macro lenses

[asaad]

i have a canon 400D, and i am planning to buy a macro lens,
so which is better?
tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX AF35mm f/2.8 macro or
tokina AT-X M100 PRO D AF100mm f/2.8 macro

and please tell me if you have any other suggestions...


thanks
Ahmed Saad

[danielswalsh]

Personally, I have a Canon 100mm macro lens which I'm very happy with.
Hope that helps,
- Dan

[rgarrigus]

Hi Ahmed,

I have the same Canon 100mm lens as Dan. I chose it over the shorter focal length so I could have a bit more room between the lens and my subject. Tokina is a very reputable off-brand glass maker but maybe check out the lens reviews on www.dpreview.com to see what insights it may offer you.

Cheers!

Bob G.

[dumbo]

Hello Ahmed,

35mm lens is probably too short (you have to put it really close to a subject) but the tokina AT-X M100 PRO D AF100mm f/2.8 macro sounds nice. Of course it depends much about what you're going to shoot, flowers, insects or something else?

Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro would also be nice. I have red some great reviews of that lens.

I think you should test different options in a camera store before making a decision.

Warm regards,
Eino

[AdrianW]

Another vote for the Canon 100mm USM Macro here.

To choose between the two lenses you've listed, you really need to work out what type of things you wish to shoot.

If you can get really close to your subjects without scaring them away, then a 35mm might work; but in general a 100mm is a better all round lens choice.

I've owned 50mm, 100mm and 200mm Macro lenses and I settled on the 100mm as the best compromise (for me) between getting close and having to get too close.

If you're looking at third party lenses, then the Sigma 100 EX Macro is supposed to be pretty good; the only drawback is that the AF seemed slow and noisy compared to the Canon.