lens question

[sphelps]

50mm are pretty good prime lenses, especially for portrait style pics. The two lenses are similar but the macro has a closer focusing distance hence making macro (1:1 magnification) possible. The macro is also slower at 2.5 vs 1.8 which won't really matter for macro as in most cases you'll want more DOF but it will lack some of the ability to minimize DOF and increase shutter that you sometimes want with a portrait lens. So although similar they are geared towards different things. Personally I think a 50mm is too small for a macro and you'll find yourself having to get too very close to the subject for a real macro. You really need two lenses, the 50mm 1.8 (or 1.4 even better) and the 100mm macro.

[cuz]

so the lense Kien recomended would be the way to go being 100mm in order to get better picks of pieces further in the back of the tank?
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

[sphelps]

The 100mm will make a better macro yes in both tanks and other situations. You'll gain around 4-5" in distance. I'm not a canon guy but I believe the 100mm is a better lens all around as well, also seems to be the most popular.

[GracieLou]

Larry I bought the 100mm macro back in December, I've taken some awesome pictures with it and definitely recommend it!!!

[Reefie]

Originally Posted by sphelps

50mm are pretty good prime lenses, especially for portrait style pics. The two lenses are similar but the macro has a closer focusing distance hence making macro (1:1 magnification) possible. The macro is also slower at 2.5 vs 1.8 which won't really matter for macro as in most cases you'll want more DOF but it will lack some of the ability to minimize DOF and increase shutter that you sometimes want with a portrait lens. So although similar they are geared towards different things. Personally I think a 50mm is too small for a macro and you'll find yourself having to get too very close to the subject for a real macro. You really need two lenses, the 50mm 1.8 (or 1.4 even better) and the 100mm macro.

I've got a 50mm 1.4, I've never thought to use it for Macro shots. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the advice!

The 100mm Macro is on my shopping list next to get!

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Reefie

I've got a 50mm 1.4, I've never thought to use it for Macro shots. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for the advice!

The 100mm Macro is on my shopping list next to get!

That's not actually what I was suggesting, the 50mm 1.4 won't focus close enough for "macro" shots unless you add an extension tube.

[MarkoD]

100mm macro is better than the 60mm

and on your rebel its equal to 160mm which is even better

[Slick Fork]

Can't comment on the Canon lenses themselves, but I wanted to chime in and agree that 100mm is a much better choice for Macro. I bought the 50mm Macro for my camera and every time I get it out I wish I had bought the 100mm. The 50's just too short

[cuz]

Thanks all, I guess 100mm is the way I'll venture, now to find someone to haggle with..hehehe