Hi,
Im thinking of buying a macro lens (for a 400D), and am not sure what I need. I would like to take detailed close ups of both plants and animals.
I have ~£300 to spend, so was thinking a 2nd sigma 180? But is this too long? Do I need a tripod and flash?
Thanks if you can help!
The Canon 100 macro is a very good lens. It also takes a 1.4 tc (non Canon) very well with absolute minimum IQ loss, this gives a fairly lightweight 140mm. I use mine in the field with a monopod which I find a lot less restrictive than a tripod.
I recently had this dilema and eventually went for the Sigma 150mm.
I didn't want to necessarily use a tripod and I was advised the 180mm was a bit big for hand-held (I never tried it so can't be certain).
The 150mm has continuous manual which means you can focus in auto and 'tweak' it manually at any time (sorry if you already new that-I didn't). I find this extremely useful with hand held shots (as with the attached)
It has 3 distance settings which help with fast focus.
I can't compare but would certainly recommend it-I have had such enjoyment from it.
I'm sure a tripod would be useful but I don't use one (my old tripod is too slow and not versatile enough)
I purchased mine from HongKong-brilliant service and quick delivery by Fedex.