LBA - Now that I bought it what do I do with it?

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-05-2012, 08:13 AM

Ok while out searching my haunts, i picked up a tamron SP 90mmF2.5 macro. It came with an M42 mount

I have heard good things about this lens, but not sure what I should do with it, relative to which mount I should put on it.

I have several adaptall II mounts, including, now with this lens, 2 M42 mounts (one is on my 24/2.5) one K mount (unused at present) and 2 KA mounts (one on my 200-500 and the other on my 28/2.5)

In terms of competition for use, this lens has lots, as I already have an M100/4, an SMC Macro tak 50, for macro lenses, so I don't need another macro in either M42 or K mount and both the super tak 85/1.9 and vivitar (samyang) 85/1.4 so I don't need a short tele portrait lens in M42 or KA mount

I can realistically see either the K mount on it and have a K series portrait lens (where I don;t have one presently), or I think more logically, take the KA mount from the 28mm as I have a few of those already, and have a KA mount macro, that would give me P-TTL flash.

assuming you had the lenses I have mentioned what mount would you put on it?

p.s. for those who don';t know me I have extensive K and M42 kits at present.

PentaxMom Felua · 06-05-2012, 08:28 AM - **1 Like**

Admire it, adore it, embrace it, love it, smile and forget your doubts.
Go to sleep in the evening and then, next morning, wisdom will brighten your day.
If not, I think you shouldn't have bought it.

And though you ask us, and many will answer, you already know best.
And if not, go to sleep in the evening, don't close the curtains completely,
leave the window open slightly, surely a wisdom fairy will fly in and whisper the truth into your ear.

Of course you can always decide to change the mount each year.

And next morning you will know what to do.

**monochrome** · 06-05-2012, 08:31 AM

Lowell: Of all the lenses I have tried over the years, my copy of that lens had the most visible snap into focus I have ever seen. It is also one of the very sharpest I have ever owned across the entire FoV (flattest). I had intended to use it just as you stated, but turns out it was sharper than I wanted for portraits, so I got a K105/2.8. I also had a number of other Tamron Adaptall lenses and mounts, as well as a Viv 105/2.5, so in a fit of kit rationalization I sold all the Tamrons and the VIvitar.

I would use the P/KA mount. Mine worked all the way down to 2.5 with the e-dial after I did the contact scraping fix. Metering seemed to be very close.

There are few lenses I regret selling - that's one of them.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-05-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

Lowell: Of all the lenses I have tried over the years, my copy of that lens had the most visible snap into focus I have ever seen. It is also one of the very sharpest I have ever owned across the entire FoV (flattest). I had intended to use it just as you stated, but turns out it was sharper than I wanted for portraits, so I got a K105/2.8. I also had a number of other Tamron Adaptall lenses and mounts, as well as a Viv 105/2.5, so in a fit of kit rationalization I sold all the Tamrons and the VIvitar.

I would use the P/KA mount. Mine worked all the way down to 2.5 with the e-dial after I did the contact scraping fix. Metering seemed to be very close.

There are few lenses I regret selling - that's one of them.

OK here goes,

I have already a K105, so the softness is covered, as Noted I also have a viv 85/1.4 with KA mount, but, I am too thinking the 28/2.5 is not really a worthwhile use of a KA adapter so it might just get demoted, and I would put the KA mount in this and have a fully auto mode macro.

civiletti · 06-05-2012, 08:41 AM

The adaptall sp90/2.5 is no particularly sharp wide open, so it may do fine as a portait lens. I'd do a comparison with the M100 to decide which I like for various uses. Film is cheap. No film is even cheaper.

OftheManor · 06-05-2012, 08:49 AM

I use the SP90/2.5 on FF digital and on the K20D using the m42 adapter since I am shooting close and prefer manual focus doing so. Both cameras underexpose when the lens is wide open but the dreamy bokeh is worth working with this lens. I also have the 2.8 Di version of the lens and several othe macro lenses but seem to find the "$40 wonder" on my camera the most often. Try it, I'm sure you will like it.

Vasyl · 06-05-2012, 09:00 AM

Lowell,
I am guessing if you try to attach a camera to your lenses maybe you will find them more useful...:-) and the answer will come...:-)

**pacerr** · 06-05-2012, 09:55 AM

I've got two of 'em (both the 52B + 52BB) and all three Pentax adapters -- the M42 adapter and the 52B go waaay back to Spotmatic days.

Perhaps it's just old habits, but I rarely bother to mount the PK/A adapter for macro/close-up purposes and use them as M- and K-class lenses. I've never been more than slightly tempted to look for any other 90-105mm lens "upgrade" for their intended purpose. My Super Tak 105 is preferred for 'portrait-type' stuff though.

I'd note that a hood can make a surprising difference in the contrast and off-axis flare with this lens under certain conditions.

H2

**MSL** · 06-05-2012, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

LBA - Now that I bought it what do I do with it?

SELL IT, SELL IT SELL IT
to me.
please.
pretty please.
for almost no money...

I also have a m42 and KA mounts, but I don't like the adaptall lenses I have (80-210 and 70-210). I haven't been able to sell any of them yet, so I'm still hanging on to this fantasy that I'll find a cheap, worthwhile, Adaptall lens. I'm also interested in trying a real macro lens, rather than using tubes all the time.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-05-2012, 10:47 AM

OK, so here goes.

I have tested it out,, so to speak in my K10D with the M42 adapter it came with (after making the appropriate aperture pin fix) and am more than slightly impressed.

I will need to think this one over some before I decide on a mount, but for the moment, it makes no difference which mount, but if I really want to do macro, and use a flash, i will eventually put it on a KA mount.

What I really need to do is some side by side tests against my SMC-M 100/4 and also my super tak 85/1.9 because this lens, at 90 mm could replace both of them.

We'll see

I will aslo look for a hood, as mine came without one but has the bayonet tabs to take a 1/4 turn hood.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-05-2012, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by MSL

SELL IT, SELL IT SELL IT
to me.
please.
pretty please.
for almost no money...

I also have a m42 and KA mounts, but I don't like the adaptall lenses I have (80-210 and 70-210). I haven't been able to sell any of them yet, so I'm still hanging on to this fantasy that I'll find a cheap, worthwhile, Adaptall lens. I'm also interested in trying a real macro lens, rather than using tubes all the time.

This is I believe my 51st lens, I have never , ever, sold anything.

as for the lenses you have, It is hard to get excited about them, i think of them really as consumer lenses, no where near on par with some of the other zooms out there (the series 1 70-210 F3.5 comes to mind)

THis is my 4th tamron, but it is a somewhat specific purpose lens

**MSL** · 06-05-2012, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

This is I believe my 51st lens, I have never , ever, sold anything.

Well you try it this once? Or maybe something radical and give it away.

I agree - the two lenses I have are nothing special. But I got the 80-210 with the m42 adapter for $20 shipped, and the 70-210 came with the PKA adapter, and another camera and lens for less than what the PKA usually sells for. So I can't complain too much, but will be happy when this gear sits on someone else's shelf and I recover my costs.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-05-2012, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by MSL

Well you try it this once? Or maybe something radical and give it away.

no give aways either sorry

Quote:

I agree - the two lenses I have are nothing special. But I got the 80-210 with the m42 adapter for $20 shipped, and the 70-210 came with the PKA adapter, and another camera and lens for less than what the PKA usually sells for. So I can't complain too much, but will be happy when this gear sits on someone else's shelf and I recover my costs.

I have generally, (not always) have tried to purchase quality only, which is why I have not really so,d anything., I have a real use for everything I bought, and usually pick up items that are very well regarded, and for primes, always fast, -- in fact very fast. This, however was a whim, but a very good one, i have tried it, and it is still on my camera. Maybe I will do a series, all i need is one more lens, and I can do a lens a week project.

**MSL** · 06-05-2012, 12:27 PM

As whim purchases go, this was a good one to buy. And my days buying lesser quality lenses are hopefully over, although there is no budget for anything expensive so I'll have to see where my LBA takes me. It has been fun using SuperTak lenses, which is one way of getting quality on the cheap, but then you start to learn about the limitations of not using F series or newer lenses - particularly zooms where you need the right focal length to make best use of the shake reduction. I probably could have figured this all out from reading the manual in full, but you don't get any pictures that way, good or otherwise.

I suggest you start your lens a week project and I'm sure something interesting to buy will show up by the end of the year.

hoanpham · 06-05-2012, 02:07 PM

Congrats Lowell,

Put your Tamron sp 90/2.5 on the tc 2x 01f then p/ka, then tripod, then a wireless flash, then go out and shot some bug at f8, f11, f22.
The 90/2.5 and the tc is a killer combination. Very good working distance.

06-05-2012, 08:13 AM	#1
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	LBA - Now that I bought it what do I do with it? Ok while out searching my haunts, i picked up a tamron SP 90mmF2.5 macro. It came with an M42 mount I have heard good things about this lens, but not sure what I should do with it, relative to which mount I should put on it. I have several adaptall II mounts, including, now with this lens, 2 M42 mounts (one is on my 24/2.5) one K mount (unused at present) and 2 KA mounts (one on my 200-500 and the other on my 28/2.5) In terms of competition for use, this lens has lots, as I already have an M100/4, an SMC Macro tak 50, for macro lenses, so I don't need another macro in either M42 or K mount and both the super tak 85/1.9 and vivitar (samyang) 85/1.4 so I don't need a short tele portrait lens in M42 or KA mount I can realistically see either the K mount on it and have a K series portrait lens (where I don;t have one presently), or I think more logically, take the KA mount from the 28mm as I have a few of those already, and have a KA mount macro, that would give me P-TTL flash. assuming you had the lenses I have mentioned what mount would you put on it? p.s. for those who don';t know me I have extensive K and M42 kits at present.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[LBA] Oops, I just accidentally bought a lens	Erik	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	19	03-10-2011 09:57 AM
Look what I just bought!!!!!	Copyright	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	17	09-15-2010 05:26 PM
LBA spillover, I bought Pentax binoculars	Aegon	Photographic Industry and Professionals	14	05-06-2010 06:05 PM
Please help… I have “LBA-P”… LBA Paranoia!!!!!	pHREDD D	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	14	03-13-2010 07:29 AM
just bought bellows, does that count as LBA?	Douglas_of_Sweden	Photographic Technique	15	05-04-2008 11:43 PM

06-05-2012, 08:28 AM - 1 Like	#2
PentaxMom Felua Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Veluwe Posts: 339	Admire it, adore it, embrace it, love it, smile and forget your doubts. Go to sleep in the evening and then, next morning, wisdom will brighten your day. If not, I think you shouldn't have bought it. And though you ask us, and many will answer, you already know best. And if not, go to sleep in the evening, don't close the curtains completely, leave the window open slightly, surely a wisdom fairy will fly in and whisper the truth into your ear. Of course you can always decide to change the mount each year. And next morning you will know what to do.

06-05-2012, 08:31 AM	#3
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Lowell: Of all the lenses I have tried over the years, my copy of that lens had the most visible snap into focus I have ever seen. It is also one of the very sharpest I have ever owned across the entire FoV (flattest). I had intended to use it just as you stated, but turns out it was sharper than I wanted for portraits, so I got a K105/2.8. I also had a number of other Tamron Adaptall lenses and mounts, as well as a Viv 105/2.5, so in a fit of kit rationalization I sold all the Tamrons and the VIvitar. I would use the P/KA mount. Mine worked all the way down to 2.5 with the e-dial after I did the contact scraping fix. Metering seemed to be very close. There are few lenses I regret selling - that's one of them.

06-05-2012, 08:36 AM	#4
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891 Original Poster	Originally posted by monochrome Lowell: Of all the lenses I have tried over the years, my copy of that lens had the most visible snap into focus I have ever seen. It is also one of the very sharpest I have ever owned across the entire FoV (flattest). I had intended to use it just as you stated, but turns out it was sharper than I wanted for portraits, so I got a K105/2.8. I also had a number of other Tamron Adaptall lenses and mounts, as well as a Viv 105/2.5, so in a fit of kit rationalization I sold all the Tamrons and the VIvitar. I would use the P/KA mount. Mine worked all the way down to 2.5 with the e-dial after I did the contact scraping fix. Metering seemed to be very close. There are few lenses I regret selling - that's one of them. OK here goes, I have already a K105, so the softness is covered, as Noted I also have a viv 85/1.4 with KA mount, but, I am too thinking the 28/2.5 is not really a worthwhile use of a KA adapter so it might just get demoted, and I would put the KA mount in this and have a fully auto mode macro.

06-05-2012, 08:41 AM	#5
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	The adaptall sp90/2.5 is no particularly sharp wide open, so it may do fine as a portait lens. I'd do a comparison with the M100 to decide which I like for various uses. Film is cheap. No film is even cheaper.

06-05-2012, 08:49 AM	#6
OftheManor Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: BC Lower Mainland Posts: 118	I use the SP90/2.5 on FF digital and on the K20D using the m42 adapter since I am shooting close and prefer manual focus doing so. Both cameras underexpose when the lens is wide open but the dreamy bokeh is worth working with this lens. I also have the 2.8 Di version of the lens and several othe macro lenses but seem to find the "$40 wonder" on my camera the most often. Try it, I'm sure you will like it.

06-05-2012, 09:00 AM	#7
Vasyl Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 648	Lowell, I am guessing if you try to attach a camera to your lenses maybe you will find them more useful...:-) and the answer will come...:-)

06-05-2012, 09:55 AM	#8
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,350	I've got two of 'em (both the 52B + 52BB) and all three Pentax adapters -- the M42 adapter and the 52B go waaay back to Spotmatic days. Perhaps it's just old habits, but I rarely bother to mount the PK/A adapter for macro/close-up purposes and use them as M- and K-class lenses. I've never been more than slightly tempted to look for any other 90-105mm lens "upgrade" for their intended purpose. My Super Tak 105 is preferred for 'portrait-type' stuff though. I'd note that a hood can make a surprising difference in the contrast and off-axis flare with this lens under certain conditions. H2

06-05-2012, 10:24 AM	#9
MSL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Greater Toronto Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,751	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge LBA - Now that I bought it what do I do with it? SELL IT, SELL IT SELL IT to me. please. pretty please. for almost no money... I also have a m42 and KA mounts, but I don't like the adaptall lenses I have (80-210 and 70-210). I haven't been able to sell any of them yet, so I'm still hanging on to this fantasy that I'll find a cheap, worthwhile, Adaptall lens. I'm also interested in trying a real macro lens, rather than using tubes all the time.

06-05-2012, 10:47 AM	#10
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891 Original Poster	OK, so here goes. I have tested it out,, so to speak in my K10D with the M42 adapter it came with (after making the appropriate aperture pin fix) and am more than slightly impressed. I will need to think this one over some before I decide on a mount, but for the moment, it makes no difference which mount, but if I really want to do macro, and use a flash, i will eventually put it on a KA mount. What I really need to do is some side by side tests against my SMC-M 100/4 and also my super tak 85/1.9 because this lens, at 90 mm could replace both of them. We'll see I will aslo look for a hood, as mine came without one but has the bayonet tabs to take a 1/4 turn hood.

06-05-2012, 10:56 AM	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891 Original Poster	Originally posted by MSL SELL IT, SELL IT SELL IT to me. please. pretty please. for almost no money... I also have a m42 and KA mounts, but I don't like the adaptall lenses I have (80-210 and 70-210). I haven't been able to sell any of them yet, so I'm still hanging on to this fantasy that I'll find a cheap, worthwhile, Adaptall lens. I'm also interested in trying a real macro lens, rather than using tubes all the time. This is I believe my 51st lens, I have never , ever, sold anything. as for the lenses you have, It is hard to get excited about them, i think of them really as consumer lenses, no where near on par with some of the other zooms out there (the series 1 70-210 F3.5 comes to mind) THis is my 4th tamron, but it is a somewhat specific purpose lens

06-05-2012, 11:51 AM	#12
MSL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Greater Toronto Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,751	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge This is I believe my 51st lens, I have never , ever, sold anything. Well you try it this once? Or maybe something radical and give it away. I agree - the two lenses I have are nothing special. But I got the 80-210 with the m42 adapter for $20 shipped, and the 70-210 came with the PKA adapter, and another camera and lens for less than what the PKA usually sells for. So I can't complain too much, but will be happy when this gear sits on someone else's shelf and I recover my costs.

06-05-2012, 12:04 PM	#13
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891 Original Poster	Originally posted by MSL Well you try it this once? Or maybe something radical and give it away. no give aways either sorry Quote: I agree - the two lenses I have are nothing special. But I got the 80-210 with the m42 adapter for $20 shipped, and the 70-210 came with the PKA adapter, and another camera and lens for less than what the PKA usually sells for. So I can't complain too much, but will be happy when this gear sits on someone else's shelf and I recover my costs. I have generally, (not always) have tried to purchase quality only, which is why I have not really so,d anything., I have a real use for everything I bought, and usually pick up items that are very well regarded, and for primes, always fast, -- in fact very fast. This, however was a whim, but a very good one, i have tried it, and it is still on my camera. Maybe I will do a series, all i need is one more lens, and I can do a lens a week project.

06-05-2012, 12:27 PM	#14
MSL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Greater Toronto Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,751	As whim purchases go, this was a good one to buy. And my days buying lesser quality lenses are hopefully over, although there is no budget for anything expensive so I'll have to see where my LBA takes me. It has been fun using SuperTak lenses, which is one way of getting quality on the cheap, but then you start to learn about the limitations of not using F series or newer lenses - particularly zooms where you need the right focal length to make best use of the shake reduction. I probably could have figured this all out from reading the manual in full, but you don't get any pictures that way, good or otherwise. I suggest you start your lens a week project and I'm sure something interesting to buy will show up by the end of the year.

06-05-2012, 02:07 PM	#15
hoanpham Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Strand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,366	Congrats Lowell, Put your Tamron sp 90/2.5 on the tc 2x 01f then p/ka, then tripod, then a wireless flash, then go out and shot some bug at f8, f11, f22. The 90/2.5 and the tc is a killer combination. Very good working distance.