50mm Lense

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 05:47 PM

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I am looking to buy a new 50mm lense, but I don't know exactly what to get... I want one for use in macro work too, and I am thinking about getting the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro.
But right now that is a bit out of my price range, I hear amazing things about the Pentax SMCP-M 50mm f2 (I have no idea if this is a macro lense) and I haven't heard much about the Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2.0 Lens (is this macro?)
And what is the difference between the M and A lenses? Would they be worth the $50 compared to the Sigma? AF isn't a big deal.

**RKKS08** · 04-18-2013, 05:59 PM

Pentax never had F2 macro lenses. All macros were F2.8 or F4.

Exposure control with "A" lenses works just like with any of the actual lenses. They just don't offer autofocus.
"M" lenses can only be used in manual exposure mode. This means you must press the "green button" first, then the shutter.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/60081-usage-green-button.html

Quote:

I hear amazing things about the Pentax SMCP-M 50mm f2 (I have no idea if this is a macro lense) and I haven't heard much about the Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2.0 Lens

These 2 lenses share the same optics. The second one is just the newer A version, which can be used in all modes with a digital Pentax.

**baro-nite** · 04-18-2013, 05:59 PM

Neither the M50/2 nor A50/2 are macro lenses. They're both decent lenses but are very common and not in demand, so you shouldn't spend even as much as $50 for one -- they can often be had for around half that or even less. A set of extension tubes or a bellows would be a less expensive way to get into macro, albeit without the convenience of a true macro lens.

The difference between M and A lenses is that with the latter you can use auto exposure modes such as Aperture Priority, even for a "crippled K-mount" camera such as your Pentax DSLRs.

More info:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/152336-cheap-macro-b...lose-work.html

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 06:17 PM

Does pentax offer any macro lenses at below $100? Or would I be able to find one?

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 06:28 PM

(sorry for the double post) Would the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro be my best option here? It's a bit pricier than I'd like...
Amazon.com: Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo
Is a link to it.

Also, is it a bad idea to buy used optics?

**RKKS08** · 04-18-2013, 06:35 PM

With some luck you may be able to find a used Macro Takumar 4/50 or a SMC-M 4/50 macro in this price range. For the Takumar you will need a m42-PK adapter. Both lenses don't offer 1:1, but only 2:1 (on full frame). With the actual APS-C cameras, this means something in between 2:1 and 1:1 (I am too lazy to do the math).

Occasionally you may see 50mm Sigma macros in this range.

This is an example (but the seller seems not to send to the US):
Sigma 90mm f2.8 Macro Pentax KA Fit Lens | eBay

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 06:40 PM

Okay, now, I have been going through the for sale part of the forums, and I found a Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC (in amazing condition) for $175... Should I jump on this? I have never heard of this lense, but it looks BEAUTIFUL

bluestringer · 04-18-2013, 06:45 PM

Here's one at KEH for 105 dollars. It's a great lens, just a little slow at f4, and it's 1:2 not 1:1, but works great for flowers and larger insects, and you can always crop. Don't be afraid on the BGN grade, KEH grading is very conservative.

Pentax Manual Focus 50 F4 SMC M MACRO (49) 35MM SLR MANUAL FOCUS STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 06:48 PM

Okay, right now I am between the 50 f4 SMC M and the Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC ($175 shipped) which would be a better deal do you guys think? They both look like stunning lenses. Haha, I cannot decide!

Tonto · 04-18-2013, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by Bcrary3

Okay, right now I am between the 50 f4 SMC M and the Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC ($175 shipped) which would be a better deal do you guys think? They both look like stunning lenses. Haha, I cannot decide!

Well the Panagor gives you further distance which suits macros of small insects and such- A shorter FL means better results if you are using an on camera flash. I quickly Googled it and it is a 1:1 so I would go for that one.
BTW no worries buying 2nd hand lenses, they are very reliable just make sure there are plenty of good photos of the front AND rear elements of the camera.

**lmd91343** · 04-18-2013, 07:00 PM

I'd like to second the Pentax Macro-Takumar and the Pentax Super-Multi-Macro-Takumar. I have both. They are rated a perfect 10 in the reviews here. The former goes to 1:1 ff and the later only 2:1 ff.

Like rkks08 said, you'll need a k/m42 ring. I find it easier to monitor with them than a Pentax "A" lens.

You won't lose a penny if you resell them.

**boriscleto** · 04-18-2013, 07:05 PM

You should be able to find the Sigma A 50mm f2.8 Macro for around $100...I paid about $120 for mine.

Sigma 50mm F2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

It's manual focus but has the A contact.

Apr 23, 2012 - a set on Flickr

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 07:06 PM

Okay, as my old K-10D just sold ($550) I am in between the Panagor and the 50mm Sigma. Would $270 be worth it for the Sigma, at only 50mm (75-ish in APS-C) or the 90mm Panagor (135-ish in APS-C) I think I am opting for the Panagor just because it's cheaper, and lets face it looks pretty bad ass, but so does the Sigma.. Is AF really ever used when doing macro work?

lytrytyr · 04-18-2013, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by RKKS08

Both lenses don't offer 1:1, but only 2:1 (on full frame). With the actual APS-C cameras, this means something in between 2:1 and 1:1

Since the focal length and minimum focus distance don't change
when you switch a lens between FF and APS-C,
the reproduction ratios don't change, either.

Bcrary3 · 04-18-2013, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Since the focal length and minimum focus distance don't change
when you switch a lens between FF and APS-C,
the reproduction ratios don't change, either.

Really? I have always been told that most lenses are designed for FF and when you use the FF designed lense on APS-C you multiply by 1.5 and that give you a rough estimate on what the focal length should be. Is this wrong?

04-18-2013, 05:47 PM	#1
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391	50mm Lense Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I am looking to buy a new 50mm lense, but I don't know exactly what to get... I want one for use in macro work too, and I am thinking about getting the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro. But right now that is a bit out of my price range, I hear amazing things about the Pentax SMCP-M 50mm f2 (I have no idea if this is a macro lense) and I haven't heard much about the Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2.0 Lens (is this macro?) And what is the difference between the M and A lenses? Would they be worth the $50 compared to the Sigma? AF isn't a big deal.

04-18-2013, 06:35 PM	#6
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	With some luck you may be able to find a used Macro Takumar 4/50 or a SMC-M 4/50 macro in this price range. For the Takumar you will need a m42-PK adapter. Both lenses don't offer 1:1, but only 2:1 (on full frame). With the actual APS-C cameras, this means something in between 2:1 and 1:1 (I am too lazy to do the math). Occasionally you may see 50mm Sigma macros in this range. This is an example (but the seller seems not to send to the US): Sigma 90mm f2.8 Macro Pentax KA Fit Lens \| eBay Last edited by RKKS08; 04-18-2013 at 06:40 PM. Reason: Added information

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04-18-2013, 05:59 PM	#2
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	Pentax never had F2 macro lenses. All macros were F2.8 or F4. Exposure control with "A" lenses works just like with any of the actual lenses. They just don't offer autofocus. "M" lenses can only be used in manual exposure mode. This means you must press the "green button" first, then the shutter. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/60081-usage-green-button.html Quote: I hear amazing things about the Pentax SMCP-M 50mm f2 (I have no idea if this is a macro lense) and I haven't heard much about the Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2.0 Lens These 2 lenses share the same optics. The second one is just the newer A version, which can be used in all modes with a digital Pentax.

04-18-2013, 05:59 PM	#3
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	Neither the M50/2 nor A50/2 are macro lenses. They're both decent lenses but are very common and not in demand, so you shouldn't spend even as much as $50 for one -- they can often be had for around half that or even less. A set of extension tubes or a bellows would be a less expensive way to get into macro, albeit without the convenience of a true macro lens. The difference between M and A lenses is that with the latter you can use auto exposure modes such as Aperture Priority, even for a "crippled K-mount" camera such as your Pentax DSLRs. More info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/110658-using-ma...x-dslrs-f.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/152336-cheap-macro-b...lose-work.html

04-18-2013, 06:17 PM	#4
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	Does pentax offer any macro lenses at below $100? Or would I be able to find one?

04-18-2013, 06:28 PM	#5
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	(sorry for the double post) Would the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro be my best option here? It's a bit pricier than I'd like... Amazon.com: Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo Is a link to it. Also, is it a bad idea to buy used optics?

04-18-2013, 06:40 PM	#7
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	Okay, now, I have been going through the for sale part of the forums, and I found a Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC (in amazing condition) for $175... Should I jump on this? I have never heard of this lense, but it looks BEAUTIFUL

04-18-2013, 06:45 PM	#8
bluestringer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cotton fields of South Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,748	Here's one at KEH for 105 dollars. It's a great lens, just a little slow at f4, and it's 1:2 not 1:1, but works great for flowers and larger insects, and you can always crop. Don't be afraid on the BGN grade, KEH grading is very conservative. Pentax Manual Focus 50 F4 SMC M MACRO (49) 35MM SLR MANUAL FOCUS STANDARD ANGLE LENS - KEH.com

04-18-2013, 06:48 PM	#9
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	Okay, right now I am between the 50 f4 SMC M and the Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC ($175 shipped) which would be a better deal do you guys think? They both look like stunning lenses. Haha, I cannot decide!

04-18-2013, 06:58 PM	#10
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	Originally posted by Bcrary3 Okay, right now I am between the 50 f4 SMC M and the Panagor 90mm f2.8 Macro PMC ($175 shipped) which would be a better deal do you guys think? They both look like stunning lenses. Haha, I cannot decide! Well the Panagor gives you further distance which suits macros of small insects and such- A shorter FL means better results if you are using an on camera flash. I quickly Googled it and it is a 1:1 so I would go for that one. BTW no worries buying 2nd hand lenses, they are very reliable just make sure there are plenty of good photos of the front AND rear elements of the camera.

04-18-2013, 07:00 PM	#11
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	I'd like to second the Pentax Macro-Takumar and the Pentax Super-Multi-Macro-Takumar. I have both. They are rated a perfect 10 in the reviews here. The former goes to 1:1 ff and the later only 2:1 ff. Like rkks08 said, you'll need a k/m42 ring. I find it easier to monitor with them than a Pentax "A" lens. You won't lose a penny if you resell them.

04-18-2013, 07:05 PM	#12
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	You should be able to find the Sigma A 50mm f2.8 Macro for around $100...I paid about $120 for mine. Sigma 50mm F2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database It's manual focus but has the A contact. Apr 23, 2012 - a set on Flickr

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04-18-2013, 07:06 PM	#13
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	Okay, as my old K-10D just sold ($550) I am in between the Panagor and the 50mm Sigma. Would $270 be worth it for the Sigma, at only 50mm (75-ish in APS-C) or the 90mm Panagor (135-ish in APS-C) I think I am opting for the Panagor just because it's cheaper, and lets face it looks pretty bad ass, but so does the Sigma.. Is AF really ever used when doing macro work?

04-18-2013, 07:10 PM	#14
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by RKKS08 Both lenses don't offer 1:1, but only 2:1 (on full frame). With the actual APS-C cameras, this means something in between 2:1 and 1:1 Since the focal length and minimum focus distance don't change when you switch a lens between FF and APS-C, the reproduction ratios don't change, either.

04-18-2013, 07:51 PM	#15
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391 Original Poster	Originally posted by lytrytyr Since the focal length and minimum focus distance don't change when you switch a lens between FF and APS-C, the reproduction ratios don't change, either. Really? I have always been told that most lenses are designed for FF and when you use the FF designed lense on APS-C you multiply by 1.5 and that give you a rough estimate on what the focal length should be. Is this wrong?