Need advice on purchase

MajorSpaceCadet · May 2, 2015

Hi all! I'm new here, but have been dabbling in photography for a while now.

I have wanted a nice macro lens for a long time, and have been saving for just as long. I'm looking at the http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002NEGT...UTF8&colid=2PM5ZGDYD4YEU&coliid=IQ4UM7OM08OKA Mostly because it has IS.

I currently have a Rebel XS, and it still works well, but doesn't have a lot of the features later generations have; wireless remote capabilities, higher iso options, ect. I started looking at new models (t6i) and it is a big upgrade.

Here's my problem. I've read that you should buy lenses before bodies. I can't do both. Which route would you take? There's no right or wrong, but I'm very indecisive and would like your opinions!

Thanks!

jaomul · May 2, 2015

I'd do neither. I'd look at a sigma 105 os or a tamron 90mm vc and put the difference against a newer body in time

Overread · May 2, 2015

I'd look at it this way.
The new camera body will be superior to what you have now - BUT - it won't be able to take any macro shots.

Personally I generally put glass before bodies unless one wants to change the sensor/film size; eg if you were thinking on upgrading to fullframe (35mm). Then I'd get the body sooner and build your lens selection around that; rather than build a kit up around one format and then change.

The Canon 100mm L is a fantastic macro lens, the only with with hybrid IS (it works in macro mode to counter back/forward motion as well as side to side and up and down that regular IS works with) so its a great boon to have. That said a good flash (430EX2, 580EX2); modest softbox diffuser (eg lumiquest soft box) with off camera flash cable and bracket will work fantastically well.

Honestly it is your choice, I'd rather expand my options more so with a lens and then get a body once I felt that I was able to so much of what I wanted and then wanted to improve body features

TCampbell · May 2, 2015

I own the lens... but are you primarily wanting to shoot macro photography? You can use the lens for general photography... you could use it as a portrait lens if you wanted, but it's design is for macro use.

What lens (or lenses) do you currently have?

Describe your typical photographic interests (subjects)... Landscapes? Portraits? Wildlife? Insects? Sports? Food? What sorts of things do you enjoy shooting?

Are you frustrated by any specific limitations of your current camera? Yes it's true, the T6i has a better sensor, improved ISO (with lower noise), a better focus system, and lots of other features. But whether you need those features more than you need a new lens is something probably only you can decide.

Gary A. · May 2, 2015

This is about how badly you desire to shoot macro. A new body you will use every time you shoot. If the differences between the new body and your current body is significant, especially in IQ and if are not passionate about macro ... then get the new body and wait on the lens. If you are passionate about macro, then get the lens. A tripod is like IS on steroids ... a tripod isn't as convenient as IS ... but it works much better.

beagle100 · May 2, 2015

MajorSpaceCadet said:
Hi all! I'm new here, but have been dabbling in photography for a while now.

I have wanted a nice macro lens for a long time, and have been saving for just as long. I'm looking at the Amazon.com Canon EF 100mm f 2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Digital Slr Camera Lenses Camera Photo Mostly because it has IS.

I currently have a Rebel XS, and it still works well, but doesn't have a lot of the features later generations have; wireless remote capabilities, higher iso options, ect. I started looking at new models (t6i) and it is a big upgrade.

Here's my problem. I've read that you should buy lenses before bodies. I can't do both. Which route would you take? There's no right or wrong, but I'm very indecisive and would like your opinions! Thanks!

Unless you shoot macro professionally every day just get the non-L 100mm or the Tamron 90 - around $300 (used) - a lot cheaper!

60D
Canon 100mm 2.8 macro non-L