Help needed, budget for macro shoot

[Loren Simons]

I've got a 2,500 budget for macro shoot. Its for jewelry, small gems and such, anyone have any ideas for a good camera and lens? Preferably a canon. Thanks :thumbsup:

[hungrych]

well the cannon 100mm f/2.8 macro is awesome.I have it and I love it so much!

[Jeremy Ordan]

So you need a camera, light tent, lights, and macro lens.... really no need for high end flash or macro flash/ring lights for this type of gig.

Is $2500 your budget for the gig or what you are getting paid and from which you hope to pocket some cash?

Either way:
Canon Rebel XTi $534 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457530-REG/Canon_1239B002_EOS_Digital_Rebel_XTi.html)
Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro $239 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12145-USA/Canon_2537A003_50mm_f_2_5_Compact_Macro.html)
or
Canon 100mm Macro f/2.8 $469 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html)
or
my favorite macro, Sigma 105mm f2.8 for $399
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341918-USA/Sigma_257101_105mm_f_2_8_EX_Macro.html)
Plus
(I like Bogen but other people don't) but Tripod and Head $481 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523166-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_with.html)
Light Tent
Cheap solution for $179 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/460097-REG/Impact_402056_Medium_Digital_Fluorescent_Light.htm l)
Mid Level Solution for $665 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518872-REG/Bowens__Trilite_Fluorescent_Digital_Lighting.html)

You'll also need some memory cards.

Camera and lens you can buy used, or better yet, you can rent and save money... In fact you could rent a 5D and the lens for under $300 for an entire week... most likely throw in a tripod for an extra $100 and you have saved a ton of money.

Then again, I don't know what you're looking for and I've invested enough time into this :)