My partner is starting to nag me for ideas for Xmas and I was thinking about a macro lens. Pref not more than $350 as macro is not likely to become a main passion for me but I dabbled with my dads 60mm macro for butterfly and insect photography and found it fun for a change!
My question is, what focal length is best? And zoom or prime? I've seen the macro versions of some telephoto lenses are super cheap compared to the same lens in a non macro version. Why is this? Is it not a benefit to have the macro facility and so shouldn't it be more expensive or am I missing something?
Any advice or lens suggestions highly appreciated!