A 100 mm macro lens - or "just" an 85 mm f/1.4

[anxela]

"My" photo store is coming up with a sale soon, and I'm dying to get a new lens. I'm looking at two. The Canon 100 mm f/2.8L IS (Macro) and the Sigma 85 mm f/1.4.

I've been wanting an 85 mm since I started photographing, but the macro lens is something I would love as well. I would love to get good macro shots.

What to do? Both lenses are rather pricey, so I don't want to step wrong here... I've heard so much about the Sigma, and I have the Sigma 50 mm f/1.4, which is amazing. But I *think* I'm leaning against the macro lens from Canon...

[DesignerDigitals]

Go with the canon 100mm. The quality is better and you will be happier in the long run.

[anxela]

Thanks

[Britgirl]

I was going to say that Canon as much as you can afford

[Britgirl]

and dont forget you can take very nice portrait shots with the 100mm too. {it has two focal points, one where you fall over the item {macro} and one much further away }

[Jen D]

My vote would also be the 100mm. I had the 85mm and sold it. I thought it was an awkward length Indoors I felt like I was too close... yet I wanted it for the low aperture. I use my 50 1.2 indoors and I love the 100mm for macro and portrait. Hope that helps!

[echogirl]

another vote for the 100mm Heidi. I just got it and it's been so fun. a whole new learning experience but super fun and challenging!

[mariap]

100mm all the way! It's my favorite lens!

[anxela]

You have convinced me! 100 mm it is... I can't wait to see what kind of price they are coming up with for the sale, they said it would be good...

[iUma]

Absolutely the 100 Canon. Do you shop Amazon? Usually cheaper than any actual store. Let us know what you do. and how you like it!!

[anxela]

Originally Posted by iUma

Absolutely the 100 Canon. Do you shop Amazon? Usually cheaper than any actual store. Let us know what you do. and how you like it!!

Actually, I think I'll be better off in the store this time. They are having a huge sale, and the price before the sale is the same as the amazon price (more or less). Consider the fact that I will have to put 25% tax on top of an Amazon order, too.

[anxela]

Just updating with a fun little story...

So they had the 100 mm f/2.8 L IS macro on sale for $830, which is a great price. I didn't have time to go, so I asked a friend if he by any chance was going down to the store that day. Turns out he wanted the lens too... So he went for us both, with his little daughter. When he got there, the people waiting were about 200, and they only had about 70 of that particular lens for sale. Needless to say, he was unable to get us the lenses. When they had served 35 customers, 58 of the lenses were gone, and the baby was hungry and needed a new diaper. He went down to a shopping center to feed and change her diaper. There he saw another photo store, and went inside. He asked if they had that specific lens, and told them that he would prefer to not wait in line with his daughter at the other store, as she was getting impatient. Then asked if they could match the offer (without saying that the other store was almost run out of the lens, LOL). They were more than willing! (the crying baby closed the deal, I think).

So both he and I got the lens to that price. Each of us saved around $270.

[LoriS]

WOW!!!!!!! Nice, Heidi!!! WTG!!!!

[sam ellis]

WOWOWOWOWOW What an awesome story and so glad u got the lense for such a bargain. You definitely got the right lense there.

[carollee]

Brilliant! Love stories like that. So have you had a play? Are you loving it? I can't wait to hear what it's like.

[anxela]

Originally Posted by carollee

Brilliant! Love stories like that. So have you had a play? Are you loving it? I can't wait to hear what it's like.

Oh, I'll let you know as soon as I get it. I'm picking it up at his place tomorrow! He sent me a picture of the package, which left me drooling, and a text message saying: "Took some pics now. I have only one word. Sharp!"

[Amson]

What a great story. Can't wait to see your photos!

[esther_a]

So crying babies can come in handy?! I may have to borrow one when I'm after a good deal, lol!! Isn't it terrific to be able to get such great guidance like this. Enjoy your lens!

[krystav]

OOh, oooh, good for you!!
Can't wait to see your photos with that beauty

[katie34]

How exciting! I will be on the look out for some layouts in the gallery!

[anke]

That is such a cool story, good for you! I can't wait to hear how you like it!

[Kimbe]

That whole story is page worthy!! I have that lens and love it. Can't wait to see your pictures.