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01-09-2013, 09:19 AM   #1
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Sigma 17-70mm VS Pentax 100mm 2.8 macro?

Hello,

I am wondering, if it's worth it to buy Pentax 100mm 2.8 macro WR lens ? For my macro photography I use Sigma17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS. I know it's not real macro (1:2), but it's quite good.. Will I feel big difference between them? Has anyone used these lens for macro before?

01-09-2013, 09:20 AM   #2
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The Sigma 17-70 gives about 0.3x magnification. It's not really a macro, but it's usable for my daily activities. It won't compare at all in sharpness to a macro, though.
01-09-2013, 09:34 AM   #3
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The actual macro prime should be much better. You can try looking at the sample photos on the forums
01-09-2013, 09:49 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
I am wondering, if it's worth it to buy Pentax 100mm 2.8 macro WR lens ?
In absolute terms, yes, it's a lens that is worth its price.

QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
For my macro photography I use Sigma17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS. I know it's not real macro (1:2), but it's quite good.. Will I feel big difference between them? Has anyone used these lens for macro before?
I own the previous version of the Sigma and the DFA 100 WR. If you like to photogrpah smallish subjects, like a whole flower, the Sigma works very well. If you want to make real macro, then of course you need an actual macro lens, there are technical things that only a macro can do. The enlargment given by a true macro lens is hard to understand until you test it.

I personally wrote the reviews of those two lenses that are presented on this site, you might want to check them. They should help you decide wether or not to get the lenses.

01-09-2013, 09:52 AM   #5
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Oh, thank you very much! )
I am sorry, I am quite new in this forum, where I could find these reviews?
01-09-2013, 10:03 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
Oh, thank you very much! )
I am sorry, I am quite new in this forum, where I could find these reviews?
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - D FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

When I get home, I can post some macro shots comparisons between the Sigma 17-70 and my Sigma 50 F2.8 macro to show how the magnification and sharpness differs. The Pentax 100mm Macro is a better performer than my Sigma 50 macro.
01-09-2013, 10:05 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by JinDesu Quote
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - D FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

When I get home, I can post some macro shots comparisons between the Sigma 17-70 and my Sigma 50 F2.8 macro to show how the magnification and sharpness differs. The Pentax 100mm Macro is a better performer than my Sigma 50 macro.
Thank You

It would be very very helpful!

01-09-2013, 10:29 AM   #8
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Bonjour,

Just my 2 cents, in that the D FA 100 WR works well as a portrait lens (at a distance) and as a "short" telephoto ... my best lens and as many have stated this lens should have "limited" on it - J
01-09-2013, 02:25 PM   #9
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I red a lot about Pentax 100mm and I guess it's worth buying..But I have found another problem
I found one person, who is selling Pentax 100mm 2.8 WR. He says it is in very good condition and he had used it for two years. Tommorow I am going to see that lens. But is it worth it to buy used lens? In my country it costs 699 $, and he is selling for 420 $.
01-09-2013, 02:28 PM   #10
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It may be better for you to create a new thread instead of using another persons.

When buying a used lens, ask for pictures of the lens (good quality pictures) that show any wear and tear on the body. Ask for them to take a picture of the glass in the lens to see if there's any fungus growing or any odd markings. If you can ensure that you can return the lens, then I wouldn't mind buying it used.
01-09-2013, 06:10 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
Thank You

It would be very very helpful!
Here are some comparisons. It was too hard to focus on the same area for both at the 100% crop level, so just do the best to compare. All images have been sharpened to the maximum level I can do without introducing noise/artifacts. All 100% crops are the same pixel size. The Sigma 50 macro @ F4 shot may have shifted the focus slightly (making it look soft by accident).

I know the Pentax 100 F2.8 Macro performs better than my Sigma 50 F2.8, especially towards the 2.8 end.

Sigma 17-70 @ F4

100% crop


Sigma 17-70 @ F8

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F2.8

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F4

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F8

100% crop
01-10-2013, 12:51 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by JinDesu Quote
Here are some comparisons. It was too hard to focus on the same area for both at the 100% crop level, so just do the best to compare. All images have been sharpened to the maximum level I can do without introducing noise/artifacts. All 100% crops are the same pixel size. The Sigma 50 macro @ F4 shot may have shifted the focus slightly (making it look soft by accident).

I know the Pentax 100 F2.8 Macro performs better than my Sigma 50 F2.8, especially towards the 2.8 end.

Sigma 17-70 @ F4

100% crop


Sigma 17-70 @ F8

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F2.8

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F4

100% crop


Sigma 50 macro @ F8

100% crop
Thank you for advice! Today i bought Pentax 100mm and I can say that there is a big difference between real macro and the other macro lens.
01-11-2013, 05:51 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
Tommorow I am going to see that lens. But is it worth it to buy used lens? In my country it costs 699 $, and he is selling for 420 $.
I apparently was too late to answer, you already made up your mind. When buying a lens in person, it's pretty easy to judge if it's a good buy. Inspect it closely, test it on your camera, take pictures and viw them on screen or on a coputer if you have a laptop, it's not very risky but you need to do your homework...

QuoteOriginally posted by Precious Quote
Thank you for advice! Today i bought Pentax 100mm and I can say that there is a big difference between real macro and the other macro lens.
Congratulations!
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