Macro for duffers??

As usual I am completely confused having spent an hour or two looking at macro lenses on t'interweb..

I am using a Canon 450D and I am now looking at purchasing a Macro lens.

The lens will be purely for Macro use, I already have 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses.

I am confused by lens lengths, 50mm, 70mm, 105mm etc. What does each lens length offer when it comes to Macro work and what are the advantages or disadvantages??

I want a lens for close ups of insects, plants etc.

What would be a good general macro set up, flash, tripod etc.??

I have a Slik tripod and a cheap Miranda lightweight one too.

All information greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Personally I would go for a macro lens around the 100mm range - as it will mean you don't need to get so close to the subject and if you fire a flash the body/lens will be less likely to be in the way

As Azz says depends how close you want to get to your subject; or how likely you are to scare it off, cast a shadow over it etc. 100m is a good one-size-fits-all. I also use a canon extender which gives me added flexibility over distances when necessary.

Other than the tripod, I would say a multi-colour reflector is a very good investment if you wish to concentrate on macro photography. If you are using a hotshoe flash I'd also invest in a diffuser to take away any harsh shadow casts caused by the flash.

As Ii replied to Perr. A true macro in my opinion has a 1/1 ratio, as regards mm what you should look at is the minimum focus distance as well. You don't say what you want to photograph. If its for still life then a short mm lens will do but if for insects and the like you need to get further away with something like 100mm so as not to disturb. I have a Tamron SP DI AF90mm 1/2.8 Macro 1/1 lens macro (came second to the Nikon in a mag test). It also features a focus limiter to stop the lens hunting too much .

http://www.intro2020.co.uk/pdf/90mmDi.pdf.

Cost around the £250 mark good value for the price.

bazza

That is of interest to me Bazza, have in the past had a bad experience with a Tamron lens BUT I am in the market for a lens about that description and that is a good price.

Well I use a Canon 60mm Macro lens ...if it broke today I would buy another one immediately

As the gent has a canon that is fine for him, will it fit his 450D and do you sometimes wish you had a little more length or do you find that the 60mm allows you enough distance to not disturb the subject?

It depends what you want to do with it ...I much prefer the 60mm prime lens Some folks prefer the 100mm. I didnt disturb the butterfly

Yet again this site and it's members come up with the goods.

Thank you everyone for your input.

I think I have worked out that the longer the lens, the further away you can shoot from, just as with other disciplines.

I am particularily interested in wee beasties such as bugs, aphids etc. and especially anything trout eat so a bit more distance so as not to scare off the subject would be very useful.

Something in the 100mm range, either a Canon original or a Sigma seem to be the options.

It seems as though you have decided on the focal length. The two I would have suggested are the Canon 60mm (that Mel has already posted about) or the Canon 100mm lens. Both are very good lenses, obviously the 60mm is an EF-S lens but if you are not looking to replace your body then this won't be an issue.

I was going to say that the 60mm would compliment your existing range (and cover the gap you have in the middle) however the 100mm does give you a greater working distance.

I have the 100mm and love it