canon macro for under $500: I am wanting a true macro that can double as a walk around lens for my Canon T4i. At this time I can't spend more than $500. Would the EF-S 60mm 2.8 work?

marxgo Loc: Central Iowa

I am wanting a true macro that can double as a walk around lens for my Canon T4i. At this time I can't spend more than $500. Would the EF-S 60mm 2.8 work? Also, although I use Amazon a lot, I have never bought used. What do you think about used when it comes to a lens? (the only lens I now have for the T4i is the 18-135mm that came with the camera).

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I would add another hundred to the budget and get the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ($600, less if you get a factory refurbished model). This is an excellent lens.

The working distance for the 60mm is too short- that is my opinion from my experience.

WNC Ralf Loc: Candler NC, in the mountains!

haroldross wrote:

I would add another hundred to the budget and get the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ($600, less if you get a factory refurbished model). This is an excellent lens.

The working distance for the 60mm is too short- that is my opinion from my experience.

Agree, no need to get too close, especially for insects. 100 mm should get your min. Focus to around 12 inches? Have fun.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

marxgo wrote:

I am wanting a true macro that can double as a walk around lens for my Canon T4i. At this time I can't spend more than $500. Would the EF-S 60mm 2.8 work? Also, although I use Amazon a lot, I have never bought used. What do you think about used when it comes to a lens? (the only lens I now have for the T4i is the 18-135mm that came with the camera).

Walk around generally means zoom ie 18-270 or the like. I am unaware of any "true" macro that is a zoom. True macro usually means 1:1
Check out reviews on Tamron 90mm macro, google Mike Mots for results, pro who shoots Macro. Good price, great IQ, 6 year warranty. I shoot Nikon and have their 105 2.8 and 200 f4 but they are $$$$$. Tamron good value with price and IQ

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

haroldross wrote:

I would add another hundred to the budget and get the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ($600, less if you get a factory refurbished model). This is an excellent lens.

The working distance for the 60mm is too short- that is my opinion from my experience.

You can find that lens used for around $350 - 450

marxgo Loc: Central Iowa

[quote=sbesaw]Walk around generally means zoom ie 18-270 or the like. I am unaware of any "true" macro that is a zoom. True macro usually means 1:1

I guess I should have said a "prime" lens that is a macro 1:1. I have a 35mm macro for my Olympus but it has always been a good prime lens for general purposes. So I was wanting something like that for the T4i. The 100mm does sound good for the working distance.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

K E H Camera, great deals on great gear

marxgo Loc: Central Iowa

Bruce with a Canon wrote:

K E H Camera, great deals on great gear

Thanks. I will check them out. I have not used them before.

billjohdoittoday Loc: Arkansas

sbesaw wrote:

Walk around generally means zoom ie 18-270 or the like. I am unaware of any "true" macro that is a zoom.

I have a 45mm macro (90mm equivalent) on my micro-four-thirds camera that I frequently use as my walk-around lens. It's a macro when I want to get close, a 45mm (90mm) walk-around-lens when I want to back off a ways. As I say, I'll put this on the camera and use it as my only lens for days at a time.

Granted, walk-around-lens usually means zoom. But it doesn't have to.

Bill

FramerMCB Loc: Northern, ID (formerly Portland, OR area)

[quote=marxgo]

sbesaw wrote:

Walk around generally means zoom ie 18-270 or the like. I am unaware of any "true" macro that is a zoom. True macro usually means 1:1

I guess I should have said a "prime" lens that is a macro 1:1. I have a 35mm macro for my Olympus but it has always been a good prime lens for general purposes. So I was wanting something like that for the T4i. The 100mm does sound good for the working distance.

The Tamron 90mm Macro is highly rated at some sites. I think you can buy it new for around $400.00...look on B&H. However, the other posters' suggestions concerning the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro are very worth checking into.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

With an X-Pro 280 2 element close up lens on the front of your 18-135, you could get very close - but I do not think 1:1 ....more like 1 : 1.7 - It is a worthwhile option for $100. Otherwise, for what you describe, I would favor the Tamron 60mm F2 Macro over the Canon 60mm. The X-Pro's can be found here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/XPRO-F280-67mm-Close-Up-Lens-canon-nikon-sony-Olympus-Pentax-/270924537691?pt=Camera_Filters&hash=item3f145c5f5b#ht_4494wt_1278

BRANman Loc: Nebraska

I have had the Canon EF-s 60mm lens for several years and have used it on several bodies...it is an excellent true macro lens and does great duty as a general purpose prime lens as well.

marxgo Loc: Central Iowa

BRANman wrote:

I have had the Canon EF-s 60mm lens for several years and have used it on several bodies...it is an excellent true macro lens and does great duty as a general purpose prime lens as well.

Thanks BRANman, this helps me to make the decision. I am going to order it this morning. I have had a much harder (and more confusing) time deciding on a lens to order than I did a camera body. Personal experience helps more than reading all the stats on this stuff.

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

haroldross wrote:

I would add another hundred to the budget and get the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens ($600, less if you get a factory refurbished model). This is an excellent lens.

The working distance for the 60mm is too short- that is my opinion from my experience.

You can buy it direct from Canon refurbished for ~$480.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-lenses/ef-100mm-f-28-macro-usm-refurbished

marxgo Loc: Central Iowa

Photogdog wrote:

You can buy it direct from Canon refurbished for ~$480.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-lenses/ef-100mm-f-28-macro-usm-refurbished

Thanks for answering. I have already ordered the 60mm. I watched the Canon site for refurbished micro lens but did not see any. Must have just missed it. I did get my Canon body at their refurbished site over Christmas. Maybe I'll have a chance later to trade the 60 in or sell it, and get the 100. I am sure it would be better for the working area it provides.