Searching for a decent macro lens for Cannon Rebel XT?

Question

I need a lens for shooting highly detailed miniatures generally an inch to three inches in height.  Needs to work in a range of a few inches to two feet from the object, to get a small detail or a small unit of several pieces.  I'm trying to pick up the terminology but I'm still lost trying to choose a lens.  I'm debating on the EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro USM  the EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM  (this is pushing my price range but I'll get whatever is the best choice)   and the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC IF Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.   
I've looked at Tamron lenses but I'm leary of "getting what I paid for"  they either have Great reviews or very bad reviews.

If any one does miniature photography or knows their lenses I'd love any suggestions or recommendations for my needs.  Thanks in advance and feel free to email if you could use more info to help me pick the lens I need.

j_acuff · Accepted Answer

Since the Rebel XT has the EF-S mount and your subjects are not going to be moving, the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM is a great lens choice.  The EF 100mm f/2.8 is a little better if you want to get into macro photography of something that may get spooked if you get too close such as insects, though the 180mm f/3.5L is better for that, but expensive.  If you really want detail, look at the MP-E 65mm f/2.8.  You can get 5x life size with that lens.  So you can really see some detail.  It's manual focus only though and unlike the other macro lenses (50mm, 60mm, 100mm, 180mm) it can't be used to take anything other than macro shots.

The Sigma lens isn't a true macro lens.  It can focus a little closer, but can't get 1x life-size or have the flat image plane.

In addition to a macro lens, you will probably also need to get a good sturdy tripod and a remote release cable or the IR one for the Digital Rebel XT.

Pooky™ · Answer

Canon 100 mm f 2.8 Macro is a great lens. Here are some samples. Note that it would work like a 160 mm lens on your camera due to cropped sensor, a bit "long" for portrait, but nevertheless very sharp lens. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2469361686/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2334206454/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2333379801/

Note that it gets to 1:1

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2333377673/

Also makes a great lens for portrait (at least for a full frame camera)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2479229867/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2294503848/

Very very sharp. Click on the photo to see the full size. The one of his eye is from the same photo--just cropped. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/2168941423/

It focuses very smoothly, and without a sound. It has FTM (full time manual focusing)--which means you can adjust the focus ring at any time even while you're in AUTO mode. No other 3rd party lenses can do this. Try it out at the store and you will fall in love with it.

? · Answer

Do you mean the XT or XTi the Nikon D40x is a 10MP and the Canon XT is an 8MP and the XTi is interior the comparable class because of the fact the D40x with this is 10MP. i decide on the Canon XTI over the Nikon D40x.

EDWIN · Answer

Stretch your budget and buy the Canon EF100mm. When you use it outdoors you'll appreciate the longer working distance from bees, etc.

Elvis · Answer

try yahoo shopping

Anonymous · Answer

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Searching for a decent macro lens for Cannon Rebel XT?

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