Cheapest Price for a Macro Lens "100mm f/2.8"?

Question

I am looking for a 100mm f/2.8. Macro lens for my canon Digital Rebel. The lowest price I found was at amazon.com for 488.

Anyone know of any other places that are cheaper?

Answer 1

You may check http://www.bhphotovideo.com . I know the Canon 100mm f/2.8 is selling for $469 new, but it's out of stock, and there's similar options from Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina, all new, for a bit less.

If you're willing to buy used, KEH is a reliable used equipment outlet that I've found to have a very decent price. The Canon 100mm f/2.8 (1:1) runs for about $400 in "EX" (excellent) condition from KEH. If you're willing to go with a third-party manufacturer, there's a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX (1:1) going for around $275 in excellent condition (Does not include lens hood). I've not used this lens for more than a few days, but I found it to give beautiful color and nice contrast. Also, I can attest to the quality of the Sigma EX line of lenses, they're top-notch solutions that offer brilliant optical and build qualities, I've found my two (first one stolen) 150mm f/2.8 Macros from Sigma to be of great quality. For around the $488 price that you found on Amazon, you could also pick up a Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro, which I've found quite useful in photographing skittish insects, but unweildy and quite long for handheld use and still subjects. From time to time, KEH will also have a Tamron 90mm f/2.8, which sells for around $330, and I'm very much impressed by the quality of this piece of glass, even given that macro lenses are virtually always top-notch optics.

If you're willing to look on ebay, you may, from time to time, find a Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 (with 2x converter) or Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.8. If you can find one at a decent price for a Nikon mount, you could easily use this on your Canon with a $10 "Nikon to EOS mount converter ring." The same can be said for the micro-nikkor 55mm f/3.5 (with M2 extension), micro-nikkor 55mm f/2.8 (with M2), and Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 (1:1), but these are a bit shorter than the macro lens that you are looking for. You may also run across a Tamron 90mm f/2.5, which I haven't tested. Finally, if you find a Kiron 105mm f/2.8 macro (or, Lester Dine 105mm), these things are relatively rare, and frankly, the best piece of macro glass that I've ever used. Remember though, the Canon FD lenses will not work on your Rebel, nor is there any FD to EOS conversion ring of any quality available, so you will need a Nikon version of these lenses and a Nikon to EOS mount converter.

Edit:

Here's the link for the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX (1:1 Capable)

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductDe...

As I said before, the lens is used, but I've never had a complaint about KEH after dozens of transactions. They back their equipment, have a great return policy, and are highly recommended by much of the photography community.

Answer 2

A true macro lens with a 2.8 aperture is not cheap. However, a zoom lens with with an aperture of 4.5 5.6  with macro capability.

Answer 3

That is about right for that particular lens.

It's quite sharp, but is a bit "long" for your camera.

To save money, you can get the 50 mm f 2.5 version. Still extremely sharp, but focuses loudly.

Will work better as a portrait lens for you though.