Looking for a macro lens

Karl Inge S · 12-07-2007, 09:33 AM

For general macro photography.

been looking at:

Sigma/Tamron 90 and 105mm macro for pentax
Pentax 100mm f2.8 macro-this is a bit expencive...

Anyone has some help?

egordon99 · 12-07-2007, 10:02 AM

They're all great, just do a search here (and in the Post Your Photos forum) for more info/examples. I have the Sigma 105mm f/2.8, and it's very sharp and produces nice pictures.

little laker · 12-07-2007, 12:08 PM

A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing.

From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money.

egordon99 · 12-07-2007, 12:16 PM

huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same.

**David** · 12-07-2007, 12:35 PM

I have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di Macro and love it. Chose this one after using a friends Pentax DFA 100mm 2.8 macro. I didn't like the feel of the Pentax and there is no focus limit option. Went looking for an older FA 100mm macro and couldn't find so researched and bought the Tamron. Below is the Photozone tech test review of the Tamron.

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro - Photozone Test Report / Review

Good Luck

David

little laker · 12-07-2007, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by egordon99

huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same.

take a look at this link.

egordon99 · 12-07-2007, 01:18 PM

But the OP is asking about the "100mm f/2.8" which I took to mean the DFA 100mm f/2.8 since that's the only 100mm f/2.8 macro available new (made by Pentax).

The lens you linked to isn't even close to the same lens.

Originally posted by little laker

take a look at this link.

Karl Inge S · 12-07-2007, 01:25 PM

I have a phoenix 50mm lense, almost threw it out the window when I "felt it up" it feles so cheap... but then again, it was incredible chepa so I keep it in my canerabag asa reserve if I should destroyy my 18-55mm

I hve seen that both the Tamron and the Sigma are getting great reviews, not seen so much about the Pentax but I guess it aint that comman lense either.

The Tamron sure looks like a good choice, and the price aint that bad.

The USD is so low now that I can afford to restock a bit. (The USD has fallen from about 7.5 to 5.5 agains norwegian kroner, that is a lot when we talk about lenses that costs around 250-400USD

)

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-07-2007, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by little laker

A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing.

From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money.

There is/was a Pentax 100/3.5 macro made by Cosina, and they probably sold the same lens with Vivitar and Phoenix badges. It's not exactly the best lens

one can use.

One can also find the superb 100/4 M series macros for reasonable prices. I have what is described as the "SMCP-M 100mm f/4 Dental Macro" because it has some additional scales on it for dentists to use. It is reputed by some to be the sharpest macro Pentax ever made. I know my copy is really, really good.

If you are into chasing bugs around with your macro, get a manual focus lens. This will allow you to leave the camera body in AF-S, focus the lens to the appropriate size, and when you move the lens in, it will snap-in-focus.

Once I found out that turning the MF switch on on the lens was just like turning the MF switch on the body, I dropped all consideration of AF macro lenses. They are fine lenses, but macro and AF just don't mix, IMNSHO. With the lens extended to 1:2, you lose a whole pile of light at the film plane, and AF is iffy at best. Sometimes snap-in-focus does not fire for exactly the same reasons on my MZ-S. I am hoping that the K10d's AF improvements improve my success rate.

ricosuave · 12-07-2007, 05:38 PM

Vivitar Series 1 macro lenses are highly regarded (105/2.5) as well as those made by Kiron in the 105/2.8 variety. Lester Dine made a kit specifically for dentistry use as well as a flash to go with it using the Kiron design.

There's one in the marketplace if you're interested.

The above lenses shoot 1:1 magnification which what you should look for.

**NaClH2O** · 12-07-2007, 06:26 PM

Originally posted by David

I have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di Macro and love it. Chose this one after using a friends Pentax DFA 100mm 2.8 macro. I didn't like the feel of the Pentax and there is no focus limit option. Went looking for an older FA 100mm macro and couldn't find so researched and bought the Tamron. Below is the Photozone tech test review of the Tamron.

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro - Photozone Test Report / Review

Good Luck

David

I can only agree with all of the above. In addition, I find it to be one of the easiest focusing lenses I've ever used (I manual focus a lot) even when not using is as a macro.

NaCl(it is almost always in my bag)H2O

Peter Zack · 12-07-2007, 06:31 PM

Originally posted by little laker

A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing.

From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money.

Originally posted by egordon99

huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same.

Stu, Egordon is correct. There was an f3.5 version. I owned one. Now that lens took good pictures both as a tele and as a macro lens but the build quality is not the same as the others mentioned. It also requires a fiter macro adapter to get to 1:1. Without it, it's a 1:2. It was badged as a Vivitar, Cosina and Phoenix as well. The Pentax version was the same other than it had the SMC coating.

As for the OP's question. I own the Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro and it's a very good lens. Seems to sell around $350. Metal body and great build. Sharp as a tack and very smooth bokeh. Also has a focus limiter as well so the lens doesn't range like crazy when you are using it as a telephoto. Keeps the lens from going into macro range. For me a keeper.

m8o · 12-07-2007, 08:12 PM

Hi Karl ... Search is great, can be your friend even

::

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/15655-legendar...ighlight=macro

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13248-voigtl-n...ighlight=macro

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/15040-zeiss-vo...ighlight=macro

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13765-d-fa-100...ro-lenses.html

Each of these have links to other threads ... some of them to each other. Like taking a drink of water from a firehose, but probably every decent lens is touched on in these threads.

Karl Inge S · 12-08-2007, 03:12 AM

m80-I`m not sure I like you

You just made this even worse

Now I have to look around for what price I can get on a voigtlander to... thank god the USD is at a all time low now

How do I know a voigtlander will fit my camera, or do they all do?

m8o · 12-08-2007, 09:52 PM

Now why would I answer someone who doesn't like me... ;

I know I know.. just kidding.

Follow the Cameraquest link in the "...Voigtlander...LBA... "thread, for purchasing of the lens in the Pentax mount. That lens comes in a few mounts, but most are sold out. There's some still available in the Pentax mount, but it's discontinued and selling fast, so you know what if you want it.

That's not the only decent one tho. Like said in a few of the links, you really won't wrong with any of them (as I understand, or, as I've seen from the results posted ... since I can't say 1st hand since I only own the Voigt ).

12-07-2007, 09:33 AM	#1
Karl Inge S Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 104	Looking for a macro lens For general macro photography. been looking at: Sigma/Tamron 90 and 105mm macro for pentax Pentax 100mm f2.8 macro-this is a bit expencive... Anyone has some help?

12-07-2007, 06:26 PM	#11
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	I have to agree with Dave Originally posted by David I have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di Macro and love it. Chose this one after using a friends Pentax DFA 100mm 2.8 macro. I didn't like the feel of the Pentax and there is no focus limit option. Went looking for an older FA 100mm macro and couldn't find so researched and bought the Tamron. Below is the Photozone tech test review of the Tamron. Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro - Photozone Test Report / Review Good Luck David I can only agree with all of the above. In addition, I find it to be one of the easiest focusing lenses I've ever used (I manual focus a lot) even when not using is as a macro. NaCl(it is almost always in my bag)H2O

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: PENTAX-D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro and Sigma 180mm F/3.5 EX DG IF APO Macro Lens	LenWick	Sold Items	9	06-16-2010 11:09 AM
For Sale - Sold: Tokina 90mm F2.5 AT-X Macro Lens with 1:1 Extender. A Legendary Macro Lens. Bo	frank	Sold Items	12	05-29-2009 05:57 PM
50mm macro lens vs 100mm macro lens. What is your experience?	raider	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	10-28-2007 06:39 PM

12-07-2007, 10:02 AM	#2
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	They're all great, just do a search here (and in the Post Your Photos forum) for more info/examples. I have the Sigma 105mm f/2.8, and it's very sharp and produces nice pictures.

12-07-2007, 12:08 PM	#3
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing. From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money.

12-07-2007, 12:16 PM	#4
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same.

12-07-2007, 12:35 PM	#5
David Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 347	I have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di Macro and love it. Chose this one after using a friends Pentax DFA 100mm 2.8 macro. I didn't like the feel of the Pentax and there is no focus limit option. Went looking for an older FA 100mm macro and couldn't find so researched and bought the Tamron. Below is the Photozone tech test review of the Tamron. Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro - Photozone Test Report / Review Good Luck David

12-07-2007, 12:59 PM	#6
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Originally posted by egordon99 huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same. take a look at this link.

12-07-2007, 01:18 PM	#7
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	But the OP is asking about the "100mm f/2.8" which I took to mean the DFA 100mm f/2.8 since that's the only 100mm f/2.8 macro available new (made by Pentax). The lens you linked to isn't even close to the same lens. Originally posted by little laker take a look at this link.

12-07-2007, 01:25 PM	#8
Karl Inge S Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 104 Original Poster	I have a phoenix 50mm lense, almost threw it out the window when I "felt it up" it feles so cheap... but then again, it was incredible chepa so I keep it in my canerabag asa reserve if I should destroyy my 18-55mm I hve seen that both the Tamron and the Sigma are getting great reviews, not seen so much about the Pentax but I guess it aint that comman lense either. The Tamron sure looks like a good choice, and the price aint that bad. The USD is so low now that I can afford to restock a bit. (The USD has fallen from about 7.5 to 5.5 agains norwegian kroner, that is a lot when we talk about lenses that costs around 250-400USD )

12-07-2007, 05:05 PM	#9
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by little laker A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing. From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money. There is/was a Pentax 100/3.5 macro made by Cosina, and they probably sold the same lens with Vivitar and Phoenix badges. It's not exactly the best lens one can use. One can also find the superb 100/4 M series macros for reasonable prices. I have what is described as the "SMCP-M 100mm f/4 Dental Macro" because it has some additional scales on it for dentists to use. It is reputed by some to be the sharpest macro Pentax ever made. I know my copy is really, really good. If you are into chasing bugs around with your macro, get a manual focus lens. This will allow you to leave the camera body in AF-S, focus the lens to the appropriate size, and when you move the lens in, it will snap-in-focus. Once I found out that turning the MF switch on on the lens was just like turning the MF switch on the body, I dropped all consideration of AF macro lenses. They are fine lenses, but macro and AF just don't mix, IMNSHO. With the lens extended to 1:2, you lose a whole pile of light at the film plane, and AF is iffy at best. Sometimes snap-in-focus does not fire for exactly the same reasons on my MZ-S. I am hoping that the K10d's AF improvements improve my success rate.

12-07-2007, 05:38 PM	#10
ricosuave Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 298	Vivitar Series 1 macro lenses are highly regarded (105/2.5) as well as those made by Kiron in the 105/2.8 variety. Lester Dine made a kit specifically for dentistry use as well as a flash to go with it using the Kiron design. There's one in the marketplace if you're interested. The above lenses shoot 1:1 magnification which what you should look for.

12-07-2007, 06:31 PM	#12
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Originally posted by little laker A macro would really compliment your lens collection Karl, and you'd be surprised how often you'll get an opportunity to use it while fishing. From what I understand the Pentax is the same as the Vivitar and Phoenix macro lenses except more money. Originally posted by egordon99 huh? The Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro is the same as a Vivitar/Phoenix? Never seen this before. Also, the Pentax is Autofocus, has special coatings on the rear element for digital (hence the "D" before the FA) Oh, and the quick-shift focus....So I really don't see how they are the same. Stu, Egordon is correct. There was an f3.5 version. I owned one. Now that lens took good pictures both as a tele and as a macro lens but the build quality is not the same as the others mentioned. It also requires a fiter macro adapter to get to 1:1. Without it, it's a 1:2. It was badged as a Vivitar, Cosina and Phoenix as well. The Pentax version was the same other than it had the SMC coating. As for the OP's question. I own the Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro and it's a very good lens. Seems to sell around $350. Metal body and great build. Sharp as a tack and very smooth bokeh. Also has a focus limiter as well so the lens doesn't range like crazy when you are using it as a telephoto. Keeps the lens from going into macro range. For me a keeper.

12-07-2007, 08:12 PM	#13
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	Hi Karl ... Search is great, can be your friend even :: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/15655-legendar...ighlight=macro https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13248-voigtl-n...ighlight=macro https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/15040-zeiss-vo...ighlight=macro https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/13765-d-fa-100...ro-lenses.html Each of these have links to other threads ... some of them to each other. Like taking a drink of water from a firehose, but probably every decent lens is touched on in these threads.

12-08-2007, 03:12 AM	#14
Karl Inge S Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 104 Original Poster	m80-I`m not sure I like you You just made this even worse Now I have to look around for what price I can get on a voigtlander to... thank god the USD is at a all time low now How do I know a voigtlander will fit my camera, or do they all do?

12-08-2007, 09:52 PM	#15
m8o Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: 40°-55'-44" N / 73°-24'-07" W [on LI] Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,092	Now why would I answer someone who doesn't like me... ; I know I know.. just kidding. Follow the Cameraquest link in the "...Voigtlander...LBA... "thread, for purchasing of the lens in the Pentax mount. That lens comes in a few mounts, but most are sold out. There's some still available in the Pentax mount, but it's discontinued and selling fast, so you know what if you want it. That's not the only decent one tho. Like said in a few of the links, you really won't wrong with any of them (as I understand, or, as I've seen from the results posted ... since I can't say 1st hand since I only own the Voigt ).