Macro handling questions: Tamron 90mm SP and Pentax DFA 100mm

[troyz]

Hello all.

I'm considering getting a not-too-bulky 100mm-ish macro lens for travel (possibly replacing my M100/2.8). The leading candidates are the Tamron 90mm autofocus macro
PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro

and the Pentax DFA 100mm
Pentax Lens Review Database - 100mm F2.8 Macro

I have some questions about handling. Specifically, for each lens:

(1) Does the lens focus past infinity? (I find this somewhat annoying when using autofocus lenses on manual focus bodies and in low light.)

(2) What's the maximum magnification at which built-in flash is usable?

(3) Are there half-stop clicks on the aperture ring?

Other comments about handling (or other lenses) are also welcome.

Thanks!

[heliphoto]

I've got the Tamron sitting here so I tested it on my K20D - quick and dirty test here, so take the flash info with a grain of salt...

(1) - yeah, it will focus a little bit past infinity - enough to lose focus (I tested it)
(2) - with no hood on, at 1:1.5, there's no sign of the lens shadow, but at 1:1.3, the shadow darkens the lower 25% of the frame
(3) - Yep, half stops on the aperture ring (I think that's the first time I had it out of A - it's a really nice aperture ring - very nice action).

It's a great lens that I don't use enough - hmmm perhaps I should.

[benjikan]

Originally Posted by troyz

Hello all.

I'm considering getting a not-too-bulky 100mm-ish macro lens for travel (possibly replacing my M100/2.8). The leading candidates are the Tamron 90mm autofocus macro
PentaxForums.com Third-Party Pentax Lens Review Database - 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro

and the Pentax DFA 100mm
Pentax Lens Review Database - 100mm F2.8 Macro

I have some questions about handling. Specifically, for each lens:

(1) Does the lens focus past infinity? (I find this somewhat annoying when using autofocus lenses on manual focus bodies and in low light.)

(2) What's the maximum magnification at which built-in flash is usable?

(3) Are there half-stop clicks on the aperture ring?

Other comments about handling (or other lenses) are also welcome.

Thanks!

I have the Pentax Macro and owned the Tamron when I was using Canon. Both are excellent lenses, but I would opt for the Tamron. That and the 28-75 f2.8 lens are the two best lenses Tamron has ever made.

Ben

[troyz]

Thanks for the useful info!

I'll try to dig up some more information on the Pentax (from one of the many Pentax-versus-Sigma-versus-Tamron macro threads). But oooh boy that Tamron is surely tempting.