Which lens to keep?

Johnny Rod · 03-05-2015, 02:30 PM

I actually tidied up the other day and it looks like I have two very similar lenses, both K mount. One is a Sirius f3.9 80-200mm zoom tele, this can work with the A setting for shutter priority auto. The other is a Miranda f4.5-5.3 75-200mm which has no A setting. I don't need two, which one is the better lens? I've used both but a long time ago so don't know which pics will be which.

Both say "macro" on them an have some ratios printed on the barrel, this might (?) sound dim but if I wanted to use it as a macro lens, is there anything I need to do or just get really close and try to focus?

**jatrax** · 03-05-2015, 02:42 PM

Most zooms that say 'macro' are really close focusing not real macro. They often have a switch or setting that puts them in 'macro' mode.

Without testing I would lean toward keeping the Sirius just because of the A contacts.

But why don't you run a comparative test? Then keep the one you like better.

Johnny Rod · 03-06-2015, 01:16 PM

I might just have to, am selling some other stuff (not cameras) so am doing it all at once. I found some fairly favourable reviews on t'internet for the MIranda, but can't find much on the Sirius one, except a fair few disparaging remarks about Sirius in general, saying they are made by Samyang in Korea and are pretty mediocre. I think I bought it (a while back now) because it has the A setting but these days I'm less fussed about fully auto.

SpecialK · 03-06-2015, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by Johnny Rod

I've used both but a long time ago so don't know which pics will be which.

Then it doesn't really matter. I'd lean toward the faster one. Perhaps the one worth more might be the one to sell.

03-05-2015, 02:30 PM	#1
Johnny Rod Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 122	Which lens to keep? I actually tidied up the other day and it looks like I have two very similar lenses, both K mount. One is a Sirius f3.9 80-200mm zoom tele, this can work with the A setting for shutter priority auto. The other is a Miranda f4.5-5.3 75-200mm which has no A setting. I don't need two, which one is the better lens? I've used both but a long time ago so don't know which pics will be which. Both say "macro" on them an have some ratios printed on the barrel, this might (?) sound dim but if I wanted to use it as a macro lens, is there anything I need to do or just get really close and try to focus?

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03-05-2015, 02:42 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Most zooms that say 'macro' are really close focusing not real macro. They often have a switch or setting that puts them in 'macro' mode. Without testing I would lean toward keeping the Sirius just because of the A contacts. But why don't you run a comparative test? Then keep the one you like better.

03-06-2015, 01:16 PM	#3
Johnny Rod Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 122 Original Poster	I might just have to, am selling some other stuff (not cameras) so am doing it all at once. I found some fairly favourable reviews on t'internet for the MIranda, but can't find much on the Sirius one, except a fair few disparaging remarks about Sirius in general, saying they are made by Samyang in Korea and are pretty mediocre. I think I bought it (a while back now) because it has the A setting but these days I'm less fussed about fully auto.

03-06-2015, 04:22 PM	#4
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by Johnny Rod I've used both but a long time ago so don't know which pics will be which. Then it doesn't really matter. I'd lean toward the faster one. Perhaps the one worth more might be the one to sell.