Canon Cameras

What is the best value for money for macrolens for a Canon EOS?

I am an amateur photographer and would like to photograph insects. The camera I am using at the moment is a Canon EOS 350D

Public Comments

1. the cheapest way to go would be to use close-up filters (and yes, thats really what they're called) instead of macro lenses. they are basically like a magnifying glass you screw onto the end of a lens just like a filter. they usually come in sets of 3 that you can use in different combinations to get as close as you want, hope that helps
2. I too love taking macro shots. I cant comment specifically on Canon, since I use Nikon (nothing against Canon, I just happen to have a Nikon.) I can make some general observations. For marcro shots, you basically have 3 choices. One is a macro lens. Second, as Laura mentioned there are the close up filters. Thirdly, you can use extension tubes or even bellows. The benefit of a macro lens is convience. nothing to add, you just focus and shoot. Consider buying the fastest lens you can afford, because you will want the extra light at close up shots. I would suggest avoiding 2nd company lenses, and use actual Canon lenses, as some of the 2nd company lenses can be false ecomomy. Remember its the quality of the lens that determines the quality of the picture, not the camera. Note that the longer the focal length of the macro lens, the farther away you can be from the subject and still have enlarged closeups. This can become an issue with insects, as they tend to have a "fear bubble", that is how close you can get before disturbing them. The filters are a less expensive option, but don't offer the clarity and sharpness that a macro lens does. There can be a cumulative negative affect of adding several to your lens, in terms of pic quality. They are however relatively inexpensive. Keep in mind though, anything you add to the front of the lens is detracting from the lens's optimal quality. The third option is extention tubes. The are basically hollow tubes that connect between the lens and the camera body, thereby increasing your focal length. The also are generally inexpensive, and don't have any detrimental effect on the picture quality, since they're behind the lens, not in front of it. The longer the tubes (they usually come in sets of 3 rings that can be added or subtracted to get the enlargement you want) the greater the focal length, and the bigger the image is on film. The major drawback to tubes is you lose a lot of light, and the longer the tubes, the more stops you lose. You might have to use supplemental lighting for sufficient exposure. Some specific tricks on shooting insects include spraying the bugs with hairspray, thus immobilizing them (you can even pose them!). This does kill the insect though, so not too humane. If it is a beetle or scarab with bright colors, you'll want to make sure your light emphasizes the effect (however, watch out for glares!...the hairspray can also help reduce reflective glare). As I mentioned, if you want to shoot them live, they often fly/run/scurry if you get too close. Thus the benefit of having a longer focal length, so you dont have to get as close. Also, even if not spooked, they tend to run around.... Your depth of field is very shallow when doing macrophotography(sometimes mere millimeters!)...so if your're trying to focus on very mobile insects..pick an attractive spot..pre-focus in on it, and wait for the bugs to move into the spot you've chosen. (Or try herding them towards where you want them...I also had to resort to this with the ants) Hope this helps. Í suggest deciding how much you want to invest, and going from there. In order of least to most expensive 1) filters 2) tubes 3) macro lens. I sometimes use the tubes behind my actual macro lens for additional magnification, so if you do buy tubes, they aren't a waste if you later buy a macro lens. Good luck, and expect to take lots of pictures to get that one "awesome" shot.
3. the sigma 50mm macro is very good. i think its about £100 ish. i use mine every day for both normal work and close up stuff.