Macro lens questions... Which one is best ?

**Digitalis** · 03-08-2011, 10:15 PM

If you can find one, the Pentax FA*200mm f/4 ED [IF] macro is for lack of a better word, perfect. and it has a tripod collar which IMO makes it superior to many of the 100mm f/2.8 offerings you find these days. The sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX DG is also excellent, though it is much more prone to flare than the pentax lens is..

**Ron Boggs** · 03-08-2011, 11:14 PM

I've owned the FA*200/4 Macro, A*200/4 Macro and FA100/2.8 Macro. All are great as are all macro lenses.

The one I've kept is the FA*200/4 because the image quality is stunning and I require the working distance and tripod collar of the longer tele's. I'm also a freak for the color rendition of the FA* lenses...same Japanese engineering department that first conceived the limited series starting with the 43. I like the A* series colors, but not as much as the FA*'s especially in bluish shade conditions (I also use a Pentax cloudy filter on every lens--not shooting people so I can get away with the warmth). The FA*200 isn't perfect though as the focus ring is underdamped. A minor quibble that doesn't impact my enjoyment of the lens!

Probably adding the newer version of the DA100/2.8MacroWR to my tiny primes kit where it will serve not only as a macro but also as the longest telephoto in my mini lens kit.

Fred2726 · 03-09-2011, 01:27 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.

Fred

**dadipentak** · 03-09-2011, 01:41 PM

I have a FA 50mm, Sigma 70mm & Sigma 105mm. They're all sharper than I am.

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03-08-2011, 10:15 PM	#16
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	If you can find one, the Pentax FA*200mm f/4 ED [IF] macro is for lack of a better word, perfect. and it has a tripod collar which IMO makes it superior to many of the 100mm f/2.8 offerings you find these days. The sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX DG is also excellent, though it is much more prone to flare than the pentax lens is..

03-08-2011, 11:14 PM	#17
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,350	I've owned the FA200/4 Macro, A200/4 Macro and FA100/2.8 Macro. All are great as are all macro lenses. The one I've kept is the FA200/4 because the image quality is stunning and I require the working distance and tripod collar of the longer tele's. I'm also a freak for the color rendition of the FA lenses...same Japanese engineering department that first conceived the limited series starting with the 43. I like the A* series colors, but not as much as the FA's especially in bluish shade conditions (I also use a Pentax cloudy filter on every lens--not shooting people so I can get away with the warmth). The FA200 isn't perfect though as the focus ring is underdamped. A minor quibble that doesn't impact my enjoyment of the lens! Probably adding the newer version of the DA100/2.8MacroWR to my tiny primes kit where it will serve not only as a macro but also as the longest telephoto in my mini lens kit.

03-09-2011, 01:27 PM	#18
Fred2726 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 93 Original Poster	Thanks for all the feedback. Fred

03-09-2011, 01:41 PM	#19
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	I have a FA 50mm, Sigma 70mm & Sigma 105mm. They're all sharper than I am.