Updated Feb 1/12
MACRO LENSES
Macro lenses are specifically designed for close work and with a long barrel for close focusing. There are different categories of macro lenses, depending on the focal length. 50–60mm range typically used for product photography and small objects. 90–105mm range the standard focal range used for insects, flowers, small objects. 150–200mm range gives more working distance typically used for insects and other small animals. Some zooms provide a macro option, but they generally do not allow a 1:1 magnification, meaning the image is the same size as the object being photographed.
Find Sony macro lenses here
CANON
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM
$679 - in stock
A totally revised version of the popular 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. Focusing over the full range from infinity down to life size (1:1 reproduction ratio), this lens will impress any serious photographer with its combination of versatility, image quality and superb handling. A high-performance ring type Ultrasonic Motor provides fast and silent AF throughout its focus range, and even more significantly, allows full-time manual focusing, permitting the close-up or macro shooter to instantly override the AF whenever necessary. Autofocus lens for macro photography up to life-size (1x) magnification. Inner focusing affords a long working distance of 5.9in. (149mm) at 1x. A 3-group floating system results in excellent delineation at all focusing distances. Ring USM for silent and high-speed AF, and full-time manual focusing also provided. The optional Tripod Mount Ring (B) B (with adapter) enables the lens to be rotated for vertical or horizontal framing.
Construction - 8 groups /12 elements
Angle of view - 24°
F stop range - f/2.8-32
Closest Focusing Distance - 0.31m / 1ft. (film plane to subject)
Maximum Magnification - 1:1
Filter Size - 58mm
Dimensions (Length x Diameter) - 3.1" x 4.7" / 79.0 x 119.0mm
Weight - 21.1 oz. / 600g
NIKKOR
Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
$459 - in stock
The new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, a DX-format, medium-telephoto micro lens with built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II) and Silent Wave Motor (SWM). With a focal length of 85mm, this compact and lightweight lens is recommended for users of Nikon DX-format digital SLRs such as the D5000 and D90. The AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR can be used in a wide range of applications. While users can enjoy the natural perspective and beautiful blur that a medium-telephoto lens can offer in landscapes and portraits, this micro lens is especially expected to promote the enjoyment of macro photography for taking insects, small animals and flowers. High resolving power is realized throughout the entire shooting range from infinity to the closest focusing distance (1:1 life size) to reproduce even the fine texture of flower petals.
Specifications:
Maximum focal length: 85 millimeters
Maximum aperture: f/3.5
Lens construction: 14 elements in 10 groups (with one ED glass element)
Picture angle: 18°50’
Closest focusing distance: 0.286 m/0.9 ft.
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1x
No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded)
Filter/attachment size: 52mm
Weight: 355 grams
Item Display Diameter: 7.3 centimeters
Length: 9.9 centimeters
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
$849 - special order
The AF-S VR 105 f/2.8G IF-ED brings the benefits of vibration reduction (VR) to the domain of Macro photography. It offers high-resolution, high-optical performance for both digital and 35mm film format SLR cameras. This lens incorporates Nikon’s second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent stability of a shutter speed that is 4 stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure quiet autofocusing with quick and convenient switching between autofocus and manual operation. Optical performance is enhanced by an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element that minimizes chromatic aberration, and Nano Crystal Coat which drastically reduces flare, enabling finely defined, clear images.
Specifications:
Widest Aperture -f/2.8
Closest Focusing - 1 foot/ 31.4 cm, 1:1 Reproduction Ratio
Picture angle - 23°20' (5°20' with Nikon DX digital cameras)
9 rounded diaphragm blades
Minimum f/stop - 32
Lens construction: 14 elements in 12 groups (with 1 ED glass element
and 1 Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens element)
Picture angle: 23 degrees at 20 feet (15 degrees at 20 feet with Nikon
DX format)
Filter size: 62 mm
Dimensions: 3.3 w x 4.5 inches / 83 w x 116 l mm (Diameter x Depth)
Weight: 27.9 ounces / 790 grams
What's Included: Lens hood
Warranty: Nikon Canada 5 Year Warranty
TAMRON
Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di
Nikon - $439 - special order - usually takes 3 business days
Canon - $439 - in stock
Digitally Integrated Design, is a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras. Tamron introduces a new version of the famous 90mm macro lens for film and digital photography. Tamron's 90mm macro lens, often referred to as "the portrait macro" and loved by photographers all over the world, is now reborn as a Di lens that is perfect for use with both film and digital cameras.
Lens Construction (Groups/Elements) - 9/10
Angle of View - 27°
Diaphragm Blade Number - 9
Minimum Focus Distance - 11.4in.(0.29m)
Macro Magnification Ratio - 1:1
Filter Diameter - 55
Weight - 405g (14.3oz)
Diameter x Length - 2.8 x 3.8in. (71.5 x 97mm)