Macro lenses for a Canon Rebel Xsi

[tanya_m]

Like the subject says, I'm looking for a good macro lense for my Canon Rebel Xsi. All I have is the lense that came with it, and I'm not even sure what kind it is.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

how close do you want to get to you subject? do you want to be able to double the lens as a portrait lens ? how much do you want to spend. etc etc etc

but this is probs the pick of the bunch
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review

you can use if for portraits too

[natek313]

Originally Posted by Dirt_Bike_Ryda

how close do you want to get to you subject? do you want to be able to double the lens as a portrait lens ? how much do you want to spend. etc etc etc

but this is probs the pick of the bunch
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review

you can use if for portraits too

Ok, if all she has is the kit lens, then I'm pretty sure the 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens is a bit out of her budget.

Tanya, you will have to give a little bit more information if you want any worthwhile replies. First off, and perhaps most importantly, what is your budget? That is, what is the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on a macro lens?

Here is a list of the Canon macro lenses that B&H have to offer: Canon Macro Lenses

I own the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens. I love the lens. It is sharp as a tack, and the colors and contrast I get are wonderful. There is the considerably more expensive Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens that is supposed to be very good. Even more expensive is the one Dirt_Bike_Ryda mentioned. There are less expensive macro lenses that Canon makes as well. Just take a look at that list I linked to above.

Also, you may want to consider a third-party (i.e., non-Canon) macro lens. For instance, I've heard good things about the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens even though I have not personally shot with it.

Finally, do your research! Ask any of your photographer friends if they have experience with any particular lenses. Look up reviews online. Go to your local camera store(s) and try some of the lenses out. Also, you may even want to consider renting a macro lens. I've rented from www.borrowlenses.com and had a fantastic experience with them.

Hopefully this helps!

[inkista]

The two most common choices in the Canon line-up are the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro, and the EF 100 f/2.8 USM Macro. They're both around $400-$500, both razor sharp, and both great 1:1 macro lenses. The 60 is smaller and EF-S, the 100 has a better working distance for living things and is larger. All the other macro lens choices in the Canon lineup are either not true macro (the 50 only does 1:2 magnification), or astronomically expensive.

If this is too rich for you blood, you can look at Tamron or Sigma macro lenses for Canon mount, or consider one of the "poor man's macro" techniques, like extension tubes, reversed lenses, or close-up filters.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

even with a MACRO lens extension tubes can be usefull. allowing you to get 2:1 and more.

[tanya_m]

The lense I've got is EFS 18-55mm. As for my budget range, I would have to say between $500 to $1000, but I'd like to keep it on the low end.

[natek313]

Well, then I think either the Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM or the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM would be the two lenses you'd want to consider first. Both are in your budget (actually, the 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens lists for just over $400 at B&H), and both are great lenses!

[inkista]

The thing to keep in mind when deciding between the 60 and the 100 is what your subject matter is going to be. If you plan to shoot critters with it, remember that a 60 will make you loom quite close, with your shadow often your biggest obstacle to a good shot. Insects in particular do not want you that close and will scramble to get away. The 100's longer working distance is better for wildlife macros.

The 60, otoh, is smaller and lighter, and still ideal for tabletop object or flower macros.

I own the 60. My other hobbies include collecting vintage fountain pens, and folding origami. The 60 fits my choice of subject matter perfectly. But I can certainly testify that it's nowhere near long enough to be comfortable when shooting tarantula hawks (giant wasps).

[tanya_m]

But I can certainly testify that it's nowhere near long enough to be comfortable when shooting tarantula hawks (giant wasps).

You've got a lot more guts than me. I think I'll stay away from subject matter than can sting me.

[Jill H]

This is great for me too as I wanted to ask the same question about a Macro lens for my Canon 450D (Rebel XSi).
I was tossing up between the 60mm and the 100mm after reading a couple of photography mags. My question is can you still fill the frame and get a really in close detail shot with the 100mm. I am not really interested in insect shots, but do a lot of flower work, and looking at expanding into other macro work. I take a lot of wildflower shots out in the bush and don't always want to be laying on the ground! Could you tell me what lens would be most suitable.

thanks.