[dawsonjm]

I just bougt this lens, thinking that it would be a good close focus macro. It is my first ever macro. I was able to try it out last night, room lighting only, and this is what I found.
1. It seems to take a pretty sharp image, considering that I have the original focus screen on my K10D.
2. The minimum distance for focus is about 30-32 inches.
3. The maximum macro magnification is 1:5.
4. The aperature is very fast and snappy, and the glass is all clean and clear. No marks on the barrel.

My questions are:
1. Did I make a stupid lens desision?
2. Is there anything that I can do to make this take 1:1 or 1:2 photos?
3. I have read about tubes, and seen pictures of add on macro lenses, but I don't know if they are applicable to a lens like this.

By the way, this has a normal focus ring, and an additional ring at the front of the lens for macro focusing.

Any help would be appreciated.

John

[Jester_rm]

I've got this lens...it's not a true macro lens, just a close focusing one.

Stupid Lens Decision? Depends on whether you like the lens and how much you paid...I got mine for...umm...around $8.00 or so if I remember rightly. I like it, but haven't had much chance to use it yet.

For 1:1 or 1:2 you'd need extension tubes or some such, there's some macro lens threads around that have specificics.

The second "ring" at the front I think just changes the focusing ranges, acting like a focus limiter.

[Lowell Goudge]

I saw one of these for $10 at the last Toronto Antique camera show, but passed because I really wanted the SMC 135 f2.5, which I got last weekend, (for about 10 times this price)

If you want to get 1:2, simple math suggests you need a set of extension tubes, adding up to 67.5 mm Interestingly enough my set of 3 vivitar auto extension tubes add to 68mm. (26+20+12) so that is possible.

As others suggested, it is really a question of what you paid, but with the right extension tubes you get 1/2 life size and a reasonable working distance due to the focal length.

If you want 1/2 life size without the fuss of extension tubes, try an SMC-M 100mm F4. It does 1/2 life size with its own focusing, and gets beyond life size with extension tubes

[dawsonjm]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I will probably get the extension tubes next month, and will try them out. I have read about them, but really didn't(don't) know how they work. I have a 55mm f 1.7 that should also work well with them.
John