Help Choosing a Macro Lens

ryan s · 06-06-2011, 11:10 PM - **1 Like**

As a beginner, why not check out a pair of used, older lenses at the same time? Get something like an M 50mm and 100mm Macro...both should come in under $100 each and you can resell them without losing much, if any, money. They'll only do 1:2 magnification, but we all start somewhere. Heck, grab a cheap manual focus 35mm with a short extension tube...that should get you used to working with the DA35.

That way, you can decide if you want a short or long focal length. From what people have said, the 35Ltd has to be close to the subject...super close..."up in the subject's business" one user said

Personally, I prefer 90-100mm. Using my teleconverter to make a 180mm lens didn't do much for me, and I kicked around the idea of a 50mm...but, once I sell all my Adaptall gear, I'll probably get the non-WR D-FA 100. The runner up would be the Tamron 90, but I'd buy the FA 100/2.8 over them all if I had $400-500.

That probably confuses things more than it helps

It's really hard to go wrong with most macro lenses. Budget, WR or not, focal length, magnification ratio, weight...those are the big decisions since all your options are good

A 35mm macro versus a 100mm macro is a personal choice, unfortunately, that will probably end in a 50/50 decision among commenters. Plenty of people are happy with the Limited which is great...it wouldn't be ideal for me, however.

When in doubt, buy used!

RioRico · 06-07-2011, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by ryan s

As a beginner, why not check out a pair of used, older lenses at the same time?
<...>
Heck, grab a cheap manual focus 35mm with a short extension tube...that should get you used to working with the DA35.
<...>
When in doubt, buy used!

+1. I now have 3 classic 1:1 macro lenses, all old, all manual, all pretty cheap. And cheap tubes will turn any lens (preferably with an aperture ring) into a macro tool. Macro can be (and is) done real cheap.

Blue · 06-07-2011, 08:17 AM

Hold out for the Sigma 150/2.8 macro. As far as the DA 35/2.8 ltd goes, it is a good all around lens.

dmort · 06-12-2011, 06:40 PM

Thanks all for the help, I ended up buying the tamron 90mm from a forum member! Should come next week. The bugs better watch out.

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06-06-2011, 11:10 PM - 1 Like	#16
ryan s Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,383	As a beginner, why not check out a pair of used, older lenses at the same time? Get something like an M 50mm and 100mm Macro...both should come in under $100 each and you can resell them without losing much, if any, money. They'll only do 1:2 magnification, but we all start somewhere. Heck, grab a cheap manual focus 35mm with a short extension tube...that should get you used to working with the DA35. That way, you can decide if you want a short or long focal length. From what people have said, the 35Ltd has to be close to the subject...super close..."up in the subject's business" one user said Personally, I prefer 90-100mm. Using my teleconverter to make a 180mm lens didn't do much for me, and I kicked around the idea of a 50mm...but, once I sell all my Adaptall gear, I'll probably get the non-WR D-FA 100. The runner up would be the Tamron 90, but I'd buy the FA 100/2.8 over them all if I had $400-500. That probably confuses things more than it helps It's really hard to go wrong with most macro lenses. Budget, WR or not, focal length, magnification ratio, weight...those are the big decisions since all your options are good A 35mm macro versus a 100mm macro is a personal choice, unfortunately, that will probably end in a 50/50 decision among commenters. Plenty of people are happy with the Limited which is great...it wouldn't be ideal for me, however. When in doubt, buy used!

06-07-2011, 08:14 AM	#17
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by ryan s As a beginner, why not check out a pair of used, older lenses at the same time? <...> Heck, grab a cheap manual focus 35mm with a short extension tube...that should get you used to working with the DA35. <...> When in doubt, buy used! +1. I now have 3 classic 1:1 macro lenses, all old, all manual, all pretty cheap. And cheap tubes will turn any lens (preferably with an aperture ring) into a macro tool. Macro can be (and is) done real cheap.

06-07-2011, 08:17 AM	#18
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Hold out for the Sigma 150/2.8 macro. As far as the DA 35/2.8 ltd goes, it is a good all around lens.

06-12-2011, 06:40 PM	#19
dmort Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Bronx, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 415 Original Poster	Thanks all for the help, I ended up buying the tamron 90mm from a forum member! Should come next week. The bugs better watch out.