Macro lens purchase

[amyhoman]

I love taking pics of flowers and bugs, but what else can you do with a macro lens? I have a 50 mm f 1.8 with extension tubes now. The canon macro lens is $400-$500. Is the quality exceptional enough and versatile enough for a hobby photographer to make the purchase? Also, what additional items are needed for macro photography besides a tripod? Do you have to have the special lighting equipment? Just wondering before I decide on the purchase. Thanks in advance.

Amy

[daft_biker]

Hi Amy. There are somethings that macro lenses can do besides macro - I find my 100mm macro works well as a portait lens if you have space for such a long lens (or want tightly cropped head shots). I've also shot a fair amount of sports with it.

Quite often macro lenses are not that useful a focal length for general shooting but they are occasionaly handy. Depends what you shoot

As for other stuff you need....a focus rail, reflector....maybe a polariser. I guess you already have a remote release if you have a tripod?

Quality wise a 50mm on tubes can be pretty good. A macro lens should be even better...better corrected for close focus so sharper sharp bits, more aperture blades for creamier bokeh and they also make life easier by giving you more working distance and save you having to faff about swapping extension tubes.

[irispatch]

A lot depends on what you want to accomplish in the end. If your eventual goal is a collection of very good photographs suitable for framing or a collection of floral and bug world close ups yes investing in a canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens is a good step. Many find the 100mm2.8 to be a fine portrait lens as well, maybe a bit sharper than some would like for portraits but making a photo less sharp is far easier than sharpening a not so sharp image. I use my 100mm 2.8 for landscapes as well really you do not always need a 10mm WA lens to capture landscapes. Thwe 100 mm FL is a good length for many things, My pets, my flowers the cows next door what ever I feel like taking a close framed shot of.
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For serious macro I suggest a tripod, remote release, Flash and Flash bracket.
Reflectors and flash filters can be improvised. Focus rails and asssorted acessories can come later as your technique developes.
A very good write up by " Lord V on the PTON forum is helpful. Brian is a true master of Macro photography and his advice is golden. He is always willing give tips on bettering your macro work. Macrophotography by LordV - Canon Digital Photography Forums

just remember take your time there are may alternatives to an ultra expensive set up.

[Thunder_o_b]

irispatch is absolutely right, go and learn as much as you can from LordV.

Here is another link to a bunch of his stuff.
Brian valentine (LordV) - Google Search