Canon EF 50mm f2.5 Macro Lens

Hi all,

I would like to do some more macro photography but I feel that the kit lens on my Canon EOS 1000D (the IS EF-S 18-55mm) may be out of its depth. I was thinking about buying the Canon EF 50mm f2.5 Macro which appears on the surface to be a good all round lens for general use as well as macro (albeit @ .5x rather than true macro of 1:1).

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Accessories/Camera%20Accessories/Lenses/products/Canon/EF%2050mm%20f2.5%20Macro-12306/Show.html

What I want to know is whether I am wasting my money because the results will not be dramatically different from the current lens in terms of sharpness and DOF. I have read the sales blurb on it but what I really want is an accurate review by someone who has used it over a period of time and has real hands-on experience.

Has anyone got any experience of this lens and especially whether it is a much better performer than the Canon EOS 1000D kit lens?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards,

Trev

Hi Trevor---haven't used this lens myself; do have a Sigma 17-70mm F2.8 on a 30D that has always worked well in its usual range and also macro; A3 prints have been no problem.  You can read more of the 50mm Macro you're asking about here.......

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=32397659

As far as I know, it is a decent lens (although not quite sharp wide open - but sharp above f3.2 or 4 or so).

What you need to ask yourself is whether you need a macro lens or not. If you do, 1:1 lens would obviously be a better choice. If you are loking for a lens for low light shooting or shallow DoF, then f1.4 version would be more suitable (or even f1.8).

Also, if your current lens is USM, then AF may seem terribly slow & noisy. 

Hi trevor.

 I have a canon 50mm macro f2.8, its fab,just look at my flower images,i paid £160 s/h from mr favourite shop.appetue photographic in london.go onto there website.

 regards adam