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Anomolous
Hey /p/

Since the mods are being Nazis at the mo and deleting half the fun threads, I thought I'd ask you a serious question(s).

I am extremely interested in getting better macro in my shooting, usable for large/med insects, plants, fair sized miniatures, that sort of thing.

After a little bit of research, I'm leaning towards getting this beast: http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/90mm.asp

I would firstly like to hear what you think of this idea. I'm using a Canon S5 for running around and a Nikon D80 for getting creative. I get my SLR macro fix at the moment with the 200mm end of my 18-200 VR.

tl;dr Is there a better bang for buck macro lens than the Tamron that I've missed, or am I on the right track?

Cheers
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
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>> Anonymous
The Tamron is considered to be a hell of a lens for the price point

Other lenses to consider would be
Sigma 150mm macro (more for bugs, because of the focusing distance)
and the 105mm VR, as its a hell of an awesome lens (But mor expensive)
>> Anonymous
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I don't mind going manual either. I'm not able to afford super pro glass, but I would like to get something very sharp and 1:1 for my dollar.
>> Anonymous
get the tamron
You will appreciate the metering and AF even if you don't think so now.
>> Anonymous
>>265168
Awesome, thanks for that. I did have a brief look at the Sigma, but being a noob, I wasn't sure if the extra length would be a curse on the APS-C sensor?

And yes, the Nikkor would be lovely, but as you mentioned, it ain't cheap
>> Anonymous
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>>265175
fantastic tip, thanks for tipping me over the AF edge.

One other question, is lacking VR going to be an issue at close range?

I've got the 50/1.8 and sometimes the VR on my 18-200 actually trumps it for low light. My theory is that macro shots tend to be well lit, so VR would be less of a worry?
>> Anonymous
>>265203
VR doesn't work when the camera moves "in and out"
Only when it pans, around
In other words, for Macro work VR is less effective yes.

I have the 105 VR, I usually shoot shoot 1/160th shutter priority to maximize DOF, And I still get about 20% of my shots being motion blurred. Its all from the "in out" motion when I am crouched down or at an odd angle.
>> Anonymous
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>>265222
Again, thanks everyone for your advice!

I think I'll go give the Tamron 90 and the Sigma 105 a bit of side by side in a store now. As a D80 user, should I look for a Tamron without a built-in motor? Am I likely to be saving much dosh if I do?

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>> Anonymous
>>265236
not sure about the Built in Motor use / price (you don't need it as you already know)

But I do know that people who have used both the Sigma 105 and Tamron 90mm PREFER the 90mm f2.8.
The Sigma 150mm is the superior model. however it is more expensive.