Favorite macro lenses?

**Ron Boggs** · 03-04-2008, 07:09 AM

Don't forget the Pentax FA100/2.8 Macro. It's a very nice performer! This lens is readily available at reasonable prices. Especially since it's recently been replaced in the line-up. It has a focus tension adjustment and focus limit switch to make it more useful as a portrait tele, not just a macro. Some complain of it's weight, but I consider "heft" a positive (I hated Pentax's "how small and light can we build it" era). Do I use this lens? Sorry, no--I have one but currently loan it to a Pentax shooting friend. I'm a lens freak and own and use both the A*200/4 Macro and the FA*200/4 Macro--both of which are widely reviewed as some of the finest optical marvels ever built (I bought both new at different times in the past 15 years--back when the new price was half the current used market price--damn how often does that happen with lens purchases?).

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-04-2008, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by Ron Boggs

Don't forget the Pentax FA100/2.8 Macro. It's a very nice performer! This lens is readily available at reasonable prices. Especially since it's recently been replaced in the line-up. It has a focus tension adjustment and focus limit switch to make it more useful as a portrait tele, not just a macro. Some complain of it's weight, but I consider "heft" a positive (I hated Pentax's "how small and light can we build it" era).

I referred to that era as the M series disease. The only M series thing I own out of 5 bodies and 14 lenses is the SMC-M 100mm F4 macro, which I like, but all other M series lenses have a cheap feel to them, Sorry if I can't quantify it better.

Quote:

Do I use this lens? Sorry, no--I have one but currently loan it to a Pentax shooting friend. I'm a lens freak and own and use both the A*200/4 Macro and the FA*200/4 Macro--both of which are widely reviewed as some of the finest optical marvels ever built (I bought both new at different times in the past 15 years--back when the new price was half the current used market price--damn how often does that happen with lens purchases?).

I would love to get one, (200mm macro) it's on shopping list of older lenses, along with an 85mm F1.8.

As an aside, I asked a salseman at a toronto camera store about the lack of older pentax glass, and he said "It's just too good for people to let go of"

mer · 03-04-2008, 07:47 AM

for me its gotta be the pentax DFA 50mm F/2.8 . One of the best lenses ever made , too bad not many people know that :P Maybe because of the short working distance but its better than the 100mm DFA and I would bet money that it is better than the FA 100mm too

schmally · 03-04-2008, 08:39 AM

Is it possible to use my Kenko 1.5 with the forthcoming macro? I want to increase distance to my subjects. Thanks all! schmally

ryan s · 03-04-2008, 08:39 AM

Check the sig

k100d · 03-04-2008, 08:48 AM

i picked up a smc takumar 50 f4 m42 recently, i heard it was sharp, but only 1:2 which is fine ... i hope i didn't over pay, but i really wanted to get the all metal construction and metal focus ring

barbosas · 03-04-2008, 09:44 AM

My fav macro lens is an old Takumar 50mm F4 M42, it's not SMC but it's the one that goes to 1:1.

It's my favorite, especially because it's the only one i have

k100d · 03-04-2008, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Pornflake

My fav macro lens is an old Takumar 50mm F4 M42, it's not SMC but it's the one that goes to 1:1.

It's my favorite, especially because it's the only one i have

is it sharp? i saw some samples online that looked pretty good

Tom M · 03-04-2008, 10:43 AM

Originally posted by jsherman999

Mine's the Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5.

.

Mine too! It is the only macro I own but, it's such a dman nice lens for non-macro work that the fact it takes insanely sharp macro shots is a huge bonus.. lol

barbosas · 03-04-2008, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by k100d

is it sharp? i saw some samples online that looked pretty good

Yes it's sharp, i prefered this over the SMC one, because i use it mainly to shoot in the light box, the 1:1 was more important then SMC for that.

I'll have to try it with some flowers.

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-04-2008, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

you should try it with the 1.7x AF TC. it gives you a measure of AF when you are close with manual focus, and combined with the 50mm or so of focus extension built in to the lens, can give you past 1:1.

that should help you chase dragonflies a little better!

I have also had some fun reciently putting a close up lens on my 135 F2.5. So far just in a local greenhouse, but I will play a little more when the bugs thaw out.

I have my eye out for a 1.7X - but the budget was blown on the digital items listed in my signature. When I need more stand off distance, I use my A 1.4X-S. It gives excellent standoff distances on MZ-S and superb on K10D. I can even use snap-in-focus with it, in most of the outside conditions I shoot in. Sometimes the f/8 effective at full extension is too much for the AF indicator.

frank · 03-04-2008, 03:43 PM

I've tried many macro lenses, but only keeping one for now, the A50/2.8. It's tiny, small, 1:2 only, but it gets the job done.

Probably will get a Voigtlander 125/2.5 someday. Tried it before, a very nice lens. A bit too heavy than what I really like, it's a bit hard to mount the lens on due to the big focus ring (virtually the whole barrel IS the focus ring!) ...

Kind interested in the Tokina 90/2.5 macro lens. Heard alot good things about this one, but I'd love to hear some actual users experiences here if you like to share

Cheers!

Hector · 03-04-2008, 09:57 PM

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the Sigma 70-300mm APO? I'm looking for a macro and a long lens. This lens is only about $210. I just purchased a K10D with the 18-55 and 50-200, so my budget right now is not large.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-05-2008, 07:32 AM

Originally posted by Hector

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the Sigma 70-300mm APO? I'm looking for a macro and a long lens. This lens is only about $210. I just purchased a K10D with the 18-55 and 50-200, so my budget right now is not large.

Look at the specs, I don't know the lens but it should show up somewhere in the specifications what the minimum focusing distance is, and at which focal length.

If you know this you can work out the magnification ratio. It may also show up on the lens itself what the magnification ratio is. usually this will be listed after the apature range if it appears on the lens.

**Canada_Rockies** · 03-05-2008, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

you should try it with the 1.7x AF TC. it gives you a measure of AF when you are close with manual focus, and combined with the 50mm or so of focus extension built in to the lens, can give you past 1:1.

that should help you chase dragonflies a little better!

I don't have the 1.7, but I do have an A 1.4X-S, and it works well there also. The f/5.6 at infinity is a bit cramping, though. 4 times 1.7 = forget the AF, I think. f/6.8 is pushing the limits a bit, particularly with and extra 25 or 50 mm of extension with the focusing ring.

03-04-2008, 08:39 AM	#19
schmally Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 33	TC and macro combined? Is it possible to use my Kenko 1.5 with the forthcoming macro? I want to increase distance to my subjects. Thanks all! schmally

03-04-2008, 09:57 PM	#28
Hector Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Godfrey, Illinois Photos: Gallery Posts: 3	Macro/Tele Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the Sigma 70-300mm APO? I'm looking for a macro and a long lens. This lens is only about $210. I just purchased a K10D with the 18-55 and 50-200, so my budget right now is not large.

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03-04-2008, 07:09 AM	#16
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Don't forget the Pentax FA100/2.8 Macro. It's a very nice performer! This lens is readily available at reasonable prices. Especially since it's recently been replaced in the line-up. It has a focus tension adjustment and focus limit switch to make it more useful as a portrait tele, not just a macro. Some complain of it's weight, but I consider "heft" a positive (I hated Pentax's "how small and light can we build it" era). Do I use this lens? Sorry, no--I have one but currently loan it to a Pentax shooting friend. I'm a lens freak and own and use both the A200/4 Macro and the FA200/4 Macro--both of which are widely reviewed as some of the finest optical marvels ever built (I bought both new at different times in the past 15 years--back when the new price was half the current used market price--damn how often does that happen with lens purchases?).

03-04-2008, 07:13 AM	#17
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by Ron Boggs Don't forget the Pentax FA100/2.8 Macro. It's a very nice performer! This lens is readily available at reasonable prices. Especially since it's recently been replaced in the line-up. It has a focus tension adjustment and focus limit switch to make it more useful as a portrait tele, not just a macro. Some complain of it's weight, but I consider "heft" a positive (I hated Pentax's "how small and light can we build it" era). I referred to that era as the M series disease. The only M series thing I own out of 5 bodies and 14 lenses is the SMC-M 100mm F4 macro, which I like, but all other M series lenses have a cheap feel to them, Sorry if I can't quantify it better. Quote: Do I use this lens? Sorry, no--I have one but currently loan it to a Pentax shooting friend. I'm a lens freak and own and use both the A200/4 Macro and the FA200/4 Macro--both of which are widely reviewed as some of the finest optical marvels ever built (I bought both new at different times in the past 15 years--back when the new price was half the current used market price--damn how often does that happen with lens purchases?). I would love to get one, (200mm macro) it's on shopping list of older lenses, along with an 85mm F1.8. As an aside, I asked a salseman at a toronto camera store about the lack of older pentax glass, and he said "It's just too good for people to let go of"

03-04-2008, 07:47 AM	#18
mer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greece Posts: 237	for me its gotta be the pentax DFA 50mm F/2.8 . One of the best lenses ever made , too bad not many people know that :P Maybe because of the short working distance but its better than the 100mm DFA and I would bet money that it is better than the FA 100mm too

03-04-2008, 08:39 AM	#20
ryan s Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,383	Check the sig

03-04-2008, 08:48 AM	#21
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	i picked up a smc takumar 50 f4 m42 recently, i heard it was sharp, but only 1:2 which is fine ... i hope i didn't over pay, but i really wanted to get the all metal construction and metal focus ring

03-04-2008, 09:44 AM	#22
barbosas Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lisbon Photos: Gallery Posts: 683	My fav macro lens is an old Takumar 50mm F4 M42, it's not SMC but it's the one that goes to 1:1. It's my favorite, especially because it's the only one i have

03-04-2008, 09:48 AM	#23
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by Pornflake My fav macro lens is an old Takumar 50mm F4 M42, it's not SMC but it's the one that goes to 1:1. It's my favorite, especially because it's the only one i have is it sharp? i saw some samples online that looked pretty good

03-04-2008, 10:43 AM	#24
Tom M Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Photos: Gallery Posts: 780	Originally posted by jsherman999 Mine's the Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5. . Mine too! It is the only macro I own but, it's such a dman nice lens for non-macro work that the fact it takes insanely sharp macro shots is a huge bonus.. lol

03-04-2008, 11:10 AM	#25
barbosas Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lisbon Photos: Gallery Posts: 683	Originally posted by k100d is it sharp? i saw some samples online that looked pretty good Yes it's sharp, i prefered this over the SMC one, because i use it mainly to shoot in the light box, the 1:1 was more important then SMC for that. I'll have to try it with some flowers.

03-04-2008, 11:20 AM	#26
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge you should try it with the 1.7x AF TC. it gives you a measure of AF when you are close with manual focus, and combined with the 50mm or so of focus extension built in to the lens, can give you past 1:1. that should help you chase dragonflies a little better! I have also had some fun reciently putting a close up lens on my 135 F2.5. So far just in a local greenhouse, but I will play a little more when the bugs thaw out. I have my eye out for a 1.7X - but the budget was blown on the digital items listed in my signature. When I need more stand off distance, I use my A 1.4X-S. It gives excellent standoff distances on MZ-S and superb on K10D. I can even use snap-in-focus with it, in most of the outside conditions I shoot in. Sometimes the f/8 effective at full extension is too much for the AF indicator.

03-04-2008, 03:43 PM	#27
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	I've tried many macro lenses, but only keeping one for now, the A50/2.8. It's tiny, small, 1:2 only, but it gets the job done. Probably will get a Voigtlander 125/2.5 someday. Tried it before, a very nice lens. A bit too heavy than what I really like, it's a bit hard to mount the lens on due to the big focus ring (virtually the whole barrel IS the focus ring!) ... Kind interested in the Tokina 90/2.5 macro lens. Heard alot good things about this one, but I'd love to hear some actual users experiences here if you like to share Cheers!

03-05-2008, 07:32 AM	#29
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by Hector Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the Sigma 70-300mm APO? I'm looking for a macro and a long lens. This lens is only about $210. I just purchased a K10D with the 18-55 and 50-200, so my budget right now is not large. Look at the specs, I don't know the lens but it should show up somewhere in the specifications what the minimum focusing distance is, and at which focal length. If you know this you can work out the magnification ratio. It may also show up on the lens itself what the magnification ratio is. usually this will be listed after the apature range if it appears on the lens.

03-05-2008, 12:00 PM	#30
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge you should try it with the 1.7x AF TC. it gives you a measure of AF when you are close with manual focus, and combined with the 50mm or so of focus extension built in to the lens, can give you past 1:1. that should help you chase dragonflies a little better! I don't have the 1.7, but I do have an A 1.4X-S, and it works well there also. The f/5.6 at infinity is a bit cramping, though. 4 times 1.7 = forget the AF, I think. f/6.8 is pushing the limits a bit, particularly with and extra 25 or 50 mm of extension with the focusing ring.