Malcolm Stewart wrote:
The reason why there's (near fanatical?) interest in this aspect of 100mm and above macro performance is that we're all encouraged to forget the normally cheaper macros and for nature work go for the longer and more expensive macro lenses so as to get more working distance between the lens front and the insect etc. we're trying to photograph. In practice a good lens hood helps keep flare at bay, but that plus the newer IF designs (also on the Tamron I believe) does reduce the effective working distance particularly at, or close to 1:1. In an earlier post (possibly not to this list) I mentioned that some of my best early butterfly shots were taken with the cheapy 75-300 USM at the 300mm setting and this gave me ~1:4 or 1:5. Images were smallish, but my success rate was fairly high as I didn't get close enough to scare the butterflies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Malcolm, Thanks for the reply. Have you considered using a longer standard lens (say a 135mm F2L or even a 70-200mm F2.8 zoom) with an extention tube? Personally I use the Sigma 105mm EX Macro and find it excellent. I also have used the Tamron 90mm but went with the Sigma for the same reason you indicate which it the slightly longer focal length. Hope you find what you need. Peter K * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
