Which Macro lens for a Canon XT1i would you suggest?

[Illinoisblue]

Hi, I want to explore the world of macro photography and was wondering if anyone could suggest an ideal starter Macro lens for the Canon Rebel XT1i. In the $250 - $300 US dollar range if that's possible!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[BCampbell]

Avoid the Canon 50mm macro. It is not "true" macro, only giving .5x magnification. You will probably want to look at the 60mm or 100mm macro lenses. Both are excellent, it depends primarily on what you are shooting, the 100mm gives you a little mroe working distance (though not that much) for moving subjects.

[RichardTaylor]

Just looking at Adorama's prices it appears you may need to spend around $US400

I have a Tokona 100 F2.8 Macro and I am happy with it. ($399.95)
However I have read reports the Tamron 90mm F2.8 is very good. ($409.95)

A longer, ~100mm, will give you more working distance to your subject and also make it a lot easier for lighting.

Another thought;
If you have a Point & Shoot camera you may find with its macro function it shoots close enough for you. Nowdays I tend to use a Canon G11 for flowers including extreme close ups because it focuses very close, in macro mode, and is very easy to use mainly because of its flip out rotating screen.

[inkista]

For the budget you have, you can't really get a Macro lens. A good P&S, as Richard suggests will probably do a better job at this point.

However, you could just use a 50mm f/1.8 II on extension tubes, or reverse-mount your kit lens in front of it, and that might work as a stop-gap until you can afford a real macro lens. I'd highly recommend taking a look through the Flickr "Poor Man's Macro" group.

[Illinoisblue]

thanks all for the advice. after searching online on Amazon and elsewhere i did think my price point might not provide for a genuinely decent macro lens.

might have to rethink and save some more coins!

[BCampbell]

The Kenko extension tube set is under $150. I believe it works on the kit lens, though having a fixed focal length removes one confounding factor when you're learning to set them up. It's a really cheap solution that can give you a good idea if macro is something you want to pursue without splashing for a dedicated lens, plus they can be useful in other situations (wildlife especially), plus plus if you do buy a macro lens you may want to add tubes for more magnification (though at that point it usually makes sense to go for the 65mm MP-E).

I have had some success (and some headaches) with using extremely cheap tubes with adapted manual film lenses; it's $50 to get you to 1.5x but I don't necessarily suggest it for the general user.