Matt
A reason: i spent ages looking at macro lenses from 50 to 105 depending on the manufacturer.
In the end i chose a Tamron 60mm F2 because it was the fastest and it focuses internally.
There are several really good lenses on the market and they are expensive, so i spent many weeks watching and bidding on EBAY
I didn't want a macro zoom and i didn't really want the lens to extend as you focus, my other criteria was it had to be a f2.8 or better for speed
Some of the 90mm primes are superb but run into serious money and tend to extend when you focus. It cost me a few quid anyway and that was at half price which was less than half the cost of most of the others
So try to make sure you know exactly what you want and then just keep trying. I use mine for flies and insects so i knew what i wanted it to do, it also doubles up as a very good portrait lens, the only thing i'm getting used too is the depth of field.
Once i get it sussed i have very high hopes for the quality.
What DSLR? i'm running a Nikon and love it, some of the Nikon lenses are fabulous but very serious money, i think cannon is the same, however Tamron and Sigma also make superb glass and are a better price (especially second hand
)
Enjoy the lesson, its a another big dangerously expensive world you are entering
but lots of great stuff available if you know what you want.
Sandy