So I recently picked up a Canon 90D because everyone kept saying it was good for beginners who want to learn a bit more, but honestly, I feel like I have no idea what Im doing half the time. I really got into this because I have a ton of houseplants—like way too many for a small apartment in Seattle—and I really want to take those super close-up shots where you can see the veins in the leaves or the tiny water droplets after I mist them. I tried using the kit lens that came with the camera but it just wont focus close enough and everything ends up blurry and frustrating.
I started reading about macro lenses and my head is spinning. There are so many numbers! Like do I need a 60mm or a 100mm? My logic was that a bigger number means more zoom, but then I read something about working distance and now Im confused again. I dont want to be right up against the plant because then I might block the light, but I also dont want to spend a fortune. My budget is probably around 400 to 600 dollars, maybe a bit more if its really worth it since I want to keep this for a long time. I was looking at the Canon 100mm f/2.8 but that seems expensive, though maybe I should just save up for it? I also saw some third party brands like Sigma or Tamron but I have no clue if those are actually good or if they will break on me in a month.
Im hoping to get something before my big birthday trip in late October so I can practice on some flowers outdoors. Is there something that is decent for a total newbie who is still learning what aperture even does? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I honestly feel overwhelmed by all the choices and I really dont want to waste my money on something I wont be able to use properly...
Congrats on the 90D! Honestly, stick with the camera, it is a great body to learn on. For houseplants and flower shots, skip the 60mm and go for 100mm. You really need that extra working distance so you dont cast a shadow on your plants while you are trying to get those leaf details. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is a classic for a reason, but if that is too steep, check out the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD. I used the Tamron for years and honestly it performs just as well as the Canon glass. The stabilization helps a ton when youre starting out and learning to control aperture. You can usually find them used for way under your budget, which leaves extra cash for a tripod or maybe some lighting gear.
^ This. Also, dont stress about third-party glass. The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro is a total workhorse and way cheaper than the Canon version. I used one for years and it never failed.
- Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro: Sharp, great working distance, fits your budget perfectly.
- Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro: Also solid, usually has really nice bokeh for flowers. Either will keep your wallet happier while you learn the ropes.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I have been thinking about your setup. Honestly, the 90D is a solid piece of gear but it can be super finicky with focus at close range if you dont have a tripod. When you are doing extreme close-ups, even the tiny movement of your heartbeat or breathing will make the shot look blurry, and that usually has nothing to do with the lens quality itself. Before you drop a ton of cash, definitely grab a cheap, sturdy tripod. It is honestly the most important tool for macro photography. If you are trying to shoot handheld, you are gonna have a miserable time no matter how good the glass is. Also, keep in mind that with macro, your depth of field gets razor thin. Like, we are talking millimeters here. If you are just starting out with aperture settings, just know that f/2.8 is probably gonna result in a shot where only a tiny speck of the leaf is in focus. You will likely want to bump that up to f/8 or f/11 to get more of the texture sharp, which means you need even more light. Don't stress about the third-party stuff breaking in a month. Those brands have come a long way and usually perform just as well as the name-brand glass for a fraction of the cost. Just be careful about buying used unless you are checking for dust or mold inside the lens elements. Whatever you pick, make sure it has some kind of stabilization if you can afford it, as that helps a ton when you are still learning to keep things steady.
