Groundhog66 wrote:
I collect knives, flashlights & watches, and like to take detailed pics when selling. So I'm not sure which category you feel this falls into.
oh well... I use a $200 55-250is for that Combined with the right light you are good to go.
BrianO wrote:
...So...what is it that you want out of your "inexpensive macro glass"?
Groundhog66 wrote:
I collect knives, flashlights & watches, and like to take detailed pics when selling. So I'm not sure which category you feel this falls into.
Macro and close-up. Close close-up.
I'm a WOSTEP-certificated watchmaker, so I've seen a lot of watch photographs over the years in the various trade and collectors' magazines. I also did my own photographs of watch movements in various stages of assembly, but none were published; they were just for personal use. Anyway...
On the 50D (and other 1.6-crop cameras), I think the EF-S 60mm Macro would work very, very well, and it's reasonably priced at about $380 - $400. It has a true flat-field image projection, a circular aperture for good bokeh, and a minimum focus distance of about eight inches.
Unless you're going to move exclusively to full-frame cameras in the near future, I think the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM is just about the perfect lens for the uses you describe. It's not "inexpensive," the way the 50 1.8 is, but it's not outrageous either.
There are quite a few older 90mm to 105mm f/2.8 macros for around $200. Look for a Kiron. The "Lester Dine" is a version of this lens configured and branded for dental photography, but it's one fine macro lens. I've been using one of these, and it's really an excellent lens. The Tamron 90/2.8 is also a fine lens, a bit more expensive (and a little shorter in reach).
Combined with the right light you are good to go.
