Lens comparison

[04charedcompg]

I know this is probably in the wrong section but i feel i need to ask this question any ways haha.

I shot about 200 pictures yesterday and i have decided its time to get a few new lenses!

I am running a canon eos 550d and am looking for a nice fixed focal lens and a nice macro. I was curious what everyone here is running, i have my eye on a tamron 90 mm macro(Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon AF272C700) and a canon 100 mm macro (Dodd Camera | Product no longer available[name]=Canon-EF-100mm-F%2F2.8-Macro-USM-Lenses&catalog[product_guids][0]=190b7d3f-a014-4c99-b13b-3ef3dd37dc3e) and a tokina 100 mm (Dodd Camera | Product no longer available[name]=Tokina-AT-X-100mm-f%2F2.8-M100-AF-PRO-D-for-Canon-Lenses&catalog[product_guids][0]=bd723f08-0949-4165-90d6-1778b3c2f062)

Just curious if anyone has any input on these three lenses? also what fixed focal everyone is using for bigger tank shots?

Thanks everyone!!

[BeakerBob]

If you can afford the Canon 100mm Macro f/2.8, get it and don't look back.

The Tamron 90mm Macro f/2.8 is an excellent lens and the same that I use on my Nikon. If you can't get the Canon macro, then get this lens.

You are looking in the right direction....don't get anything less than a 90mm macro and f/2.8 lens.

[04charedcompg]

any reason you would go with the canon over the tamron?

[Poseidon]

The Canon is better.

Many photographers regard the 100mm macro as one of Canon's best lenses, period. It is razor sharp, and focuses internally, meaning the lens stays the same length regardless of focal point.

[BeakerBob]

The Canon lens is made specifically for the Canon SLR, while the Tamron is a 3rd party lens made to fit most SLR's with adapter mounts.

This means the Canon is faster to focus, quieter and has an internal focus. While the Tamron comes quite close to these factors, it has an external focus. When the Canon focuses, the lens shape and length remains the same. When to Tamron focuses, the length will extend longer. In most cases, this is not a significant issue. If you want to use a top-down box to shoot pictures from the top of the aquarium, then you put the camera lens into the box and put the box in the water. As the camera focuses, the external focus lens will lengthen and may hit the bottom of the box, whereas the internal focus lens will remain the same length regardless of the items in focus.

As I stated previously, if you can do it, get the Canon Macro lens and be satisfied that you got the very best. If your budget doesn't allow for the Canon, get the Tamron, knowing that it is as sharp as the Canon, but that you may have to adapt to some small differences, like external focusing causing the lens to extend longer as it focuses on closer objects.

HERE is an excellent comparison of both the Canon and Tamron Macro lenses

[04charedcompg]

the canon one i was looking at was the $600 not the $1000 if it makes any difference

---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 PM ----------

any difference to your advice im sorry i hit enter on accident. thanks!

[04charedcompg]

Great link Bob! that has some good reading and excellent pictures! you have persuaded me! haha

[pjr]

What would you guys recommend for the Nikon users out here?

[BeakerBob]

Pat, if your budget allows, get the Nikon 105mm Micro f/2.8 for the same reasons outlined for the Canon. If the budget doesn't allow for that lens, then get the Tamron 90mm Macro f/2.8.

HERE is a good review of the lens.

[dputt88]

i agree with bob, i worked at waynestate photo dept for 3 years and have played with many lenses although could never afford the ones i wanted. i have a nikon and want the same 105mm f 2.8 mentioned. one of the key parts of shooting tanks if geeting something that can deal with low light, 2.8 is good 1.7 is excellent. they will allow you to have a quick shutter speed and that way you wont get motion blur. the same aspect help greatly when shooting in rainforests and such.