New Lens

[Davo86]

I'm looking to buy a new lens in the near future for my canon 350D and need ideas on what lens will give me a different option to the lenses that i already have. budget is around £300 but could go higher if it was worthwhile

These are
- EFS 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 II
- EF 28-80mm 1:3.5-5.6 II
- EF 50mm 1.8 II
- EF 90-300mm f4.5-5.6 USM (58mm)
- Sigma 70-210 F3.5-4.5 APO Macro
- Opteka 420-800mm .

I am currently looking at the Sigma 105mm 105 f/2.8 F2.8 Macro or possibly the Cosina 100mm Macro if this will do a decent job

any opinions of these or any other suggestions would be appreciated
thanks Dave

 

[Davo86]

Bump,

Also what are peoples opinions on Tamron or Tokina lenses ?

I'm looking at the Tokina 12-24mm F4 lens, Tokina telephoto 100mm f.2.8 and the tamron 90mm

 

[gaz gun man]

do you need a dedicated macro lens? The Tamron 90mm has slow AF and pretty much doubles in length as it focuses.

 

[Davo86]

My intention is to get a macro, yes,
I'm wanting a lense that can be able to take sharp close-up shots of any small items from say coins to insects

 

[BigTom]

To be fair the Tamron 90mm is very sharp and for a lot of macro work you'll be autofocusing anyway. For the money it's a very good performer. The Sigma range of macro lenses are also excellent (make sure you get one of the true 1:1 macro lenses [50mm, 105mm, 150mm, 180mm]; many of the other Sigma range carry a 'macro' description which only allows 2:1 magnification). If you can stretch the budget to include the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 that's what I'd go for, the HSM focussing is fast and quiet and the extra reach can really come in handy.