Stats153 wrote:
Agreed -- I have the Tokina 100 and Nikon 40, and much prefer the Tokina
Choosing a true macro lens is really no different from choosing any lens. It depends upon what you want to photograph. I never "met" a macro lens that wasn't good for something. I'm sure there are some mediocre ones, but I don't know who makes them. The ones I've used are very good to outstanding.
Full Frame:
55-60mm is for copy stand use, copying slides, photographing things you want to or can remain close to while working. It offers slightly more depth of field than longer lenses
100-105mm is usually awful for copy stand use, but it is a good general purpose macro focal length for nature work. It's a good portrait lens, too!
150-200mm is best for poisonous snakes, bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, unfriendly critters...
APS-C:
40mm is for copy stand use, copying slides, photographing things you want to or can remain close to while working. It offers slightly more depth of field than longer lenses.
55-60mm is marginal for copy stand use, but a good general purpose macro focal length for nature work. Also a good portrait lens...
100-105mm is awful for copy stand use, but a good general purpose macro focal length for nature work. On APS-C, it's marginally suitable for nasty, stinging or biting critters.
150-200mm is best for poisonous snakes, bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, unfriendly critters...
Micro 4/3 Platform:
30mm is for copy stand use, copying slides, photographing things you want to or can remain close to while working. It offers slightly more depth of field than longer lenses. It is a good waist-up to full-length portrait lens
45mm is marginal for copy stand use. It is a great portrait lens, and a decent general purpose macro focal length.
60mm is awful for copy stand use, but a good general purpose macro focal length for nature work. It's suitable for nasty, stinging or biting critters.