550D vs D3100 vs K-r

[nex_73]

It was based on the objects you photograph. A lens with closer focusing and better aperture will let you play more with DOF & bokeh...and at the same time it's a nice portrait lens to.
Alternative get a 70-300 with "fake macro" to get to play with longer focal length...

[GeorgeStorm]

Fair enough, the kinda photos I've taken so far are a fairly good indicator of what I plan to photograph in general really. At some point I think I'd like to get a nice macro lens.

And what do you mean by fake macro?

[autobot]

I was reading over this thread and then saw at Costco they had the Canon T3i full kit for $899. Picked that up along with a battery grip, RapidBlack sling strap and a Canon 50mm f1.8 AF lens. Absolutely LOVE this combo. Went around Portland today using only the 50mm lens and popped off some awesome shots. ^_^

Thinkin of getting some macro spacers and making a PVC steady grip for video shooting.

[nex_73]

And what do you mean by fake macro?

Even if the manufacturer of the lens market it as macro, it's not necessary the truth
* Real macro, 1:1 or 2:1 magnification ratio
* 1:2 magnification ratio is not a real macro lens
So be sure to check the specifications for the lens before buy.
Technically, this ratio is a measure of how large the subject appears on your camera's sensor. A lens with a magnification of 1:1 means the subject appears as life size on the sensor. A macro lens with a 2:1 ratio captures subjects twice as large as they appear in real life. On the other hand for a 1:2 lens, the subject appears on the sensor as half its actual size. Therefore a 1:2 lens is not considered a real macro lens.
You can look at the Sigma EX 70/2,8 or Tamron SP 90/2,8, would cost about the same...or add a little extra for the Canon 100/2,8

[GeorgeStorm]

Ah fair enough, so when I look I need to read the specs rather than just see macro in the description and assume :P

The Canon 60mm seems to be the same kinda price as the sigma and the tamron, would that be a more sensible buy? I'm presuming the quality of the lens would be slightly higher with the canon, but slightly less 'macroness' due to less mm zoom kinda thing? (can you tell I'm a noob? :P)