brccli1 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I use the Tamron 90 mm f2.8 for macro and love it. Sharp and it also doubles as a small telephoto.

Artsmith Loc: Grayson, Georgia

Go to KEH and pick up the canon 100mm f2.8 . I got one for around 700.

CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon

I just purchased a refurbished 100mm F2.8 Canon Macro from Aldorama for about $850 which included free shipping. To me it looked like a brand new lens an packaging. I'm very happy with it.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

First off, all the lens you mention is a great lens for Macro. However, when selecting a lens you have to consider exactly what you need to get from the lens. You mentioned you like to photograph flowers. Flowers can be shot inside, or in the garden, they do not run away if disturbed. A good choice for flowers is the 50mm f2.5. That is only good if your entire photo life is photographing flowers. Should you develope your skills to bugs, small animals and include flowers, you will need a Macro lens with a little more "reach" or a longer lens. Here you will need the 100mm 2.8 (non L) lens, the Tamron 60mm, or any other Macro lens of this lens lenth. These lenses will allow you to take Macro photos without being so close to your subject, and will be able to auto focus on the subject. Keep in mind using these lenses you will need a tripod to steady the lens, and possibly remote shutter release to stop camera shake as you release the shutter. Camera shake is introduced by your hand, pressing the shutter, and when the mirror snaps up during the shoot. The other option is the lens, like the Canon EF 100mm 2.8L IS. The IS is "image stabilization" this give you the ability to hand hold the lens while shooting. This eliminates the need for a tripod in many cases. Tamron will have a re-designed 90mm lens with their version of IS (called Vibration Control, or VC). That lens will be available on Dec 1. Its cost will be $849.
As of today there is no test data on that lens, so it will be leap of faith for the first few months. I bought the Canon EF 100mm 2.8L Macro. I've taken a few photos with it, but not any "true Macro" yet. It does a great job on portraits, and on close-ups. The clarity of the portraits is beyond great. Which ever lens you buy, enjoy your new toy. Happy Holidays

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

100 mm I reckon...cheers

nolte1964 Loc: Des Moines, Iowa

Love my 100L macro what a amazing sharp lens. I traded for it from NY 180L macro because I wanted a more flexible option and very happy with my decision

wingincamera Loc: Spanaway, Washington

I only have experience with two macro lens, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 OS and the Canon 100mm F2.8L IS, used with my old Canon 5D Mk 1. After trying both I settled on the Canon.
Here is a link to my test with both lens:
http://wingincamera.zenfolio.com/lens-test

These shots were all hand held, I was wanting to test each lens OS/IS and sharpness.
I have sense sold all my Canon gear and switched to a Pentax.

Ray Bullock Loc: Redding, CA

That says Patent Pending on the snakes tongue...

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I used Pentax for decades but jumped to Canon for digital - Pentax was lagging at the time.
What persuaded you to change?

pigpen

You can get the non L for around $550. I have it, and love it. Extremely sharp. If I had the extra $$$, I'd get the L just for IS (I can't imagine the L being much sharper, it's that good).

TexasSky Loc: Houston, TX

Thanks, Larrie. Appreciate the info!

Nessguide Loc: Montreal,Canada

Canon 2.8 100 mm..my favorite lens...I do a lot of macro...you really do not need the is...use a tripod...I bought mine on Craigs List for $400.00..got to try it out before purchasing....

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Now that was quite a bargain! Congrats on your shrewd frugality.

DeanMars Loc: Ca

I have the Canon EF-S Macro 60mm 2.8 (on your list) and love it. Sharp results are present with every shot, and Also have used it for portraits, animals and capturing hummingbirds on the wing. I shoot with a Canon T2i.
Results can be seen at:
http://www.deanmars.com/htmls/Birdsinmybackyard.htm

wingincamera Loc: Spanaway, Washington

I really liked the 5Dc, but decided I wanted a lighter outfit, plus live view and much higher iso capability. Plus the Pentax K5 II has weather proofing. It has built in wireless flash capability with external flash guns. I also like the backward capability of all the Pentax lens mounts.