Watchlords

Novice with camera, looking to purchase a dedicated macro lens for my Canon T3i dslr. Seeking advise from you experts, what says you guys??
Currently looking at these two,
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_157395_-1
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_176726_-1

Any and all recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

I use a Tokina 35 mm f2.8 macro. It's a handy lens because the focal length is approximately equal to a 50 mm on a full frame camera, so it can be used for general day-to-day shooting as well as macros. Mine is fitted to a Nikon, but they are also available with Canon mounts.

It struggles a bit in very bright or contrasty situations, with noticeable chromatic aberration. but for macro shooting that is rarely an issue, and you can work around it most of the time in normal shooting.

It's more affordable than the lenses you posted, at AUD$320 or so.

I took these pics with it recently:

Thanks Jason_

I thought that a higher focal point is better for watch pics (positions camera further away from item). Still learning this photog thing.

I use a Canon EF-S 60mm Macro lens. Very nice optics, virtually no bad reviews.

Mark2 wrote:I use a Canon EF-S 60mm Macro lens. Very nice optics, virtually no bad reviews.

I use it on a Canon 60D. Here are some recent shots:

Nice shots Mark2.

Codguy you are correct that a longer focal length allows you to shoot from a greater distance. The Tokina is capable of 1:1 theoretically but the lens must almost be touching the subject. This creates lighting problems. And if you are trying to shoot, say, a bug, the proximity of the lens might scare it away.

My lens was a gift from my wife and family, so budget was a priority. I was actually seeking a prime lens, and the Tokina had decent reviews (as good or better than equivalent Nikons), with the added bonus of macro capability. Since most of my macro shots are watches, I don't have to worry about scaring them. Lighting can be a challenge though.

At $300 I don't think you'll find a better prime macro. You would expect and hope that the $600 canon you posted is noticeably superior.

Try the Tamron 90mm/2.8... great third party lens, very sharp.

From one of the best vendors in the biz...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330641-USA/Tamron_AF272C700_SP_90mm_f_2_8_Di.html

I'd recommend the 100mm. It is going to give you the best working distance making lighting and composition easy, (especially with highly reflective subjects) and will give you the flattest field center to edges, therefore the best depth of field throughout the aperture for razor sharp fine details at macro distances. It also gives you more versatility as it makes an excellent portrait and candid shooter also, to (I believe the T3i has a 4:3 A/R.)

Damn fellas those are some really nice shots

AntFarm wrote:Damn fellas those are some really nice shots

I agree with Antfarm. I am still just learning to us my used Konica Minolta Dimage A2 with Macro. I am having some fun with it that's for sure.

Me, I just use my cannon power shot set to the flower setting without a flash. hmm... guess that is why my pictures aren't that good...

AntFarm wrote:Me, I just use my cannon power shot set to the flower setting without a flash. hmm... guess that is why my pictures aren't that good...

They don't look to bad either.

Great pics!

codguy wrote:Should have updated this thread last month when I purchased the below Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

A little spendy (not compared to professional glass) but has enabled me to take a couple decent pics with it.

Truly appreciate everyones help, thank you.

Now need to learn this camera.

Great choice.
Hows it going with that?

shinytickythings wrote:

codguy wrote:Should have updated this thread last month when I purchased the below Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

A little spendy (not compared to professional glass) but has enabled me to take a couple decent pics with it.

Truly appreciate everyones help, thank you.

Now need to learn this camera.

Great choice.
Hows it going with that?

Lost the original pics in thread when I dumped photobucket





Love the pics the lens takes but haven't spent anytime learning the camera (been to busy wrenching on toys).

I am an amateur at best at this photog thing.

Very nice. Looks like you've been getting the hang of it!

I use the big daddy professional version of that lens for work. I don't often use it to shoot my watches though.
Most of the time I'm happy with some quick snaps with my Fujifilm X10.

But when I really want to get up close and personal and get the best shots possible, that is the go-to lens.
Does beautiful portrait shots too, btw.

If you decide you want to get closer with this lens you can get extension tubes for it pretty cheap. They make 12 and 25mm. I use the 25mm the most. Basically, without getting too technical, the tube just moves your lens a little farther from the sensor, and that lets you focus closer up than you might normally be able too.
Very nice for getting those tight shots of a wristwatch escapement or pallet jewels.

Fantastic shots.

I've been messing around with a mounted 36mm lens on my Nikon, then I hold up a wide open 50mm to it glass to glass to get the macro. Your depth of field is super shallow but it's fun to mess around with.

fenny wrote:I've been messing around with a mounted 36mm lens on my Nikon, then I hold up a wide open 50mm to it glass to glass to get the macro. Your depth of field is super shallow but it's fun to mess around with.

For some interesting pics- see if you can find an old BR-6 reversing ring (adapts the lens to mount backwards) and pop it onto a few different lenses, really fun with a zoom lens.

ttt