need advice on macro lens

[jddublin]

I have recently become very interested in the area of macro photography. I find though that i dont feel that i have the proper lens. I have a 300mm macro lens but it doesnt give me the closeness that i want. The two images i have posted i took using lens tubes but trying to get the focus correct took many many tries. If anyone could advise me on what lens i need to get up really close without the as much difficulty when it comes to focus and aperture it would be much appreciated.

jd

[Saralonde]

Welcome to DPS!

What camera do you have? Do you have a particular budget?

[jddublin]

hi thanks for the reply. I have a canon eos 20d and my maximum budget would be 400 euro. jd

[xxpinballxx]

Ext. tubes work on a shorter lens. Not sure if you knew that but on the 300mm it will be farther away than on a 105mm. I use a 50mm with my tubes but think the 105mm might be the happy middle.
If you are already using tubes might as well try a 60mm macro or the 105 and see what it gets you. I use nikon though so not sure what the comparable canon lenses would be.

[Saralonde]

If you are interested in a a dedicated macro lens, try the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro. I have this and it is an excellent lens, very sharp, and it gets really good reviews. It's a true 1:1 ratio. Works really nice as a closeup portrait lens, too.

Others work looking at:
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro

[filemanager]

Saralonde, do you have any recommendations for Nikons? (Aside from the $700 one I'm drooling over )

[zolotoiy]

And don't forget Tokina 100mm f/2.8 as well. Very sharp. Any gimmicks like IS, VR, AFS are pretty much useless at high magnifications, you pretty much should be good with any of mentioned lenses.

[xxpinballxx]

Filemanager - sigma has a couple good lenses. The 105mm macro for about 350 or so and the 70mm macro for around 500.

[Taallyn]

Nikon has a 105mm with VR macro lens. I've been impressed with the photographs I've seen others take with it.

[filemanager]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

Nikon has a 105mm with VR macro lens. I've been impressed with the photographs I've seen others take with it.

I believe that was the $700+ one I was referring to

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=TF6JEGW4CTDV

My father-in-law has it, it's SO awesome!!