Whats a good Macro lens?

Question

Whats a good Macro lens?

Answer 1

Either maker has a 60 mm and a 100 or 105 mm macro lens. Canon has a couple of specialty lenses, but I read that they are so hard-core that even a breeze limits their use outdoors.



In the more conventional 60 or 100/105 range, both are excellent. I own the Nikon 60 mm, as it gives me the working distance that I need and it can be used for more than macro. I think it is one of the sharpest lenses Nikon has made.



I don't actually have my "good" macro on-line, as it's boring dental stuff, but here are some samples from this lens: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/tags/60/



If you want critical macro, you might want to use a spotmeter, which is not available in the Rebel XTi.



As far as comparing "L" lenses to Nikon lenses, Nikon simlpy does not designate their "pro" level lenses with an additional letter. Besides, I only see one Canon macro lens designated as an "L" lens and that's the 180 mm macro. I don't think I'd want to work with that length on a digital camera such as the XTi. It would be an effective 288 mm lens. If you will be shooting live insects, you might appreciate this range, though. Of course, it costs over $1,200...

Answer 2

I had Canon 50 mm f 2.5 Macro lens (that I used with Canon Digital Rebel and later, Canon 5D), and I upgraded to Canon 100 mm f 2.8 Macro.



The 50 mm one was very sharp. Unfortunately it does not have ultrasonic (focusing motor), so it focused loudly. The lens barrel moves in and out when it focuses. But again, it was (I should say, "is" very sharp. Flat objects, i.e. a map, remained totally flat), even when mounted on a full frame Canon 5D--it worked fine. I needed more distance (working distance from the lens to the object), so I got the 100 mm Macro (and gave the old 50 mm to a friend!) -- and I like it even more. It focuses without a sound (due to ultrasonic motor) and the lens does not extend in size at all (internal focusing). Furthermore, it has (that 50 mm macro does not have) FTM (full time manual focusing), which means you can touch up the focus at any time, even when you're in AUTO focus mode. The focusing ring is super smooth and you can turn it beyond both ends. The focus ring does ** not ** turn when it focuses by the way (which is a good thing). Lastly, it focuses up to 1:1 (life size).



Hope this helps. :-)



p.s. It will work as a 165 mm lens on your cropped sensor XTi. A little "long" for a headshot. Try it out at a store, you might like it. Unfortunately it costs almost as much as XTi body! Get a filter and a hood if you end up buying one.



p.s. # 2. Talking about a "L" lens--this 100 mm Macro is no "L" (I have a few "L" lenses :-) but it sure feels like one. I am glad they don't call it an "L" lens--it might give them reasons to sell it for more.



# 3 Forgot to mention that since 50 mm Macro does not have FTM, you can't touch up the focusing while it is in AUTO focus mode--so you have to switch it to M (from A)--and when it's in A (auto focus), the focusing ring turns when the lens is focusing. A bit annoying, but I got used to it. Once I switched to 100 mm Macro, I couldn't go back.. but again, it's a really sharp lens.

Answer 3

depend on your budge, if you get spend over 500 in a micro lens then go for canon they l lense is simply better because of cost. But there's cheap way you get do micro like using micro filter will not get as sharp it require manual focus all the times.

Answer 4

A very good macro lens is Tamron's 90mm, which is available both for Nikon and Canon.

Otherwise Nikon has the best macro lenses range...

Answer 5

Nikon have an edge on the average consumer lenses, but Canon stands out with their L series lenses. That is, if you want to get the best image quality, go for Canon but you will have to pay some serious money for that.



Otherwise, well from the two camera I'm leaning on the D80 and if you don't want to pay for a lot of money for lenses... well then Nikon it is for you.