Looking for a real macro lens (not the screw on type)

[HarveyDarkey]

These seem to be my two best options. I'm relatively clueless here, so all advice is welcome.


50mm f/2.0 Telephoto Macro ED Lens: http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Telephoto-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0000TU7I6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1272667757&sr=1-1


35mm f/3.5 1:1 : http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-35mm-3-5-Macro-Zuiko/dp/B000BTFZZA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1272667834&sr=1-1

[Blue_In_AK]

1. I'm a Canon person so can't really help you out here.

I have the Canon 100 mm f/2.8 lens which I like for macros.

[teamster633]

2. You might want to consider something in the 85-100mm range.

The extra throw will give you a little more freedom. Depending on what tripod you use, you might be able to use the center column as a quasi focusing rail. I found this at B&H Photo:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460536-USA/Sigma_257107_105mm_f_2_8_EX_Macro.html#features.

Since I couldn't find a lot of choices for a 4/3 Olympus, it looks pretty good and it's price is close to the 50mm lens you cited.

[ManiacJoe]

3. What are you looking to photograph?

These short lenses will not leave much distance between the lens and your subject. That may or may not work for you.

If this is your first macro lens, some of my coworkers who do lots of macro recommend starting near the 100mm level so that you get a little more distance from the subject.

[qnr]

4. Both of these are very well regarded, judging by straight posts in forum threads, However,

you might want to consider visiting your local pawn shops and online auction sites, and pick up an ? to 4/3 adapter (I find OM to 4/3 useful, but it could be most anything, with the exception of Canon, many of them will not focus to infinity with an adapter) and some macro lenses. You can get the adapter for under (way under, in many cases) $20.00 (with focus confirmation with a daffodil chip for a little more).You can get a range of different macro lenses and the adapter for very little money, and use those to decide which digital version would most suit your needs.

Actually, if you have the kit lenses (and the 70-300mm) you can get fantastic macro shots by picking up a reversing ring until you make up your mind. As an example for under six bucks (on eBay)
Here's an example using the reverse-mount adapter (it's a handheld shot of a penny, taken with the 14-42mm kit lens reversed):

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. or even better

a reversing ring and extension tubes... look into that

[qnr]

6. Actually, I was in the process of pointing that out just now :) - I only mentioned the

reverse mount, but I also have the tubes, and they work fine (I find I prefer the reverse mount though).

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

7. i have used them together

for OMYGOD magnification, but your light has to be right

[qnr]

10. Yeah, probably easier for you with all your strobe gear. n/t

[HarveyDarkey]

8. Let me get this straight

you attach the lens to the camera and shoot through the normal mounting end?

I guess you have to be really careful about the kind of weather you use it in.

[qnr]

9. Yeah, one side has a 4/3 mount to attach to the camera, the other side attaches to

the filter threads (in the case of the kit lenses, 58mm). As far was being really careful about the weather, well really, there's no big deal. The lens is sealed, no matter which way it's turned. Your main concern would be the contacts for the electronics. Just make sure that you have your rear lens cap and you should be fine. Also, remember, you're keeping the lens attached to the camera body with threads that normally hold lightweight filters - that's no problem in use, they're more than strong enough to safely hold your lens as you work - just don't go bouncing over bumpy areas in an ATV or anything :)