I am planning to purchase my first DSLR within the next few months. After doing some extensive research on what is available, I finally narrowed it down to the Nikon D300 & the Canon EOS 40D. In comparing the two, they have similarities as well as some differences as far as features & spec’s go. I believe they are both excellent DSLR’s. I have my eye on some lenses ~ well I know exactly what they are for each model.

Here’s the clincher … I just started to get into macro photography this past summer & would like to add on a macro lens in the future.

Nikon D300 = 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro~Nikkor Close-up Lens
Canon 40D = (1st choice) 180mm EF f/3.5 L Macro USM
(2nd choice) 100mm EF f/2.8 Macro USM

If anyone has had any experience with these lenses or similar, I would appreciate any feedback or any leads to additional info. I am looking for quality & sharpness in macro images, but don’t want to base my final decision solely on the macro capabilities of the lenses / camera as I will be doing other photography as well. I am, of course, leaving my options open for Sigma & Tamron. Reading endless reviews & looking at countless images gets mind-boggling after awhile.

It’s a big decision for me & I am always thinking 6 months ahead ~ so I would appreciate your help. Thanks!