Some Macro lens advice

Praestigium · 06-10-2010, 02:45 PM

Hey guys, I posted a few weeks ago about macro and have finally saved up some cash to buy me something pretty

I currently own a Sigma 28-90 f/3.5 and a standard Pentax 18-55 lens.

I also have a series of pentax extension tubes, 13mm, 21mm and 31mm but alas the 31mm took a fall and it seems the rings inside it have fallen out ( I have all the parts that fell out, any idea what I should do with it? I can't find a link on how to repair it

)

That's my gear, now, what do you guys suggest? Should I invest in a Macro lens? Macro converter? Reverse ring? Think of my budget as approximately $200 - $300

What I'm looking for is the ability to create some really up close macro shots with some reasonable working distance.

A good example would be some of Rense's work:

PS: I read Yeatzee's thread and it just became way too complex for me too keep up >.<

Cheers!

arbib · 06-10-2010, 03:17 PM

Full Edit

A Good Randex Macro "Close-Up" lens
and maybe a good used Pentax 135mm lens (manual focus)

Praestigium · 06-10-2010, 03:54 PM

Some links or more details please

Marc Sabatella · 06-10-2010, 05:01 PM

See the thread on this forum entitled The Raynox Club. Tons of samples and info there. Raynox 150 DCR and DCR 250 are the particular models you'd be considering; they are asier to find on Amazon et al. One of these plus a telephoto zoom is one fo the cheapest / easiest / most effective ways to get into macro.

arbib · 06-10-2010, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by Praestigium

Some links or more details please

A look at using close up filters and macro lenses

Close-up Filters or Extension Tubes?

Canon 250d Close up lens reviews

mickeyobe · 06-10-2010, 05:12 PM

That is a superb photo.

But isn't it micro as opposed to macro?

Mickey

Praestigium · 06-10-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

See the thread on this forum entitled The Raynox Club. Tons of samples and info there. Raynox 150 DCR and DCR 250 are the particular models you'd be considering; they are asier to find on Amazon et al. One of these plus a telephoto zoom is one fo the cheapest / easiest / most effective ways to get into macro.

Some amazing shots in the thread, this is going to sound real amateurish, but how do I to tell what size Raynox I need to throw on which lens? Or is it a universal?

Would you also recommend purchasing a macro lens before hand or just throwing it on what I have at the momeny?

Quote:

A look at using close up filters and macro lenses

Close-up Filters or Extension Tubes?

Canon 250d Close up lens reviews

Read through all of those, and they were every useful, especially the Canon 250d review, thanks!

Quote:

That is a superb photo.

But isn't it micro as opposed to macro?

Mickey

Yeah, Rense doesn't dissapoint.

I always thought Macro meant making "small" things look "big"?

SOldBear · 06-10-2010, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by mickeyobe

But isn't it micro as opposed to macro?

From what I know, "macro photography" and "micro photography" refers to the same thing: taking photo of small (micro) objects, or making small (micro) objects look big (macro).

Nikon uses the term "micro lenses"; the rest of the world uses "macro lenses" to refer to the type of lenses for micro/macro photography.

Mohawk · 06-10-2010, 07:01 PM

For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy.

FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit':

17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz.

Cheers,
M

arbib · 06-10-2010, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by Mohawk

For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy.

FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit':

17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz.

Cheers,
M

HaHa

I have my Sigma EX travel kit:
24-70/2.8 + 105/2.8 macro

yeatzee · 06-10-2010, 08:04 PM

Nothing beats the ease of use of a macro lens period. For most, 1:1 is enough. For me it is not

Praestigium · 06-10-2010, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by Mohawk

For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy.

FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit':

17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz.

Cheers,
M

$500 >.<

Well, are you satisfied with it? What do you generally use it for?

Originally posted by yeatzee

Nothing beats the ease of use of a macro lens period. For most, 1:1 is enough. For me it is not

I'm fairly certain that I want to go beyond 1:1, and to be honest I've been following your threads with interest, but just when it starts to become more informative I stop being able to grasp so much of the information being spoken.

I really really really want to purchase either the Panagor 90mm or 55mm but there aren't any on ebay and and the few Camera stores in Melbourne don't stock them

hangu · 06-10-2010, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by Praestigium

$500 >.<
I'm fairly certain that I want to go beyond 1:1, and to be honest I've been following your threads with interest, but just when it starts to become more informative I stop being able to grasp so much of the information being spoken.

I really really really want to purchase either the Panagor 90mm or 55mm but there aren't any on ebay and and the few Camera stores in Melbourne don't stock them

1:1 Macro lenses are usually a great jumping off point before moving on to reversing rings and bellows. Nothing beats the ease of use of a 1:1 lens. They're fairly compact at infinity focus, light and can double as a portrait lens in a pinch.

I just might sell my Panagor 90mm if I can't sell enough lenses this week. Meanwhile, there's a Vivitar Series 1 macro lens in the marketplace for $450 shipped. That's one of the best macro lenses ever made.

Just saw your flickr, some good macro stuff already. What did you shoot them with?

Praestigium · 06-10-2010, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by hangu

1:1 Macro lenses are usually a great jumping off point before moving on to reversing rings and bellows. Nothing beats the ease of use of a 1:1 lens. They're fairly compact at infinity focus, light and can double as a portrait lens in a pinch.

I just might sell my Panagor 90mm if I can't sell enough lenses this week. Meanwhile, there's a Vivitar Series 1 macro lens in the marketplace for $450 shipped. That's one of the best macro lenses ever made.

Just saw your flickr, some good macro stuff already. What did you shoot them with?

$450 you say? Can I get a link by any chance? And if you do decide to sell the Panagor do PM me!

Thanks! They were taken with the Sigma 28-90mm along with a 31mm extension tube. I liked the results but my gripe was that I had to move in really close to get the pictures, and so my working distance with my current set up isn't really practical :S

yeatzee · 06-11-2010, 12:28 AM

Good Working distance and magnification over 1:1 don't really mix

If working distance is your issue than a macro lens and cropping is the only practical answer I can come up with...

by the way, do you have any specific questions? You said you couldn't grasp all the info which is understandable

so is there anything specifically that is confusing?

06-10-2010, 02:45 PM	#1
Praestigium Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 139	Some Macro lens advice Hey guys, I posted a few weeks ago about macro and have finally saved up some cash to buy me something pretty I currently own a Sigma 28-90 f/3.5 and a standard Pentax 18-55 lens. I also have a series of pentax extension tubes, 13mm, 21mm and 31mm but alas the 31mm took a fall and it seems the rings inside it have fallen out ( I have all the parts that fell out, any idea what I should do with it? I can't find a link on how to repair it) That's my gear, now, what do you guys suggest? Should I invest in a Macro lens? Macro converter? Reverse ring? Think of my budget as approximately $200 - $300 What I'm looking for is the ability to create some really up close macro shots with some reasonable working distance. A good example would be some of Rense's work: PS: I read Yeatzee's thread and it just became way too complex for me too keep up >.< Cheers!

06-10-2010, 05:12 PM	#6
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	Rense's work That is a superb photo. But isn't it micro as opposed to macro? Mickey

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06-10-2010, 03:17 PM	#2
arbib Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Camby, Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 379	Full Edit A Good Randex Macro "Close-Up" lens and maybe a good used Pentax 135mm lens (manual focus)

06-10-2010, 03:54 PM	#3
Praestigium Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 139 Original Poster	Some links or more details please

06-10-2010, 05:01 PM	#4
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	See the thread on this forum entitled The Raynox Club. Tons of samples and info there. Raynox 150 DCR and DCR 250 are the particular models you'd be considering; they are asier to find on Amazon et al. One of these plus a telephoto zoom is one fo the cheapest / easiest / most effective ways to get into macro.

06-10-2010, 05:02 PM	#5
arbib Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Camby, Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 379	Originally posted by Praestigium Some links or more details please A look at using close up filters and macro lenses Close-up Filters or Extension Tubes? Canon 250d Close up lens reviews

06-10-2010, 05:47 PM	#7
Praestigium Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 139 Original Poster	Quote: See the thread on this forum entitled The Raynox Club. Tons of samples and info there. Raynox 150 DCR and DCR 250 are the particular models you'd be considering; they are asier to find on Amazon et al. One of these plus a telephoto zoom is one fo the cheapest / easiest / most effective ways to get into macro. Some amazing shots in the thread, this is going to sound real amateurish, but how do I to tell what size Raynox I need to throw on which lens? Or is it a universal? Would you also recommend purchasing a macro lens before hand or just throwing it on what I have at the momeny? Quote: A look at using close up filters and macro lenses Close-up Filters or Extension Tubes? Canon 250d Close up lens reviews Read through all of those, and they were every useful, especially the Canon 250d review, thanks! Quote: That is a superb photo. But isn't it micro as opposed to macro? Mickey Yeah, Rense doesn't dissapoint. I always thought Macro meant making "small" things look "big"?

06-10-2010, 07:00 PM	#8
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by mickeyobe But isn't it micro as opposed to macro? From what I know, "macro photography" and "micro photography" refers to the same thing: taking photo of small (micro) objects, or making small (micro) objects look big (macro). Nikon uses the term "micro lenses"; the rest of the world uses "macro lenses" to refer to the type of lenses for micro/macro photography.

06-10-2010, 07:01 PM	#9
Mohawk Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 109	For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy. FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit': 17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz. Cheers, M

06-10-2010, 07:18 PM	#10
arbib Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Camby, Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 379	Originally posted by Mohawk For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy. FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit': 17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz. Cheers, M HaHa I have my Sigma EX travel kit: 24-70/2.8 + 105/2.8 macro

06-10-2010, 08:04 PM	#11
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Nothing beats the ease of use of a macro lens period. For most, 1:1 is enough. For me it is not

06-10-2010, 09:21 PM	#12
Praestigium Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 139 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mohawk For a little bit more, I picked up a Tamron 90mm macro. $500 in Brissy. FYI it completes my 'Tamron travel kit': 17-50/2.8 + 90/2.8 macro + Af360Fgz. Cheers, M $500 >.< Well, are you satisfied with it? What do you generally use it for? Originally posted by yeatzee Nothing beats the ease of use of a macro lens period. For most, 1:1 is enough. For me it is not I'm fairly certain that I want to go beyond 1:1, and to be honest I've been following your threads with interest, but just when it starts to become more informative I stop being able to grasp so much of the information being spoken. I really really really want to purchase either the Panagor 90mm or 55mm but there aren't any on ebay and and the few Camera stores in Melbourne don't stock them

06-10-2010, 11:06 PM	#13
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Originally posted by Praestigium $500 >.< I'm fairly certain that I want to go beyond 1:1, and to be honest I've been following your threads with interest, but just when it starts to become more informative I stop being able to grasp so much of the information being spoken. I really really really want to purchase either the Panagor 90mm or 55mm but there aren't any on ebay and and the few Camera stores in Melbourne don't stock them 1:1 Macro lenses are usually a great jumping off point before moving on to reversing rings and bellows. Nothing beats the ease of use of a 1:1 lens. They're fairly compact at infinity focus, light and can double as a portrait lens in a pinch. I just might sell my Panagor 90mm if I can't sell enough lenses this week. Meanwhile, there's a Vivitar Series 1 macro lens in the marketplace for $450 shipped. That's one of the best macro lenses ever made. Just saw your flickr, some good macro stuff already. What did you shoot them with?

06-10-2010, 11:15 PM	#14
Praestigium Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 139 Original Poster	Originally posted by hangu 1:1 Macro lenses are usually a great jumping off point before moving on to reversing rings and bellows. Nothing beats the ease of use of a 1:1 lens. They're fairly compact at infinity focus, light and can double as a portrait lens in a pinch. I just might sell my Panagor 90mm if I can't sell enough lenses this week. Meanwhile, there's a Vivitar Series 1 macro lens in the marketplace for $450 shipped. That's one of the best macro lenses ever made. Just saw your flickr, some good macro stuff already. What did you shoot them with? $450 you say? Can I get a link by any chance? And if you do decide to sell the Panagor do PM me! Thanks! They were taken with the Sigma 28-90mm along with a 31mm extension tube. I liked the results but my gripe was that I had to move in really close to get the pictures, and so my working distance with my current set up isn't really practical :S

06-11-2010, 12:28 AM	#15
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Good Working distance and magnification over 1:1 don't really mix If working distance is your issue than a macro lens and cropping is the only practical answer I can come up with... by the way, do you have any specific questions? You said you couldn't grasp all the info which is understandable so is there anything specifically that is confusing?