Macro lens for 20D

[bilge]

Currently I've got a 20D + sigma 18 -200 zoom

I'm looking for a macro lens to start my prime collection.

I would prefer 50/60mm lens which would double as a portrait lens

I've tried the 100mm Canon Macro in Jacobs and, though I loved the Macro image, I feel its too long with the 1.6X to be a reasonable portrait lens too.

They let me try the Sigma 50mm macro lens which felt a bit cheep and plasticky (Even compared to the 18-200)

I'm off to Jessops in Leicester this weekend to try and demo the Canon EF50mm and EFS 60mm and would like comments / experience /suggestions please before I part with the dosh.
regards

Bill

[Zef]

i have the EFS 60mm F2.8 and love it for both macro and portraits. I find the image quailty superb, also you can leave AF on and still focus with the ring when taking a macro shot. Nice and sturdy, and quite a small size. It hunts a bit in low light but i find it so flexible for the macro ability. Portraits look clean with nice bokeh, even when at high ISO. I guess the nice thing about this lense is the fact it was made for the canon smaller sensors. Check out my flickr site for some shots.

My flickr

[salubrious_k]

I'm planning to get the 100mm myself in a month when off to the States. But then I already have the 50mm f/1.8 for portraiture.

I prefer the sound of being able to be further away from the subject when taking the shot - more light, less scary for any insects etc...

I'm not sure about the prices of the other two macros you're considering, but you could always consider getting the 50mm 1.8 AND the 100mm macro. Maybe a little bit of overkill? But the 50mm costs under £70 and is an amazing bargain.

[mark800]

After lots of research myself, I opted for the 100mm F 2.8 macro.
It gets great reviews. Bought from One Stop Digital for £317 (including delivery).

http://photo.net/equipment/canon/100

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...ort=7&thecat=2

I have the 50mm f 1.4. The 50mm f1.8 is so cheap it's a great idea to buy both. I'm sure the 50mm f1.8 would be ideal for portraits.

[bilge]

Originally Posted by mark800

The 50mm f1.8 is so cheap it's a great idea to buy both. I'm sure the 50mm f1.8 would be ideal for portraits.

OOOOH Wicked thoughts are going through my head
I did like the 100mm macro though
£317 certainly seems a very good price

Taking a different tack could I save money by getting the 50mm f1.8 standard lens + extension tubes??

I havn't used extension tubes for 20 years do they work ok with af lenses?

[bilge]

Just to close the loop on this thread I went to jessops today and tried all the macro lenses on my shortlist...
Canon 50mm
Sigma 50mm
Canon 60mm
Canon 100mm
Sadly they didn't have the tamron 90mm to try but hey...

The 100mm was still the nicest Macro lens but I feel too long for a portrait lens and I'm not sure if I could hand hold it at high magnification

Both the 50mm lenses were ok but the EFS 60mm blew them away
In particular Build quality, silent focus, 1:1 Macro and fine size for a portrait lens.

Jessops kindly price matched me with the lowest internet site I could remember off the top of my head
(warehouse express £270. They wouldn't do Pixmania... thank goodness they were £285 )
and I walked out with my new toy

[onefivenine]

I found my 50mm prime and set of Kenko Extension tubes to be an excellent, and very cost-effective combination for macro shots. Might be worth considering and you could spend the leftover money elsewhere
Oops a bit late now for you though!

[bilge]

Still useful info though
I'm sure I'll get a 50mm lens at some point.
Carrying around an extension tube is much lighter than a macro lens.

Do all the auto functions work ok?

And another querey Can you use an extension tubes with a zoom lens?

[dood]

anyone tried a 50 1.8 with 1.4 teleconverter? does this work for macro and maintain AF etc?

[bilge]

Yes I'd like an answer to that too....
I used to have a canon FTb with a Telemore (Teleplus??) 2x converter
I could use it with every lens I had....
16mm fisheye, 24 mm, 50mm, 90mm macro, 70-210 zoom
Is this possible with any current teleconverters suitable for the canon 20D and EFS lenses?

[dood]

Originally Posted by dood

anyone tried a 50 1.8 with 1.4 teleconverter? does this work for macro and maintain AF etc?

ok the 1.4 teleconverter will not attach to the 50 1.8. It also will not attach to the 18-55, 28-135 or 24-70.

[tomson]

Originally Posted by dood

ok the 1.4 teleconverter will not attach to the 50 1.8. It also will not attach to the 18-55, 28-135 or 24-70.

A third party one should - i've used a Kenko one on a 50mm, 85mm and 28-70mm L.

[dood]

is that kenko teleconverter lens or extension tube?

[tomson]

teleconverter

[alj23]

Hi - I am soon to be the proud owner of a 20D and want to get a 50mm 1.8 - had a play with the one my mate currently has on the camera but sadly she is not selling that one - can someone point me in the direction of decent price ?? We have a Jessops where I live so if I find a cheaper one on the internet will they price match it ??

AJ

at last set up a Flickr album - not much on it yet tho !!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alj23/