you....and with enough distance @ 300mm to not scare them away.

300mm @ 1:2

300mm @1:2

but then you can also get these kind of photos with the lens

To be quite honest, I think if I had started out with a 1:1 macro lens, I would have gotten frusturated and given up on macro (obviously everybody is different). By playing with this 1:2 for awhile until I've gotten good with it, I now am having a much easier transition moving into 1:1.....though it probably doesn't help that I'm handholding a 180mm macro lens with an SB-600 hanging off the side of it.


If you shot Nikon instead of Canon, I'd consider selling you mine. I just picked up a Tamron 180mm 1:1 macro and would like to get a 1.4 tc....that combo will render my Sigma 70-300 kind of pointless for me.....but even at new price it's not that expensive.

 

[Overread21]

NateS experience is about the same as my own - only he/she got the APO edition and did far far better with the lens that I managed before I upgraded to shiny new lenses.