Thanks to every1 who responded to my newbie email, now ive been to one of my local camera stores and they have explained to me that it will be more effective to go for a 60mm macro lens that a 100mm as I have a Canon 30d which gives me a crop factor of 1.5x which makes 60mm- 90mm and a 100mm-150mm.
Can any1 enlighten me on this as i am new to macro, however i always like to jump in at the deep end so to speak.
Also if im wanting to do mainly flower and insect macro what sort of flash equipment will i need if any?
The benefit of the macro lens with the longer focal length (presuming they both offer the same magnification specs) is that the longer focal length = greater camera-to-subject working distance. In many cases that lets you shoot w/out disturbing your subject and (depending on lighting) helps prevent the camera from being so close you have to compromise the location/direction of your lights.
Both the 60 and 100 lenses were designed for 35mm formats or so-called full-frame formats of (approx) 24x36mm. Many digital SLRs (including yours) have a smaller "APS-size" sensor so lenses originally designed for full-frame cameras act more tele on your camera. That's why you got the suggestion to use the 60mm lens.
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Henry Posner B&H Photo-Video
Personally I'd use the 60, but I never liked too-long macro glass. That said, Nikon wouldn't have a 200mm macro if there wasn't some demand.
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Henry Posner B&H Photo-Video
Actually, your camera has a crop factor of 1.6x. The 60mm = 96mm and the 100mm = 160mm. I have a 20D and I use the 100mm. Both macro lenses are great but it depends on what you want to shoot and how close or far you want to be. The canon usa site has a great flash tutorial on the uses of macro.
