lens

Choosing a Macro Lens

I already had a Sigma 105mm Macro which I was very happy with, and have kept so why did I buy this lens?  Well, mainly to get the extra working distance, I wasn't having a lot of luck photographing nervy subjects like butterflies and damselflies.  As it happens the difference in the distance from the front of the lens to the subject is only a few centimetres but it does seem to make a difference, so that's good.

I read a number of reviews of different macro lenses and came to the conclusion that image quality was similar throughout, the price difference between a Tamron and a Canon seems to be down to build quality, faster and quieter focus and the brand name.  Of these only the first point bothered me as I rarely use autofocus for macro work and have some great 3rd party lenses.  There seemed little to choose between the Sigma and Tamron so I went for the one I could get cheapest at the time. 

Using the lens

I've now had this lens for a couple of years and have been very pleased with it, it's not too heavy (which is good as my macro rig is heavy enough), it does feel a little plasticky but it's solid and the focus ring is large and smooth.  I don't often need the hood, this again is good as it would reduce the working distance and prevent me using my MT24-ex flash.

I also use this lens very successfully with a Kenko Pro300 2X Teleconverter either for extra reach or extra magnification, generally this would be tripod mounted or using flash to reduce camera shake.