[videonasty]

I'm looking for a good all round Marco lens for my Canon EOS DSLR. I'd like to keep the budget to around £150 - £170.

Any ideas/recommendations?

[T0MAT01]

For your budget you're probably looking at second hand.
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 and the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lenses are both well regarded, but above your budget if you want to buy new.

The Sigma 70-300 APO macro often gets recommended on here too, but it isn't a dedicated macro lens and doesn't do 1:1 magnification, but is within budget.

It might help if you list the lens(es?) you already have.

[RobDickinson]

Sigma do a decent 60mm EF-S macro, tamrons 90 is pretty good too and the one I'd go for.

[videonasty]

Originally Posted by T0MAT01

For your budget you're probably looking at second hand.
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 and the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lenses are both well regarded, but above your budget if you want to buy new.

The Sigma 70-300 APO macro often gets recommended on here too, but it isn't a dedicated macro lens and doesn't do 1:1 magnification, but is within budget.

It might help if you list the lens(es?) you already have.

I've sold the 18-55 kit lens & replaced it with the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Zoom Lens.

I've seen the Sigma on Jessops which is regarded as a good lens. Does the 1:2 make a massive difference, or is it negligible?

[T0MAT01]

Originally Posted by videonasty

Does the 1:2 make a massive difference, or is it negligible?

As I understand it, it means that the subject will appear to be half the size when compared to a 1:1 macro lens.
I expect one of the macro guys will chirp up if I'm wrong!

[videonasty]

Originally Posted by T0MAT01

As I understand it, it means that the subject will appear to be half the size when compared to a 1:1 macro lens.
I expect one of the macro guys will chirp up if I'm wrong!

I like the sound of the Sigma lens, as it doubles as a decent telephoto zoom. I know its not gonna blow pros away, but I'm just getting started & can't really justify spending £250 on another lens, (although the Canon looks great )

[tapzilla2k]

Heres one i took with the sigma 70-300mm in macro mode -
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/...f9fc50d5_o.jpg
And an image of a spider from the lens on amazon -
Customer Image Gallery for Sigma AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG APO Macro Canon Fit Lens

Focusing is a bit off in my image, but the wasp was cranky and i had no desire to get stung lol
It's a pretty good lens for the price, though make sure you get the APO version.

Oh and some examples from it's telephoto function -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8076308@N06/3199622868/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8076308@N06/3198787543/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8076308@N06/3198853273/

[noops]

I like the Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX G - a very sharp lens, useful for portraiture too and can be had on Fleabay for around £150.00

[videonasty]

How does the Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro compare with the Sigma 70-300 APO macro?

[SeeHear]

I have the sigma 70-300 and i must say i HATE it. its the one lens i really regret buying, I have borrowed the canon 60mm macro and it is better, here is one i took the other day when i got it to try it out.
I am still looking round for a macro lens this is far better than the sigma

Terri
xxx