I have a Canon 40D and like taking macro shots sometimes, so I'm thinking of buying a macro lens. I'd also like the lens to double up as a portrait lens. I'm not a super serious photographer, so my budget is not huge, but I'm considering the Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 USM Macro Lens and the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro Lens. I also note that Sigma and Tamron have lenses in that focal range and price range.
So reasons I can think of to go for the 60mm would be:
- smaller and lighter
- probably a better focal length for portraits
- bit cheaper
While the 100mm would be better for:
- insect photography, as I could keep my distance a little better.
Are there other key factors to consider? Would you recommend one of the third party lenses as particularly good? Are there any of these lenses to avoid?