Best Macro lens

KevinJ · 08-25-2008, 06:58 PM

What would be the best Macro lens for extremely close up shots?

Thanks

*k100d* · 08-25-2008, 07:05 PM

1. probably the Voigtlander 125 which is >$1000 used
2. vivitar / lester dine / kiron 105

after that it's more of a jumble between the Sigma 50, 70, 105 macros, Pentax 50 or 100 macros and other models

pentaxdude · 08-25-2008, 10:32 PM

My preference would be the tamron 90mm 2.5 maual focus.

*mhertel* · 08-25-2008, 11:21 PM

Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5 Macro gets my vote

*Jewelltrail* · 08-25-2008, 11:32 PM

Tamron's 90mm 2.8 has my vote--particularly since I just put the money up to buy it. But clearly, there are many awesome choices here.

KevinJ · 08-26-2008, 04:04 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions, that helps me out in choosing one.

wavecurrent · 08-26-2008, 06:32 AM

If you can find a Pentax F or FA 50mm macro 2.8, by it!! A very good lens for close up work.

Mike

Arjay Bee · 08-26-2008, 06:38 AM

Macro Takumar 50mm has1:1 without converters needed - consider that with bellows and converters. A shade dark at F4 but still....

*benjikan* · 08-26-2008, 07:32 AM

I would suggest the Tamron Di 90mm Macro..Brutally Sharp!!!

After that the new Pentax DA 100 f2.8 Macro. I had the Tamron when using Canon and when switching to Pentax got the Pentax Macro. Both excellent, but my Nod for the Tammy.

Ben

geauxpez · 08-26-2008, 11:03 AM

Another vote for the Tamron 90mm/2.8 Di. I just got mine last week and it isn't just sharp -- it's "oh....my....gawd" sharp. And until the end of the month, Tamron has a $90 mail-in rebate on it.

*Igilligan* · 08-26-2008, 11:08 AM

My Macro Dream list

Voigtlander 125
Sigma 180mm
Vivitar Series 1 105mm
Tamron 90mm Di
Sigma 70mm
And the new Pentax DA LTD 35mm

I have the Series 1, but dream of the others

8540tomg · 08-26-2008, 11:30 AM

I have both the Pentax M 50 f4 and A 100 2.8 macros. The M 50 is an inexpensive (comparatively) great little macro and very, very sharp. With extension tubes or bellows it will get you very close. If you don’t need the speed this lens is a bargain. The A 100 macro is pretty rare and very sharp as well. It is a true macro in that it will give you 1:1 reproduction without extension tubes. The extra length and speed can be very important in macro. Length and speed come at fairly high cost in the world of macros. From my personal experience I would recommend either of these lenses.

Tom G

Gooneybird · 09-03-2008, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by Igilligan

My Macro Dream list

Voigtlander 125
Sigma 180mm
Vivitar Series 1 105mm
Tamron 90mm Di
Sigma 70mm
And the new Pentax DA LTD 35mm

I have the Series 1, but dream of the others

I can endorse your dream for the Sigma 180mm Macro. I struggled for a while before coughing up the money for it, and I'll never regret it.

*gawan* · 09-03-2008, 04:33 PM

Pentax A* 200mm f4 Macro definitely belongs to the dream list!

But to the question, consider the focal length against your kind of usage, before buying! I have both 70mm and 125mm and like them both. They have their uses.

*Nesster* · 09-03-2008, 06:10 PM

The best macro is one you can 1) obtain 2) afford 3) use a lot. Any of the above mentioned lenses (and probably a few more, plus a bellows setup) is more than capable of totally awesome shots.

I should know: I have to learn to shoot macro well, and one lens over another won't help me there