Author Topic: what macro-lense should I choose? (Read 4965 times)

gunnar3000 · « **on:** March 26, 2009, 18:42 »

I am going to buy a sigma macro lense these days... but I am not sure about the focal length.
what would you prefere.. 50 mm or 105mm? and why? I am not sure about the advantages and disadvantages...

I think that I will have more deepth of feeld with the 50 mm version, but what are the advantages of the 105 mm version?

thanks

j2k · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2009, 20:22 »

The main advantage of the 105mm is longer working distance - at 1:1 with the 50 you'll end up really close to your subject. In fact often close enough to shade the subject with your lens.

I have both. 105mm is very good in the field as a macro. The 50 is very compact but I usually use it in the studio as a regular lens that can focus really close.

Both lenses are very nice. I've heard that Sigma 150mm macro gets great reviews too.

cmcderm1 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2009, 22:45 »

I like one in the 100mm range. Workable.

leaf · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:28 »

there is also the Sigma 180 f/3.5 EX DG worth checking out.

The main difference between the lenses is working distance. If you are going to be taking shots of bugs or things that move, having the 100mm or even 180mm is really nice. If you take pictures of flowers and objects you are probably fine with the 50mm

what is your budget. There is also this very cool 5x macro lens

I went through the same process last year. Here is the thread.

gunnar3000 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2009, 03:22 »

Thanks to all of you.

Since I do lots of studio shootings the 50 mm lens will be the better choice.

But I have an other question: aside from macro… do you think that the 50 mm lens is also a good lens for still life and outdoor shootings (no macro)?
The problem is, that this lens has no “aspherical adjustment” (I don’t know whether this is the right English word or not – I am sorry for my english).
Will there be an improvement compared to my current 18-55 mm nikon d40 zoom lens in this kind of photography (outdoor, still life – no macro).

thanks
Gunnar

leaf · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2009, 04:53 »

Any time you go from a zoom to a fixed lens you are getting an improvement in quality, so you should notice a difference.

gunnar3000 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:09 »

Quote from: leaf on March 27, 2009, 04:53

Any time you go from a zoom to a fixed lens you are getting an improvement in quality, so you should notice a difference.

even if the fixed lens has no “aspherical adjustment”

but now I am convinced to buy the 50 mm

grandaded · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2009, 07:40 »

I'd also recommend trying out the Tamron 90mm F2.8 1:1 Macro lens, if you haven't already. It's a great lens, I've not seen any adverse comments about it.

drop · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2009, 10:50 »

i thought about this one, the 150 macro,
but there is no stabilisation.

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/180/cat/30

this one comes with the best figures.