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

So many different focal lengths exist for prime macros, aren't there? ... Is there one that's perfect for EVERYTHING? ... If so, what would it be? What's YOUR pick?

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

120mm

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

My choice would be 180mm. Although 120mm is also a good focal lenght, I like more room between me and my subject.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I agree.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Much depends on the subject matter / image size / Medium Format / Full-Frame / APS crop / . No one focal length fits all.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Pablo8 is also right. Usually the shorter focal lengths are cheaper. But you may want to go to a camera store with your camera body and see which way you want to go. Most of us that shoot any macro at all end up with a short and a long focal length macro lense (I have two lenses). There is a good chance that I will get an even shorter third macro lense.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Simple answer no, that's why there are many focal length for that! It's the same as with any other kind of photography, there is not just one perfect focal length for everything, there is the best, and that is the one you have with you (just like with cameras)! You just have to make the best of it!!

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

WD ... I already own three Macros - all at different lengths. In fact, I used them ALL in the photo series I incorporated in the Topic Post - "REAL GLASS LCD Protectors ... any good?" ... as an attempt not only to distinguish the difference between REAL GLASS LCD Protectors, but also - as a way to compare hardware.

And, it was during this excursion, I realized I really did not possess the IDEAL Macro to get the job done, efficiently, and effortlessly.

So, I started thinking about the most appropriate Macro length to use, in the future. There are so many lengths available, most certainly - for APS-C cameras, anyway. The foibles I encountered in the task I undertook - were quite formidable - all of which, made me realize - none of them even came close!!!!

They include a 24mm, a 28mm (Sigma) a 35mm (Tokina) a 40mm (Nikon) a number of 50s ... a 60 (Tamron) several 90s (also Tamron) an 85 and a 105 (Nikon) many 100s ... a 105 and 150 (Sigma) and several 180s (Canon, Sigma, Tamron) plus Nikon's 200mm .... it's really quite staggering!!!

The three I have are the Tokina 35 Pro DX ... which was a little too short. The Tamron SP 60 f2 ... was also short, to some extent. The Sigma EX 105 OS HSM was too long for the space I have available. So, I need to focus in on either Nikon's 85, or one of the Tamron 90s. Either should fare me well .....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There isn't any size that's perfect for everything, regardless what it is. For a macro, 105mm seems good.

Nikonman44

no

Nikonman44

Nikon 85 given those choices but there really is NO perfect lens.

epd1947

No - too many variables and scenarios to give the edge to any particular focal length.

Nikonman44

You need to post some local scenes from the land down under

aardq

For everything except animals, I like the Nikon 105. It's a little more versatile than the shorter lengths while not too big or bulky, but I also like the Nikon 85. Having said that, if you use a micro a lot, read the reports on the different makes and buy the best glass, even if it costs a little more. When shooting micro, better glass means better, sharper pic.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

It is known that with a medium tele range like 90 or 105 mm. the operator has more room to photograph the subjects.
Those lenses are also very useful as portrait lenses.