Jean, I did this research in January for my granddaughter's camera, a Canon Rebel T3. Not the same model as yours, but according to Amazon the lens I chose will work with your camera as well. It's the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro USM lens. Here it is on Amazon, at $10 less than it cost in January. :-)

My research involved getting recommendations from several Canon photographers at DPReview, and looking at photos taken with with the lens. You might check it out used at Adorama or another good used site.

As for a "starter" macro, if you get a lower quality lens you'll be disappointed in the results. To me it would be throwing money away.

I don't think you need more than one UV filter--one good one will do it, and leave it on the camera. as for the LCD screen, why not use the viewfinder instead? Looks great even in bright sun, plus the camera is steadier when it's held against your face.

Uhhhhhhh.....noooooooooo. :0) I've got a 60/ 2.8 macro lens and HATE it. It's quality, I paid full price and it's hard to get the exactness I want.......I like to see the pollen on my bees for instance......and the light has to be just right.....a once in a million shot or I don't get but just a mediocre shot.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's an article discussing this very question....

Thank you for answering! ahhhh see...I have the 60mm 2:8 on my wish list on Amazon, but....................I wasn't sure! What I meant by "starter" was something NOT in the $500 range! I do want a good one. The reason I mentions UV filterS..plural..is because we have more than one camera..yes, I will have one for mine, one for his and one for the extra camera. The screen hood is because the T4i has a touch screen which is so handy! I can change settings by touching the screen. OK...I will post this, then go check out the links~TY again!

You get what you pay for....

I have bought used lenses from Adorama. They are still $$, but if you are patient - you can usually get one at a decent price.

Don't buy a cheap lens. You might as well not get one at all.

My best macro photos are from my point and shoot that has a macro setting.

iowagirl is right......DH just purchased a cool wide angle lens off CL for almost half! There are deals out there, just buy the good stuff and pay less. ;0) and .......I still use my little point and shoot for a macro backup, I carry it in my purse..."IT" has video(so does my DLSR) and sound.....;0) ....anymore they all do....happy shopping!

Nicole, I'm so with you on the "you get what you pay for". Problem is, I don't HAVE $500 for such great quality. These cameras are going to be used mainly for our short films, interviews etc. The macro lens is pretty much for me to play with.

Iowagirl2006, I certainly will check out Adorama. Thanks for that. My head is so full of numbers....arggghhhhh. Right now, I'm researching which would be better, a CP or ND filter. How many of you use UV filters on your lenses, and do you find they lower the quality of the photos?

The more I research, the more I realize this is not something to hurry about. Dang it!!!

If I'm shooting a landscape in full sunlight, then I use a UV filter. I also use the "sunlight setting" on the WB(white balance) setting. I also might use a -1 or -2 correction.

I never shoot with a naked lens. :0) I always have a lens protection/filter of some sort on it....JMO Protect the money....uuuuuhhh....lens! ;0) Thought about ths a little more......I have a BIG lens and a domed lens....neither have filters ....so there are exceptions...

This post was edited by nicole__ on Tue, Apr 16, 13 at 22:38

If I had to choose between a Polarizing filter (CP for circular polarizer) and a Neutral Density filter (ND), I'd definitely go with the CP first. But usually, or at least often, you buy filters in sets that include CP, ND and UV.

I use the UV more as a protection for my lens than anything else. The CP comes in handy for popping color in water and sky and taking reflections off water and glass. The ND filter I have has not shown itself (yet) to be terribly useful for every day use. But ... check out this video I found the other day on extreme ND filter use. How to make traffic disappear. Very cool.

Jodi-

Here is a link that might be useful: Removing moving objects in bright sunlight

Jodi! That IS very cool!!!

Jodi said:

I use the UV more as a protection for my lens than anything else.

Me too. You'll find a lot of photographers who disagree with this--and a lot who agree. It's a subject that's argued all the time. But I started using UV filters way back when I had 35mm SLR cameras, and I still think it's a good idea. I wouldn't go for the cheapest one. I don't get the most expensive brands either; I've had good luck with Hoya.

This post was edited by alisande on Tue, Apr 16, 13 at 23:15

So...best advice is to get a set of filters that come with the UV and CP AND ND if available. Got it! I put a bunch of things on my wish list early on, now I'm finding out that...oops...the filters have to FIT the lens it's going on! LoL There is SO much to learn, but I'm absorbing! Thank you wonderful KT photographers for your help. Anything else you think I should know, pop right up PLEASE!

Jean, get yourself a second battery.

Jodi-

YES Jodi! It's on my list...several of them. Also thinking of getting a car charger. If I had the money, I'd get a battery grip. Oh, also getting AC adapters. And BAGS! We need BAGS! I just ordered another T4i with the 18-135mm lens. Ya know what? I think the price of the cameras have gone up since a couple weeks ago. Also, Amazon had them with the kit lens for the SAME price as just the body. So, for $150 more, I got the other lens. Yikes! Spending this kind of money makes me nervous!