Macro equipment: Good close-up lens vs. macro lens

On Sat, 7 Jun 2008 15:15:39 -0700 (PDT), wrote:
: Hi,
:
: I've got an interest in macro photography that sort of waxes and
: wanes. So far, I've been using a really cheap set of close-up lenses
: (+1/2/4/10, made by a company called Sonia, ~$20) on my Canon 18-55
: and 75-300 USM, as well as a reversing ring to attach my 50mm to the
: end of my 75-300.
:
: The Sonia +1 and +2 close-up lenses actually give reasonable results,
: but the +4 and especially the +10 are extremely soft and exhibit all
: sorts of optical badness. On the other hand, my 50mm reversed onto my
: telephoto lens gives really good results, but I have to use the 75-300
: at 200mm or more to avoid vignetting, and my working distance is
: somewhere around 2 cm.
:
: So I'm considering two different options for a better macro setup.
: First option: The Canon f/2.8 100mm Macro. As a large-aperture prime,
: it would nicely complement my existing 28mm and 50mm lenses. I'm sure
: the optical quality is excellent as well. Second option: A higher
: quality close-up lens, like the Canon 250D. Easier to carry around,
: and about 1/3 the price of the 100mm macro.

You might want to consider the less expensive Canon 60mm f/2.8 macro. My wife
has been very happy with hers.

Bob