wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

As we all should know, there is nothing perfect in photography .......I much prefer high magnification lenses that have tripod collars and longer FL is better IMO - although Canon makes a 100mm Macro with optional collar and the Sigma 150 does also. ALL the 180's and 200's do also.

Actually, I mostly prefer a 70-200 ZOOM lens for close up work to about 1:2 ......

jeweler53

For static subjects I usually grab my Micro Nikkor 55. It is only an f 3.5, but alone it will focus at 1/2 life size, and with the PK 13 it will focus at 1:1. For "living" subjects (bugs flowers etc) I usually use a 135mm. Use what works for you. and I agree that "better glass" matters more here than in most situations.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Yes, I know, Papi ... I suspect the 90 will probably do the trick ... they all are fairly fast, too ... the Nikon 85 is more ideal, length-wise, but, at f3.5, - slower ...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Larry ... which Canon 100mm Macro comes with an optional collar? ... The L or the non-L?

The 70-200 - whilst most certainly a good lens ... is not going to give you 1:1 Macro, though ... wouldn't have worked in this situation ... ditto, the Sigma 150 ...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

On your comment relevant to "better glass" ... it is my contention, virtually ALL Macros are "better glass" by their very nature .... no?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I know the L does - and I think the non-L might also.

The Canon 70-200 f4 makes for a great close-up lens - and with optional collar ( think 12mm tube or 500D lens), or add 1.4X if you need more distance.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

f4 is just a little too slow for the situation I found myself in ... the f2 of the Tamron 60 - quite clearly, gave me the cleaner, clearer shots than either of the other two.

Although, on that score - the Tokina did a halfway decent job ... but the Sigma (also a 2.8) clearly did not stand up to the other two, in that respect ....

Take a look, Larry ...

The series is in this Topic Post - REAL GLASS LCD Protectors ... any good?

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

It's worth mentioning that if you want more depth of field for a given focus distance and aperture get a shorter lens. If you want less depth of field go with a longer lens. I prefer "dreamy" closeups with minimal DOF, so I tend to use longer lenses.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

What, specifically, Toby?

105, 150, 180, 200 .... ?

Philip J Loc: Florida

I can say this. I've used the 100 mm focal length macro lens professionally and can emphatically state that at times this has been too much of a lens. A second focal length lens has been added to my evergrowing family. This is a 50 mm macro. between both focal lengths, I have got my particular needs covered.
This is not to say that these lenses will fill your bill. As every artist has a different paintbrush to perform a different task, so you as a photographer will need a variety of lenses. Each one will have a specific task.
My advice is to find a camera store that will allow you to view the lens that peaks your interest in their store. Bring a sample with you of what you intend to photograph along with your camera body and memory card. (a flower would be a smart choice) In this manner, after taking your photographs you can actually see if this lens will meet your expectations.
Even better if you can rent a lens from them for a week. In lieu of this option see if you can borrow one from a friend. (assuming that you both own the same brand of equipment) Or you may join a local camera club and borrow the same brand of equipment lens that you are interested in while on a photographic outing. In this manner, he can be near his equipment and offer some words of encouragement while you have the added benefit of hands-on his lens.
When back at your home examine your images and make an informed decision based on your Photographic skill set.
I would recommend that you shoot in manual mode and disable the autofocus. Focus manually and determine your depth of field (f/stop) before you shoot.
If using flash and there is no wind assuming that you outside try using the lowest shutter speed setting that will allow you to use your predetermined aperture.
Settle on a focal length then and only then assuming that it comes in more than one flavor purchase the fastest lens that your budget will provide for. Ideally, you can get to the hands-on stage before your actual purchase in order to make an informed decision.
Hope this will help & remember that the Holidays are fast approaching. With this in mind, a few subtle hints whispered in the correct ears may help you in obtaining your new lens.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Bill ... I'd think - shooting wildlife, you'd want to be as far away from your subject, as your glass will allow (and still attain) macro .... that'd be 200, I guess ....

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Macro lens for which format, MFT, APS-C, or FF?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Oh, right, Phil ... I'll tap my bottle, and when Jeannie appears ... I'll let her know ... thanks!!!!

And I can just see me trying to take a plant into a camera shop ... they'll have me thrown out of there, in seconds ....

Yes, of course ... the 50 and 100 pairing makes a lotta sense ....

But, I do have a 60 Macro, already - and that - definitely - wasn't close enough, for my needs (neither was my 35) ....

And the 105 - whilst a wonderful lens in many situations ... was too long for this particular application ....

Which means I need to "focus" in on that grey area between 60 and 90 ... is there anything at 70? ... Don't think there are ...

So, then - the next level in an APS-C design, presumably, is the Nikon 85 ... which, at f3.5 - is just a tad too slow ...

Up from that would be any of the Tamron 90s (which is, in effect - a 135) ... but that might be - like the 105 ... just a little too close ...

I suspect ... what I really need - is a 75 Macro ... but ... that length seems to've been passed over, by most ... not sure why, though ....

You know what we REALLY need? ... A Zoom 1:1 Macro !!!! ... Wouldn't THAT be a gas?

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have a Nikon 105 f2.8 Micro lens on my D800 and it has served me well as both a macro lens and also an every day lens.

Dennis