I need an afforable macro lens - Advice Please

[ddt0725]

In and of itself it is just how the lens is constructed. The IS version is an L lens, so theoretically much more went in to its design. Really it doesn't tell you it will have better or worse IQ because a lens with the same elements and groups could be improperly made or designed.

Not to make sellers remorse for you, but yes the IQ of the 100mm IS L is better than the 100mm non L's. The L version is a newer lens, and has the new coatings Canon started putting on lenses with the release of the 24L II. The charts show the L version to be better, and the ISO charts show it to be better.

Keep this in mind though; in the real world the difference in IQ is very fractional. Only when you pixel peep the fine detail would you probably notice.

As for your loss of IS, do you still have your macro flash? You could still chase the very small critters.

Well, the latest upate on my macro lens issue is that I received the Sigma 70mm yesterday and am returning it today. It didn't focus as well as the copy I had before and it was the old Sigma finish (ewwww) so I am still in need of a macro lens! And, I am still really torn on my decision of whether to get yet another 70mm or a different macro all together. I see Canon refurb's site has the 100mm non-L, non-IS lens in stock but I do not still have my macro flash and I guess I am worried about what was mentioned that the IQ is not as good. I'm sorry for being so indecisive on this but once you've gone "L" it is really, really hard to downgrade and accept the downgrade without constantly being critical of the results from the non-L, non-Canon consolation prize.

[HDNitehawk]

Well, the latest upate on my macro lens issue is that I received the Sigma 70mm yesterday and am returning it today. It didn't focus as well as the copy I had before and it was the old Sigma finish (ewwww) so I am still in need of a macro lens! And, I am still really torn on my decision of whether to get yet another 70mm or a different macro all together. I see Canon refurb's site has the 100mm non-L, non-IS lens in stock but I do not still have my macro flash and I guess I am worried about what was mentioned that the IQ is not as good. I'm sorry for being so indecisive on this but once you've gone "L" it is really, really hard to downgrade and accept the downgrade without constantly being critical of the results from the non-L, non-Canon consolation prize.

The image quality diffrence with the 100mm Canon's is there if you look wide open, if you stop it down though I don't think you will see any. Most of my Macro shots are F8 or better, I don't think I would notice.

I don't think any of the lenses you mentioned will live up to the memory of the 100mm L IS.

[Sheiky]

Well, the latest upate on my macro lens issue is that I received the Sigma 70mm yesterday and am returning it today. It didn't focus as well as the copy I had before and it was the old Sigma finish (ewwww) so I am still in need of a macro lens! And, I am still really torn on my decision of whether to get yet another 70mm or a different macro all together. I see Canon refurb's site has the 100mm non-L, non-IS lens in stock but I do not still have my macro flash and I guess I am worried about what was mentioned that the IQ is not as good. I'm sorry for being so indecisive on this but once you've gone "L" it is really, really hard to downgrade and accept the downgrade without constantly being critical of the results from the non-L, non-Canon consolation prize.

For what it's worth. I started with the 100mm non-L macro, then upgraded to the L-lens. Now I don't have any of the two, because just for the macro-work the L lens wasn't justifiable to me.
I have used both lenses a fair amount of time and I never got the results with the L-lens that I got with the non-L lens for some reason. You will not notice any difference in image quality. Well perhaps wide open and pixel peeping, but in real life normal use(no scientific hobby work) you simply won't. The only thing you'll notice is the IS on the L-lens, which is nice but no necessity and also the shape of the barrel, which is just a little more comfortable in the hand. And perhaps the weathersealing if you're adventurous. However none of those really matter to me for macro shots so if I'd have to buy a macro lens again it would be the non-L lens.
I also have had the macro ringflash, but I still prefer a normal 430 or 580 flash on a flash bracket over it.
What I do like about the 100mm is the working distance. I think a shorter lens with less working distance would not be a good option for me and would make it even harder to get great shots.