which entry level dslr macro lens?

[Av8tor1]

Looking at these two sub 300$ Macro lenses

1. Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
2. Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Both seem to be good choices in this price range. The Canon is a little cheaper with better glass (maybe?)... but an older motor design and 1:2.
Sigma is 1:1 but maybe not as sharp and f/2.8....
Depending on which review you read, either one just bearly beats out the other...

Ive not even bought the camera yet but will soon, so just window shopping

The price limit is absolute and prefer not to buy used. Camera is likely to be an entry level Canon factory refurb XS or XSI

Feedback concerning these two lenses appreciated....

[seedjar]

Based on your observations about the closeness of the reviews, and not on any particular knowledge of either model lens, I would say that you should go with whichever you can either get a better warranty on (if you plan to keep it and beat the crap out of it,) or whichever will have a higher resale price down the road (if you'll be upgrading in the foreseeable future.) I'd guess that the Canon would be the better bet, simply because of brand recognition, but I'm not by any means an expert. Still, I'm looking into getting a DSLR soon myself so I'm curious too.
~Joe

[rattler]

Sigma is prolly one of the top lens manufacturers and there stuff is pretty good...

as to the original question i seem to remember one of the entry level Canon 50mm Macros getting awesome reviews, not sure if the one you listed is it.....check reviews shouldnt be hard to find a head to head showdown somewhere comparing the two

[larry]

How about a 50mm 1.8 with kenko extension tubes, even cheaper way to go if you're looking to do macro.

[Av8tor1]

too many options, many of which are good LOL

I may end up with something completely different but for the time being I'm still interested in comparisons of these two lenses...

[kulamauiman]

I use a sigma 105. Works well. not the best pair with the Nikon D40. Auto focus wont work but who really uses AF in macro mode....

[Taliesin-DS]

I agree with Kula.
I got the same lens on my Eos 400d.
The only drawback is autofocus, it isn't really good :P

[BigBella]

All things being equal, I would generally prefer the faster lens -- though I have been using Nikon and not Canon. Sigma lenses are not bad either but Canon has better glass . . .

Looking at these two sub 300$ Macro lenses

1. Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
2. Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

Both seem to be good choices in this price range. The Canon is a little cheaper with better glass (maybe?)... but an older motor design and 1:2.
Sigma is 1:1 but maybe not as sharp and f/2.8....
Depending on which review you read, either one just bearly beats out the other...

Ive not even bought the camera yet but will soon, so just window shopping

The price limit is absolute and prefer not to buy used. Camera is likely to be an entry level Canon factory refurb XS or XSI

Feedback concerning these two lenses appreciated....

[chibae]

Don't forget to figure in a decent monopod or tripod and perhaps used rails. real macro focusing comes with slight movements of the camera

[Taliesin-DS]

I i try to make rlly close macro shots, i usually move the subject :P, it's easier to move a small pot of pygmies then a camera on a big tripod.