Macro on a Budget!

[Sheesh]

Hello,
I've got to the stage were I now want to add a new lens to my family! Macro is something I am very interested in and would now like to not have to use my Mum's Canon Powershot SX20 IS just to get macros shots!!

BUT I have a budget. There's so much I still don't know so I would like advise on a macro lens to go with my Canon 600D that won't break my bank account.

Any advise would be most welcome,
Sheesh

[Preeb]

Originally Posted by Sheesh

Hello,
I've got to the stage were I now want to add a new lens to my family! Macro is something I am very interested in and would now like to not have to use my Mum's Canon Powershot SX20 IS just to get macros shots!!

BUT I have a budget. There's so much I still don't know so I would like advise on a macro lens to go with my Canon 600D that won't break my bank account.

Any advise would be most welcome,
Sheesh

About the most reasonable Canon lens is the EF-S 60mm f2.8. Under $480 US, which is one reason why I bought this one. I haven't looked at any other brands, so I can' help you there.

[sk66]

IMO, the best option(cost/effectiveness) to get into macro is extension tubes. Something like these should work for you.

[ishootRAW]

Originally Posted by sk66

IMO, the best option(cost/effectiveness) to get into macro is extension tubes. Something like these should work for you.

+1

Do it this way for a while. If you really like it, save for the canon 100mm 2.8 non-L($500), which is by far the best macro on the market Short of the 100L($900) and the 180L($1300).

[Sheesh]

Thanks guys for replying. I didn't know about Macro Extension tubes as an other option. I think that may have to be the way to go at the moment.

Any paticular brand better than others?
Thanks again

[spikeyjen]

I'm looking for a similar lens and I've decided to go with the Canon 100mm 2.8 USL Macro.
I'm told it also makes for a good portrait lens and the 100mm means you can be a bit away from the subject, thus not scaring the bugs away!

the IS version of this lens is about $500 more expensive. The non IS lens is about US $550

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Sheesh

Thanks guys for replying. I didn't know about Macro Extension tubes as an other option. I think that may have to be the way to go at the moment.

Any paticular brand better than others?
Thanks again

Brand doesn't matter much since they don't do anything optically to the image. I wouldn't go super cheap as they probably won't last. I would choose tubes that still allowed electronic communication with the lens for metering and autofocus, but you don't have to.

[Sheesh]

Just another question, with these extension I see that you have to put a lens on the end of them. What lens would go best with these? I have a 18-55mm and a 50-200mm yet I don't see these working well with the extensions when what I'm trying to do is get macro. I will be purchasing a EF 50mm f/1.8 II, would that be better? Thanks.

[sk66]

Your 18-55 would probable work well...the 50mm might work better.
The best lens will be the sharpest lens that frames the subject. "Fast" isn't usually a concern as you will generally want a small aperture to get the largest DOF.