What is a relatively cheap but decent macro lens for the Canon XTI?

Question

I enjoy taking macro shots using my point and shoot. I now own a Canon XTI dSLR. I want to use this for taking close up shots, but am unable to get too close to my subjects. I would like a lens that lets me get right up close and personal with the item I am trying to take a photo of, as I can do with my A720. Are there any relatively decent lenses out there that cost less than half a grand?

I don't need the world's best, I need good enough to get by until I've built up some skill and can justify the cost later.

Answer 1

Until you can afford a Canon lens, buy a set of closeup diopters.  They come in a kit of a +1, +2 and +3 and you can use them to get closer to your subjects.  They are about $40 and you can enjoy using them until you can afford a good used Canon marco lens or of you save long enough a new one ...

http://www.amazon.com/Quantaray-Close-up...

More on diopters:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_p?url=...

Answer 2

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is an excellent macro lens. It costs just under $500US.

Check out the reviews below...

Answer 3

Macro can be achieved in one of three ways.  

The best way is with a true macro lens.  Not only does it offer 1:1 or greater (such as the Canon MP-E 65mm) magnification, it also projects the image as a true flat plane.  Another advantage of a true macro lens, is that it often times goes down to f/32 or smaller.  I agree with the 100mm f/2.8 macro.  It's really good.  You could also look at the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 and EF 50mm f/2.5.  The EF 50mm f/2.5 macro lens is the cheapest of the bunch, but to achieve true life size (1:1) magnification, you also need to purchase the Life-size Converter EF.  Maybe purchasing a USED one from Craigslist or one of the reputable used stores (B&H, Adorama, KEH, etc).  I got my 100mm f/2.8 macro in really good condition, rarely used, off Craigslist for $275.  

Macro can also be achieved by using diopters.  These are like magnifying glasses that s***w into the filter thread on the front of your lens.  The image quality with these can be questionable.  The advantage is that these are the cheapest way to start out in macro.  Disadvantage is that you have to keep s******g them on and off if you want to change from shooting regular and close-up.

Finally, macro can be achieved by using extension tubes.  This is one area where you can save yourself some money.  As the optics in a say a Kenko extension tube is equal to that of a Canon extension tube.  Extension tubes are hollow, so it's just air. :)  (However, the communications with the lens might not be as reliable, so I'd still stick with the Canon tubes.) What you need to pay attention to, is that the extension tube supports your particular lens mount.  Also, adding too much extension for a particular lens can make it impossible to focus.  This option is the middle ground.  I still prefer a true macro lens, but I would much rather have an extension tube over a diopter any day.  The cost is also probably a little closer to what you want.  For example, the Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II which supports both EF and EF-S lenses, runs about $140.

Answer 4

a lens is very essential lol. You say you don't want to spend that much money on lenses. Who does? most hobbyist photographers are on a budget, myself included. A really nice lens, which can focus pretty closely is the Canon EF 50mm f1/.8 lens, which is also a very sharp lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Cam...

this lens is eighty dollars, it's a really cheap lens in the cost only, the image quality is very sharp. Also, you can focus at around one foot away from your subjects, which is the closest you can get for the price. Consider this, a longer lens can only focus three feet away from the lens. This is a very sharp lens, and can focus real close. I have the Nikon version of this lens, and i love it, it's really sharp.

You won't break your budget

http://flickr.com/photos/errantfool/2676...

this is also a really nice lens for portraits, you can get a lot of Nikon bokeh in your shots. The 50mm f/1.8 lens is a really nice lens.  

Answer 5

Check this source first and see the community discussion.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/MacroLensRss