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Nikon, Canon and Sigma macro lens

If you're looking to purchase a macro lens for the first time, it's easy to get confused by the range that is available. For Canon Digital SLR camera's, there are 3 popular choices.

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
• Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
• SIGMA 50mm f2.8 EX Macro 1:1 Lens for Canon SLR digital camera's

For photographers who use Nikon SLR camera's, there is:

• Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens
• Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens
• Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
  

What is the main differences between a 50mm, 60mm, 100mm and 105mm macro lens?

• The lower the focal length of the lens, the lower the cost. For example, a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens is cheaper to buy than a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens. Similarly, a 60mm Nikon lens is cheaper than the 105mm Micro Nikkor lens.
  
  
• The lower the focal length of the lens, the smaller and lighter it will be to carry. For example, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens weighs 27.9 ounces or 790 grams, whereas the Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens weighs half that at only 15.5 ounces.
  
  
• However, the lower the focal length of the macro lens, the closer you also need to be to the subject you're photographing. This is an important consideration to take into account when it comes to macro photography. Personally I recommend spending that bit extra to purchase the Canon 100mm or the Nikon 105mm macro lens.
  
  It's common to come across photographers who had purchased a 50 or 60mm and later wished they'd upgraded to a 100 or 105mm macro lens. Most complain that they need to be physically positioned too close to an insect to properly focus their 50/60mm macro lens. This can scare away the insect before they get a chance to take the shot. Another complaint, concerns the shadow that can be thrown over a subject when you need to be closer. Light is an important aspect in macro photography to enable you to keep a fast enough shutter speed to capture insects on the move.
  
  To give you an idea of the difference in shooting distance between focal lengths, a 100mm macro lens used at approximately 45cm from the subject will have the same magnification as a 50mm lens used at only 23cm from the subject.
  
  

What macro lens should you buy? Which one's are the best?

Ideally, if you own a Canon SLR camera, then the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens is currently the best glass for both insect and flower photography. For Nikon users, the 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens is the way to go.

Related Articles:

• What is a real macro lens
• Should you buy a third party generic lens
• Macro photography tips with example photographs
• Review and tips for using Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens
• AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens review
• Difference between a zoom lens and a prime fixed focal length lens
• Difference between macro micro and close up photography
• How to edit macro photographs post production tips

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