which macro to keep? Sigma 70 versus Vivitar S1 90.

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 03:11 AM

I started the poll regarding which macro you tend to keep if given the choice. it would be nice to state the reasons why they prefer one over the other.

elho_cid · 12-02-2011, 04:14 AM

Are you sure 3 macro lenses are too much? It seems logical to remove from the set the one in the middle.

hoanpham · 12-02-2011, 04:45 AM

I have several macros and still think they are not enough

M50/4, TamronSP90/2.5, TamronAF90/2.8, SigmaAF105/2.8, Fujinon55/3.5, Olympus50/3.5
and Tamron adaptall2 60-300 that have amazing macro ability and close focus (1:1.55)

bdery · 12-02-2011, 05:52 AM

I prefer the 100mm focal length for macro, because it can also serve for a short tele. Because of that, it needs to be AF. So none of the above

**baro-nite** · 12-02-2011, 06:00 AM

Funnily enough, while I've had the Sigma 70 for years, I just picked up the Vivitar S1 yesterday off craigslist. So I don't have much experience with the VivS1 yet, but I intend to keep both -- for one thing, the FLs are different enough to justify both to use as general-purpose lenses, especially for portraiture. I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1. My Viv is plain P/K mount (no A contacts), another small inconvenience.

Focus ring for both lenses turns the opposite direction from Pentax.

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by baro-nite

Funnily enough, while I've had the Sigma 70 for years, I just picked up the Vivitar S1 yesterday off craigslist. So I don't have much experience with the VivS1 yet, but I intend to keep both -- for one thing, the FLs are different enough to justify both to use as general-purpose lenses, especially for portraiture. I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1. My Viv is plain P/K mount (no A contacts), another small inconvenience.

Focus ring for both lenses turns the opposite direction from Pentax.

amongst all the differences between the Sigma 70 and Vivitar, IQ and character rendering are the most difficult to quantify and put myself in a big dilemma. the Sigma is slightly sharper, very contrasty, more saturated colors, very good to excellent bokeh (scene dependent) while the Vivitar has a more subtle and neutral colors and consistently great bokeh. personally, the Sigma is a juiced up macro and the Vivitar is a classic macro.

joe.penn · 12-02-2011, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by baro-nite

I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1

This brings up a question for Pentaxor - which Viv'ee 90 are you talking here as there is two of them; the first being the "Bokina" one (which requires the adapter to go 1:1) or the second being the dedicated 1:1?

creampuff · 12-02-2011, 09:56 AM

Sell both and get the DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR... great optics, rounded aperture blades, quick shift, excellent manual focus feel, great build quality, pretty compact and not too heavy.

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

This brings up a question for Pentaxor - which Viv'ee 90 are you talking here as there is two of them; the first being the "Bokina" one (which requires the adapter to go 1:1) or the second being the dedicated 1:1?

I have the one with the adapter. the second one has an aperture speed of f2.8 I believe and does not have a Series 1 ID if I'm not mistaken. for macro, it is not really a problem for having a separate adapter. as I said, the toughest parameter to quantify is IQ and rendering since both are excellent performers yet differ from each other.

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

Sell both and get the DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR... great optics, rounded aperture blades, quick shift, excellent manual focus feel, great build quality, pretty compact and not too heavy.

you might have given me an idea but it is really a tough one since I really loved these two lenses (wish I could afford to keep them), I might just go that road on selling both these great lenses. but I'm not going to buy the WR since I just sold my 100mm. possibly I'll get the Sigma 150 in another mount (too bad Pentax doesn't have it). I'll be looking for the old 150mm in Nikon mount since I didn't like what I'm seeing with the new OS version (bokeh looks very nervous). the 150mm would be very beneficial for long shots and bugs, but I'm worried about losing close focus shots on certain instances brought about by the added focal length. it's really a tough decision. if only I could keep all of them, and purchase a 150mm alongside, that would be very nice.

joe.penn · 12-02-2011, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by Pentaxor

I have the one with the adapter. the second one has an aperture speed of f2.8

I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"...

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 11:09 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"...

I'll be doing some macro tomorrow and see what I would miss from the two macros if ever I sell either or both lens. if I ever I get the 150mm, 3 lenses and an AF TC will be on the chopping block.

Pentaxor · 12-02-2011, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by joe.penn

I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"...

here is what a Bokina does >>>

and the Sigma >>>

joe.penn · 12-02-2011, 04:21 PM

Well, here is a shot from my Viv'ee 105 macro and I am told that the "Bokina" is sharper and renders better (this one was straight from camera and converted to jpeg in LR, no sharpening or anything modified):

Nick Siebers · 12-02-2011, 05:48 PM

I do not have the Sigma 70, but I have a hard time imagining a lens sharper and more contrasty than my Tokina 90/2.5, which I believe is the same lens as yours. That isn't a lens I would easily give up, and in fact would be one of the last to go.

View Poll Results: which macro lens you would keep?
Vivitar S1 90mm	5	38.46%
Sigma 70 macro	2	15.38%
keep both	4	30.77%
sell both	2	15.38%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

12-02-2011, 03:11 AM	#1
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	which macro to keep? Sigma 70 versus Vivitar S1 90. I started the poll regarding which macro you tend to keep if given the choice. it would be nice to state the reasons why they prefer one over the other.

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12-02-2011, 04:14 AM	#2
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Are you sure 3 macro lenses are too much? It seems logical to remove from the set the one in the middle.

12-02-2011, 04:45 AM	#3
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	I have several macros and still think they are not enough M50/4, TamronSP90/2.5, TamronAF90/2.8, SigmaAF105/2.8, Fujinon55/3.5, Olympus50/3.5 and Tamron adaptall2 60-300 that have amazing macro ability and close focus (1:1.55)

12-02-2011, 05:52 AM	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I prefer the 100mm focal length for macro, because it can also serve for a short tele. Because of that, it needs to be AF. So none of the above

12-02-2011, 06:00 AM	#5
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	Funnily enough, while I've had the Sigma 70 for years, I just picked up the Vivitar S1 yesterday off craigslist. So I don't have much experience with the VivS1 yet, but I intend to keep both -- for one thing, the FLs are different enough to justify both to use as general-purpose lenses, especially for portraiture. I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1. My Viv is plain P/K mount (no A contacts), another small inconvenience. Focus ring for both lenses turns the opposite direction from Pentax.

12-02-2011, 08:36 AM	#6
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513 Original Poster	Originally posted by baro-nite Funnily enough, while I've had the Sigma 70 for years, I just picked up the Vivitar S1 yesterday off craigslist. So I don't have much experience with the VivS1 yet, but I intend to keep both -- for one thing, the FLs are different enough to justify both to use as general-purpose lenses, especially for portraiture. I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1. My Viv is plain P/K mount (no A contacts), another small inconvenience. Focus ring for both lenses turns the opposite direction from Pentax. amongst all the differences between the Sigma 70 and Vivitar, IQ and character rendering are the most difficult to quantify and put myself in a big dilemma. the Sigma is slightly sharper, very contrasty, more saturated colors, very good to excellent bokeh (scene dependent) while the Vivitar has a more subtle and neutral colors and consistently great bokeh. personally, the Sigma is a juiced up macro and the Vivitar is a classic macro.

12-02-2011, 08:48 AM	#7
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by baro-nite I like the extra working distance of the Viv for 1:1 shots, but then I like the convenience of the Sigma for not requiring an adapter to shoot 1:1 This brings up a question for Pentaxor - which Viv'ee 90 are you talking here as there is two of them; the first being the "Bokina" one (which requires the adapter to go 1:1) or the second being the dedicated 1:1?

12-02-2011, 09:56 AM	#8
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Sell both and get the DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR... great optics, rounded aperture blades, quick shift, excellent manual focus feel, great build quality, pretty compact and not too heavy.

12-02-2011, 10:06 AM	#9
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513 Original Poster	Originally posted by joe.penn This brings up a question for Pentaxor - which Viv'ee 90 are you talking here as there is two of them; the first being the "Bokina" one (which requires the adapter to go 1:1) or the second being the dedicated 1:1? I have the one with the adapter. the second one has an aperture speed of f2.8 I believe and does not have a Series 1 ID if I'm not mistaken. for macro, it is not really a problem for having a separate adapter. as I said, the toughest parameter to quantify is IQ and rendering since both are excellent performers yet differ from each other.

12-02-2011, 10:15 AM	#10
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513 Original Poster	Originally posted by creampuff Sell both and get the DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR... great optics, rounded aperture blades, quick shift, excellent manual focus feel, great build quality, pretty compact and not too heavy. you might have given me an idea but it is really a tough one since I really loved these two lenses (wish I could afford to keep them), I might just go that road on selling both these great lenses. but I'm not going to buy the WR since I just sold my 100mm. possibly I'll get the Sigma 150 in another mount (too bad Pentax doesn't have it). I'll be looking for the old 150mm in Nikon mount since I didn't like what I'm seeing with the new OS version (bokeh looks very nervous). the 150mm would be very beneficial for long shots and bugs, but I'm worried about losing close focus shots on certain instances brought about by the added focal length. it's really a tough decision. if only I could keep all of them, and purchase a 150mm alongside, that would be very nice.

12-02-2011, 10:44 AM	#11
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by Pentaxor I have the one with the adapter. the second one has an aperture speed of f2.8 I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"...

12-02-2011, 11:09 AM	#12
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513 Original Poster	Originally posted by joe.penn I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"... I'll be doing some macro tomorrow and see what I would miss from the two macros if ever I sell either or both lens. if I ever I get the 150mm, 3 lenses and an AF TC will be on the chopping block.

12-02-2011, 11:17 AM	#13
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513 Original Poster	Originally posted by joe.penn I originally chose the Vivitar not knowing which one you had - it is no question now which one to keep, most people with the "Bokina" will tell you that you would have to pry it from their cold dead hands to get it from them. I am not familiar with the Sigma, I do know however it is pretty hard to compare any macro to the "Great Bokina"... here is what a Bokina does >>> and the Sigma >>>

12-02-2011, 04:21 PM	#14
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Well, here is a shot from my Viv'ee 105 macro and I am told that the "Bokina" is sharper and renders better (this one was straight from camera and converted to jpeg in LR, no sharpening or anything modified):

12-02-2011, 05:48 PM	#15
Nick Siebers Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,165	I do not have the Sigma 70, but I have a hard time imagining a lens sharper and more contrasty than my Tokina 90/2.5, which I believe is the same lens as yours. That isn't a lens I would easily give up, and in fact would be one of the last to go.