I have the canon mpe- 60, 100L and 180L macros and find all to be great but each has its own niche. The mep 60 only allows macro work and does not focus (move camera to focus) but allows up to five time lifesized, the 100mm is great and makes for a very sharp 100 mm lens, the 180mm is also great but is somewhat of a beast & requires a tripod to get sharp macro images but does give more working distance.

That said, if I was a new macro user, I would get the Canon 100 mm macros for ease of use and overall performance and multiple uses.

Can a promoter apply photographic restrictions on a no cost event on public grounds?

No, it is not idiotic that the metric socket sets use English sockets, keeps me from having two sets of ratchets. But I agree that it is idiotic that we have not made the change and it has to put us at a disadvantage when it comes to trade with the rest of the world. The metric system is so much easier to learn and use with everything being based on one standard measure each for weights, lengths and volumes. Wonder why the metric system did not come up with a digital system for time?

Thankfully optics uses the meter as the base measurement around the world.

Love the forever free film offer just don't understand how you get the camera to show in the photograph if you are taking the photograph unless you only photograph yourself in a mirror.

Tried using monopod without head but went back to a tilt head very quickly. In my case, using a home made head with a large lock knob (about four inches in diameter) that also works as a handy handle.

I too became directed to macro when I became a care taker for my wife.

In macro lenses, it is hard to find one that is not good. I find auto focus is for the most part useless and IS (VR) to not be needed as macro requires a monopod or tripod most of the time to allow a sufficiently steady camera to keep the focus on the required spot.

I started using flash but have not used it for the past several years and prefer the look of natural light - flash can also cause the background to go dark. If I was interested in a large dof, I would go the flash route as it is the only easy way one can close the lens to small apertures for overall sharpness. I also find focus stacking to be great fun. I never thought that the city I live in was windy until I started to do macro photography - mornings normally have less wind and are a great time for macro photography.

I find that a lens in the range of 100mm to be the most useful but also like using a 180mm to get more working distance although the 180mm requires a very steady camera and I only use it on a tripod when doing macro work as it does not allow for any focus errors or camera shake. I also have a 60mm but working this close to the subject can be an issue esp. on small critters and often being this close blocks the light.

Good luck, macro opens up a whole new world and although it can be difficult it is also very rewarding.