New macro lense as present

[Howie]

Hi,
I have not progressed yet beyond the Automatic settings on my Canon Rebel Xti /400D, but my wife bought me a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO lense which I want to try out.
Unfortunately I am totally confused by the settings on the lens etc.
Can someone help me learn how to use this lense?
Also, does any one know of a guided tutorial from very basic levels up for this camera as I know I am not using it to its best advantage.
Thanks.
Howard

[lowbone]

The lens you have is not a macro lens. Lens makers have become very loose about including the word macro on their lenses. a macro lens has a ratio of one to one or more. Your Sigma lens is nowhere near that but it can be used for quasi closeups of flowers etc.
As for learning your camera, there are several guide books for the XTI, one that comes to mind is published by Magic Lantern. Check Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I think a basic camera course would be helpful. Many community education programs have one

[Sepiana]

Howard,

I consider myself a neophyte at DSRL cameras. That's why I like David Busch's Canon EOS Digital Rebel ... Guide to Digital SLR Photography -- it's well written, lucid, and throughly illustrated. This guide covers camera setup, shooting, getting the right exposure, advanced techniques, light, image editing, troubleshooting, and, yes, a whole chapter devoted to working with lenses. It's readily available at Barnes & Noble and at amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-Guide-Photography/dp/1598634569/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233615138&sr=1-2).

[Howie]

Thank you for your replies and information.
Howard