Looking for good macro lens

[Gary_P]

I have an XTi and 2 stock lenses that I got with it, but I so love to shoot macro.
What lens is good for this without spending mega bucks on it?
(Rather ask here then my camera store)

I was looking at the macro thread and s few lenses were mentioned but I need something that fits Canon.
I think it's an 18-55mm lens and I know the other is a 75-300mm, but that's telephoto.

I love shooting bugs and flowers with my point and shoot, but this this XTi, I should be able to get really close, then crop that 10 mp down to something good.

Thanks from a newbie for any and all help.

[truflip]

Raynox DCR-250.
its got a good balance of magnification, DOF and great image quality.
Ibelieve your XTi lens has a front thread? the Raynox has a clip that fits 52mm - 67mm front threaded lens :)

[danielg]

Gary, listen to Karl (Truflip), he is our resident Macro MAster and Raynox DCR 250 Expert, His shots convinced a lot of us here ( myself included) to go for this lens :)

[Gary_P]

Then Karl and I are get to be buddies because I am hooked on macro photography.
Most of the reason I got an SLR was to do macro photography.

And, WOW! Are you kidding me???
I'm looking at prices of $39 and $40 bucks!
That's great!!! I was thinking this was going to be a few hundred.

http://www.bizrate.com/digitalcameraaccessories/products__keyword--raynox+dcr-250__nwylf--.html

Where is a good place to buy this? My Ritz Camera store does not have it on their website. And if I order it from somewhere, how can I be sure it will fit?

Wow! This is cool. thanks so much. (looking forward extra for Christmas now)

Amazon ok???
http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-Macro-Scan-Conversion-Universal-Diameters/dp/B0002YBXBY


What else will I need to do some of these shots?

[Wesan]

Hello Gary_P

Since you are using a Canon DSLR camera, you might also want to check out the forum for Canon DSLRs. Here are two threads in that forum, that may be of help to you:

Venturing into macro photography - need suggestions (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25997)

Lens Reviews (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15252)

There are probably more threads there also, that can be helpful to you. :)

[truflip]

Then Karl and I are get to be buddies because I am hooked on macro photography.
Most of the reason I got an SLR was to do macro photography.

And, WOW! Are you kidding me???
I'm looking at prices of $39 and $40 bucks!
That's great!!! I was thinking this was going to be a few hundred.

http://www.bizrate.com/digitalcameraaccessories/products__keyword--raynox+dcr-250__nwylf--.html

Where is a good place to buy this? My Ritz Camera store does not have it on their website. And if I order it from somewhere, how can I be sure it will fit?

Wow! This is cool. thanks so much. (looking forward extra for Christmas now)

Amazon ok???
http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-Macro-Scan-Conversion-Universal-Diameters/dp/B0002YBXBY

What else will I need to do some of these shots?

Hi my name is Karl :)
Im not an expert :o but I like my Macro lens :p
I am a newbie-ish photographer. If you notice my pictures look kinda like danielg's, thats cuz hes my master ;)

hahaha so yea.. nice cam u got there =) and yes the price is great =D
I bought mine from www.lensmateonline.com (great service) I noticed theres also one on bhphotoandvideo.com for the same price.

now I wish there were more bugs out here during winter =\ lol bugs are the best cuz u see things u cant see with ur naked eye.. and at great detail =)
the lens is great because its so compact (compared to a normal dSLR lens at least) and the magnification is about 2.5x which is pretty darn good. and its light ultra portable.. ultra cost effective.. i mean $40! cant ask for more ;)

btw, u prolly will want some lighting equipment =) it will definitely help out with ur macro shots
here are some samples from lensmate: http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/RaynocDCR250_macro.html


Gary, listen to Karl (Truflip), he is our resident Macro MAster and Raynox DCR 250 Expert, His shots convinced a lot of us here ( myself included) to go for this lens :)
:) thnx. .ur very kind as always

[Gary_P]

Nice to meet you Karl.

Cannon has a real macro lens too. it sells for $400 and some change.
Cannon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

Has anyone used this lens? I'd like to see if it's worth the money and how much different are the pictures?

A friend tells me if I like the $40 one, then I'll love this one if I keep interested in macro photography.


I think I will because I'd like to devote a section of my website to macro photography.
Gonna call it Gary's tiny world - LOL. I may also be willing to post other's photos there too if I have the room.

I was thinking of showing a close up and having a "what's this" and a link to the life size thing to see if the reader can guess what it is.

I've always tried to get close up shots. I should post some of my decent ones. When I get this, I can get all the way down.

As for lighting, can't I just use fluorescent lights in my lab?

[Forced Perfect]

I have an XTi and 2 stock lenses that I got with it, but I so love to shoot macro.
What lens is good for this without spending mega bucks on it?
(Rather ask here then my camera store)

I was looking at the macro thread and s few lenses were mentioned but I need something that fits Canon.
I think it's an 18-55mm lens and I know the other is a 75-300mm, but that's telephoto.

I love shooting bugs and flowers with my point and shoot, but this this XTi, I should be able to get really close, then crop that 10 mp down to something good.

Thanks from a newbie for any and all help.

Probably the most fun per dollar lens is the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM. It will get you 1:1 magnification - which is really the first thing you want in a macro lens. Something you won't get with an attachment.

If I didn't have my wife's 50mm Sigma Macro to mess around with that lens would be high on my list. Although I must say my next macro will be the 180mm f/3.5 L. Or it's successor. hehe

[Gary_P]

Ok, now you have me confused.
Too much to choose from.

What's the difference? I'm a noob on this stuff.
I know 100mm is bigger then 60mm but that's all I know.

Should I bother with the Raynox DCR 250 at all?
What's Karl's take on this? ;)

I don't mind buying something that I can have fun with and upgrade but if there is something better that's not that much more then I'm ok.

Remember this is my hobby and it's my first SLR. I still have no idea and a purchase of $400 needs to be thought over.
Yes, I know I could be up in the $2000 range but that may be at a much later time.

Seems to me I have 3 choices now:
Raynox DCR 250
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

And looking on Amazon, they all got great reviews. To much to choose from.:p

[Forced Perfect]

Ok, now you have me confused.
Too much to choose from.

What's the difference? I'm a noob on this stuff.
I know 100mm is bigger then 60mm but that's all I know.

Should I bother with the Raynox DCR 250 at all?
What's Karl's take on this? ;)

I don't mind buying something that I can have fun with and upgrade but if there is something better that's not that much more then I'm ok.

Remember this is my hobby and it's my first SLR. I still have no idea and a purchase of $400 needs to be thought over.
Yes, I know I could be up in the $2000 range but that may be at a much later time.

Seems to me I have 3 choices now:
Raynox DCR 250
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

And looking on Amazon, they all got great reviews. To much to choose from.:p

WIth macro lenses, 100mm vs. 60mm means you will have a greater working distance from your subject. You would have to get closer to the bug you're trying to photograph with a 50 or 60mm lens compaired to a 100mm lens.

The two advantages of that are you are less likely to scare the critter you're tring to take pictures of, and second you won't block as much light with your camera because you're not as close.

[truflip]

Nice to meet you Karl.

Cannon has a real macro lens too. it sells for $400 and some change.
Cannon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

Has anyone used this lens? I'd like to see if it's worth the money and how much different are the pictures?

A friend tells me if I like the $40 one, then I'll love this one if I keep interested in macro photography.


I think I will because I'd like to devote a section of my website to macro photography.
Gonna call it Gary's tiny world - LOL. I may also be willing to post other's photos there too if I have the room.

I was thinking of showing a close up and having a "what's this" and a link to the life size thing to see if the reader can guess what it is.

I've always tried to get close up shots. I should post some of my decent ones. When I get this, I can get all the way down.

As for lighting, can't I just use fluorescent lights in my lab?
That depends on your subject. how far the lighting is etc.. the best way to learn what works for u is to practice. shoot photos with different settings, lightings, light distance, intensity etc etc... thats the only way you will really figure it out.. =)

one very important thing u wanna know, with macro photography, you need GOOD lighting. not flash, but a, nice, bright (but not tooo bright) and even source of light. otherwise ur subject will look washed out (blown highlights)


oh yes, nice to meet you also! =)

here are some sample with the DCR-250 attachment lens:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=dcr250&w=all

some of the ef-s 60mm:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=efs60&m=text

i couldnt find any sample pics of the 100mm lens.. yet!
anyway if u ask me.. $40 vs $400, its a tough decision. if you say your gonna be shooting mostly macro and creating a website of macro pics, you probably want the best image quality (which can only be obtained by the canon)
the $40 raynox holds up pretty well though from what i see in the samples

I dont have first hand experience with dSLR lenses so i cant comment on their performance.. i can only comment on their image quality and i gotta say theyre top notch ;)

as for shooting distance, depth of field etc...
just want to let u know i use an S3 which has 6mp, F2.7-F8 lens with 12x zoom. i believe thats 432mm
the s3's lens can effectively use the attachment within its room range.
and within that zoom range of 12x, u can be anywhere between 5-7inches away from the subject.
the lower the zoom= less magnification + more depth of field
as u increase zoom = more magnification and less depth of field.. u may need more light and very steady hands

one thing with the Raynox is that the lens are very small so at full wide angle u may find major vignetting... but u wouldnt do that :p

and "tiny world" would make a good homepage :p make sure to pass up the link when it goes up ;)

[truflip]

Ok, now you have me confused.
Too much to choose from.

What's the difference? I'm a noob on this stuff.
I know 100mm is bigger then 60mm but that's all I know.

Should I bother with the Raynox DCR 250 at all?
What's Karl's take on this? ;)

I don't mind buying something that I can have fun with and upgrade but if there is something better that's not that much more then I'm ok.

Remember this is my hobby and it's my first SLR. I still have no idea and a purchase of $400 needs to be thought over.
Yes, I know I could be up in the $2000 range but that may be at a much later time.

Seems to me I have 3 choices now:
Raynox DCR 250
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

And looking on Amazon, they all got great reviews. To much to choose from.:p

My S3 + Raynox = 432mm > 100 + 60 combined ;) hahah im joking :p

if you can afford to get the canons, then go for it. like i mentioned they have top notch image quality =) ive given u a list of what to expect with macro lenses in general (maybe its different with the canons)
and also what to expect with the raynox =)

If i had a dSLR i would keep using my Raynox until I find myself wanting more and more which can only be obtained from the $400 + lenses :)

however since you say youre a 'noobie' why not spend $40 (its spare change compared to the canons) and get the raynox? practice with it, get a feel for macro photography, learn the tips and tricks of the trade, master your lighting equipment etc.. think of it as a lesson that costs $40

sorry.. but do i sound like a politician? lol

[truflip]

sorry for the spam
heres some of my macro shots..
http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=50705867%40N00&q=dcr250&m=text

danielg (my master) is here:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=84172943%40N00&q=raynox&m=text

i think neither of us use professional lighting =\
i know i dont lol

let me know if u need anything else ;)

[Gary_P]

Ah! Thank you.

Was doing some pricing...

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Macro-Digital-Lens-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Macro-Lens-Cameras/dp/B00004XOM3

Ritz is high! :eek:
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541161386.htm
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541162277.htm


How good is the Sigma? Just wondering...
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/253091052.htm

I don't think I'll be buying it from Ritz.


Very cool samples!
I like the lens a lot. And as for the website, it was just a thought. I may not ever get to do it, but it would be fun.
I've messed with trying to get closeups with my Olympus but it's pretty much no good without a true macro lens.

I may just buy the $40 one and save for the other. Heck, I may not really like doing macro and then have wasted $400 that I could have spent elsewhere. :)

[truflip]

seems like you've decided =) dont forget to show us the macros! =D
as for the sigma, i have no comment. i dont know anything about em =\
I would suggest posting in the canon dSLR forums ;)
maybe one of the dSLR guys there have come across it hehe

[SpecialK]

Hi Gary:

I don't do much macro, but if you don't have a long zoom already, the Sigma 70-300 APO "does" macro in the 200-300 range. This lens appears fairly often in people's gear list, though it may not be used primarily for macro work. However, at about $225 or so, perhaps it can solve 2 needs? Here's one I just popped off.

[truflip]

a REAL macro lens could magnify the letters on that book plus it will see the small dots of ink the printer made on it...

zooming into a subject i wouldnt call 'doing macro'

[SpecialK]

Hi Truflip:

My dictionary says "macro" mean "large" or "enlarged", sorry.

"Zooming in" to a subject to get closer to it makes it larger. How exactly does your "REAL macro" lens work if not by getting closer to your subject?

If you read my post you will see I did not say this was the best macro lens. It has a function commonly referred to as "macro". And yes, if printing dots is your thing, then this may not be the best choice.

Just my 2 cents. Or in this case, 68 cents :-)

[Gary_P]

Thanks truflip.
Have not decided yet. I'm going to wait and see what I can do with the camera's stock lenses first.

SpecialK, cool shots. I sort of agree with truflip, but you do have a point also.
Any closeup is good for my tastes.
And yes I got the Canon 75-300mm telephoto just for buying the camera.

Time to show off a bit.
Going off to update my website to show some of my bug pictures. :)

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05021703canon_efs60mmmacro.asp

[scatamousche]

Hi Gary,

I just got the Canon 60mm macro lens you have been looking at. I also got a Promaster Macrolume ring flash. Here are some samples that I took in the last month or so. I am still experimenting with the f-stops but am making progress.

Scatamousche

http://www.karma-lab.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8504

[Gary_P]

Yeow scatamousche. Those are nice.
I would have no trouble ordering the lens now.
I have questions.

How do you like your ring flash?
And where did you get both pieces?
Do you think the 100mm would work better?
Why did you pick the 60mm.

[scatamousche]

Hi Gary,

I love the ring flash so far and I haven't even scratched the surface as far as using all of it's features. I bought the lens and the ring flash at a Harmon Photo store in my town. I think I paid msrp on the lens but the ring flash had a $100.00 rebate so it wasn't a bank breaker (around 300.00 before the rebate). I know it's not the cheapest route but I had just bought my Rebel XTI and the 70 - 300mm IS online and had been having some back focus issues with the system. I don't think the online places are as accountable as a local store would be when things aren't going well. A good enough reason to give your local store some business....

The XTI body along with this 60mm macro is working much more consistently than with my zoom lens. I use the focus ring exclusively with the macro and it has served me pretty well. I have only used the auto focus a couple of times so haven't formed any opinion of it's operation.

As far as whether this or the 100mm is better.... I guess it depends on what you are shooting. Dragonflies might be problematic but stuff like these honeybees are no sweat with the 60mm.

http://www.karma-lab.nl/Pictures/BeeCamellia.jpg

http://www.karma-lab.nl/Pictures/Stinger.jpg

I guess I picked the 60mm because of reviews like these:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=293&sort=7&cat=2&page=3

Cheers,
Scatamousche

[Gary_P]

Raynox DCR-250.
its got a good balance of magnification, DOF and great image quality.
I believe your XTi lens has a front thread? the Raynox has a clip that fits 52mm - 67mm front threaded lens :)

Hi truflip. looks like I may be going in this direction. I lost my $$$ backing for a more expensive lens. LOL
Had other bills to pay. :(

No matter! I may like this one better. Going to research it and see what kind of shots it takes.
Looking for really close ups.

Was looking at your site. Your honey is cute, and you make a good couple. :)

[Gary_P]

Thank you everyone, for your help.

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=219656#post219656