Macro/portrait Lens - opinions?

[MegHenry]

Yeah, I know, another one of 'thoes' questions. There'd have to be dozens on here already, but I just want your in-puts before I go spending money :D If you don't ask, you'll never know.

Okay, so, I want a macro lens that will also double as a portrait lens. Budget is flexible at the moment as I've got a fair bit of work lined up- but I want to do a course which will set me back a grand when the time comes. 'Bout $500 would be good.

I'm leaning towards the Tammy SP AF 90mm, as I've read so many good things about it. I've heard the Tammy 60mm is also pretty good. The canon 100mm non L lens sounds good to, but the lack of IS makes me a bit hesitant...Also, does anyone know anything about Yongnuo YN560 flashes? Again, I've read good reviews about them, but that's about it. Are they any good?

It seems a bit like 6 of 1, half a dozen of the other really. Apologies if I don't make complete sense, I'm pretty confused haha.

[Max]

If you can stretch the budget get the 100 2.8 Macro L. Its a gem.

If you don`t want to spend that kind of cash and if you don`t have a 50 prime consider the Canon 60 2.8 macro. Later add the 100. There is room for both in a kit.
Both would be good options for macro and portrait. The 100 is a bit better for macro, because of the closer working distance.

Once you get to around the 100 length, IS is very handy. There is more scope for handheld macro shots. Just my opinion of course.:)

[AmPhot]

Tammy 90. Buy it. Use it. Love it. ;) Check out my 52 week project thread to see what sort of results you can get with it. :)

[J.davis]

+1 for the Tamron 90, Its a good portrait lens on a crop body.:th3:

[Tricky]

There really are very few macro lenses that aren't good... so any of the suggestions above would serve you well...

My view... for a crop body, the 60mm f/2.8 is very good and the "crop equivalent" focal length of 96mm is pretty much perfect for portrait work. I think the 100mm lens is potentially a bit long for portrait at 160mm equivalent focal length. The 60mm is also pretty light to carry around and good value at around $480 grey market. One of the sharpest lenses I've ever used...

[MegHenry]

Thanks all :) Narrowed it down to the Tammy 90 and Canon 60 I thinks...have to figure out the budget a bit more.

(sorry for the late reply to, only just got home today!)