Ive been shooting with my Canon 80D for a few years now mostly doing portraits and travel stuff, but I really wanna get into macro photography for bugs and flowers. I know crop sensor math changes things a bit. What's actually the best macro lens for this body without breaking the bank?
So funny you ask this — last summer I spent three weeks trying to solve this exact problem for my 80D. Like someone mentioned, crop sensor reach is great for bugs. I ended up grabbing a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro for around $400 used, and the built-in stabilization saved my handheld shots completely. Working distance is about 6 inches at 1:1, which gives just enough space.
idk if you still need advice since I saw this earlier but just now responding, but I literally went through this exact same research rabbit hole last week. Im no expert by any means, but on a crop sensor like the 80D, focal length gets super magnified because of that 1.6x crop factor. Honestly, thats actually a huge win for macro cause you get more working distance so you dont scare away bugs. After spending way too many hours reading forums, I ended up ordering the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro cause the stabilization is supposed to be amazing for handheld shots and its way cheaper than the Canon equivalent. Another super popular budget option is the Tokina AT-X M100 Pro D 100mm f/2.8 Macro if you dont mind manual focus clutch stuff. Both give you true 1:1 magnification without emptying your wallet...
To add to the point above: grab a used Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro for under $300. Dealer wanted way more, but DIY shopping saved me a ton.
Interested in this too
Same setup here, love it
Seconded!
Can vouch for this
Just found this thread a day late, but man this brings back memories. When I started doing close-up stuff with my old crop body, I bought some random third-party glass online and honestly nearly fried my camera mount cause the contacts were totally corroded and shorted out the battery board. Cost me a fortune to fix. Ever since then I am super paranoid about equipment safety lol. If I could do it over again, I'd say just stick to reputable name brands like Sigma or Tokina and buy from a certified seller who actually tests the weather sealing and electronic pins. Just make sure you inspect the lens mount thoroughly before locking it onto your body, and double-check all the return policies just in case. I ended up having a camera repair shop look over my replacement gear before I even used it out in the field. I'd recommend getting it professionally checked out if you're not totally sure what to look for with used electronics. Better safe than sorry when you're dealing with expensive camera bodies...