What Macro lens to buy

[DeSwitch]

After getting advise from some the Gurus here, I'm deciding to buy a dedicated Macro lens to pursuit more into Macro. However I dont know which to buy. My budget is a bit tight...say around SGD500 +/-. My current Sigma is not really suitable for handheld. My primary subjects will be flowers and insects. What Lens should I get? I believe in getting my equipments right first, provide that I can afford them. Right now I'm praticing on still subjects, (just little toys of my childrens).

Thanks in advance for valuable information obtained from this forum.

[ortega]

for your budget, try finding a used tamron 90mm
or for a little bit more you can get a new one.

[Denosha]

Eh.. For $500 you don't really have much of a choice. I think even the Tamron 90mm Macro and Sigma 105mm Macro are above $500. Can't remember. Don't bother with a 50mm macro, the working range is far too short to shoot insects.

[ortega]

Originally Posted by Denosha Eh.. For $500 you don't really have much of a choice. I think even the Tamron 90mm Macro and Sigma 105mm Macro are above $500. Can't remember. Don't bother with a 50mm macro, the working range is far too short to shoot insects.

the tamron 90 is <$600 new, so eat grass for a while and buy it new

[Steplim]

Tamron 90 is selling at $550 and Sigma 105 f/2.8 DG is selling at $680 at MSC.

[Outlook]

Do you have close up lens ? May consider that if budget tight. 2nd hand is below S$150 for (250D/500D).

In HongKong, lens sells cheap. With S$500, can buy a used Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens. Check: dcfever.com

[sumball]

You wont go wrong with Tamron 90mm.

[DeSwitch]

Thanks for the fast responses. So most of the Macro Gurus here recomend Tamron 90mm. I think I will go for that. Going to search the B&S section for a used one and buy a new one if cant find one. Most probrably next week.

Thanks again for the advise given. Hopefully in time I can repay you all by producing good Macro shots.

[erictan8888]

ya... agree with the rest.... the tamron 90mm gives sharp and contrasty pics... verygood...
well worth the money....

look forwardd to your macro shots....

[Lion king]

Agree. The Tamron 90mm give you value for money.
Got mine at $450 from a friendly cser here and guess what....
it can be use as a portraiture lens. Practically distortion free.

[DeSwitch]

had search the B&S but cant find anyone selling. Think will go to buy a new one either today or tomorrow. New is still around my budget. just one more question on the Tamron, is it suitable for handheld?

[ortega]

why not? any lens is suitable for hand held if the conditions are right.
if not then up your iso lor!

[DeSwitch]

Thank Otega. I have read a few reviews on the Tamron Lens. I think I can overcome the issue of the AF by using manual.

Looking forward to buying this Lens over the weekend try out.