Which 50mm Macro lens for Rebel XS ?

[jofrost]

Hello All ,

I'm looking to purchase a 50mm Macro lens for my Canon Rebel XS . I have whittled it down to two lenses .

1) Canon 50mm f 2.5 Compact Macro

2 ) Sigma 50mm f 2.8 EX DG Macro

From what I have read most users of these two lenses seems to like them and from sample photos I've seen both seem to do a rather nice job .

I am a hobbyist and take a lot of photos of models and am looking for something that will take nice sharp photos of detailed portions of my models .

Another reason for choosing these two is cost factor ( fit my budget )

Any input from anyone that has experience with either of these lenses would be great .

Thanks ,
John

[daft_biker]

I believe the Sigma will focus down to lifesize. The Canon only goes to half lifesize.

I'd probably go for the Sigma if it goes closer.

Do you have a tripod?

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

I believe the Sigma will focus down to lifesize. The Canon only goes to half lifesize.

I'd probably go for the Sigma if it goes closer.

Do you have a tripod?

I do have a tripod , which has been a big help . Does the lifesize -vs- half lifesize make that much difference ?

Thanks ,
John ( still learning )

[inkista]

Yes. It's the difference between filling the frame, and filling only half of the frame.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by inkista

Yes. It's the difference between filling the frame, and filling only half of the frame.

Is there an example of this ?

Thanks ,
-John

[inkista]

Here. This blog entry has examples of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 magnification. A lens that does 1:2 could not even fill the frame with the dime, it could only fill half the frame with the dime.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by inkista

Here. This blog entry has examples of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 magnification. A lens that does 1:2 could not even fill the frame with the dime, it could only fill half the frame with the dime.

inkista,

Much thanks ! It explains a lot seeing actual photos . Sounds like the Sigma may be the way to go ( and only a little bit more $ )

-John

[inkista]

De nada. There's so much jargon with photography that it's hard to understand a lot of it without visual examples. The Canon 50 Macro has an optional add-on converter that will get it to 1:1, but then you're robbing yourself of image quality and costing yourself enough money that you could probably just get the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro or EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro instead.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by inkista

De nada. There's so much jargon with photography that it's hard to understand a lot of it without visual examples. The Canon 50 Macro has an optional add-on converter that will get it to 1:1, but then you're robbing yourself of image quality and costing yourself enough money that you could probably just get the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro or EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro instead.

So true ...I seem to learn something new all the time .

I have read a lot of great reviews about the image quality of the Canon 50 , and the same holds true for the Sigma .

I don't think the EF-S 60mm Macro will work with my Rebel XS ( at least from what I have read ) The EF 100 would be great , but doesn't fit my budget

-John

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jofrost

I don't think the EF-S 60mm Macro will work with my Rebel XS ( at least from what I have read )

What have you been reading?

A friend uses his 60mm on his old XSi, 40D and T1i