Quote Originally Posted by neuroanatomist View Post
Denise, you might consider the Canon 100mm f/2.8 non-L macro - IQ is similar to the L, just lacks IS and weather sealing.

FWIW, there's one on my local CL for $375.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pho/2986426305.html

Seller's location is convenient for me - if you're interested, PM me - I can test it, buy it and send it to you.
Thank you, John! That is so nice of you to offer to take the time to do that for me but I #1 cannot have you go through the trouble. Also, I supposedly won't be getting the $ for my macro until mid week or so. So, I don't want to jump the gun in case it falls through.

I used to have the Sigma 70mm w/o IS (or OS) which worked out fine and I really liked the results (the slow AF and noise was annoying). But that was a lighter lens. I think I may need IS on anything bigger. I have a chance at getting a really good deal on the Sigma 105mm with OS but still slightly more than I was hoping to spend and I am not sure how IQ will be on that one.

Maybe I should shoot with my macro lens with the IS turned off for a few days and see how it goes.