[6BQ5]

I know this is a stretch but are there any macro/close-focus lenses out there with internal focusing?

Thanks!

[vonBaloney]

The Sigma 180/3.5 comes to mind, I think maybe one of the Sigma 105s also?

[Lowell Goudge]

Why do you want internal focus?

Keep in mind that IF is achieved by reducing focal length as you focus. As a result, say a 100mm macro with IF will essentially have the same working distance as a typical 50mm macro.

That's the down side, the up side is that a 100mm IF macro will be brighter than the same aperture standard 50mm macro.

[Kayaker-J]

Olympus 60mm/f.2.8 macro for m4/3: Multiple floating element internal focusing to 1:1 true macro... 6.53 ounces in weight... Weather resistant... Slim design with arguably Olympus's best manual focusing* and overall handling. Sharp wide open at all distances. I own it. ...BTW, E-PM2 bodies are really cheap now; use also with your telephotos for reach, and with DA Limited lenses in MF with aperture-setting adapter [i.e., Fotodiox].

* Qualification: Being an m4/3 lens, it is focus-by-wire in MF mode. But macro/close-up can be a different game with IBIS and tilt, touch-screen auto-focus (E-PL5, et.al.)

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Last edited by Kayaker-J; 05-22-2014 at 01:32 PM.

[apfhex]

It's not IF, but if you use the hood for the 100mm WR, it attaches around the outside of the focusing element, so the physical length from the end of the hood doesn't change when you focus. I thought that was pretty neat.

[lytrytyr]

I know this is a stretch but are there any macro/close-focus lenses out there with internal focusing?

The Zeiss Makro-Planars, 50/2 and 100/2.

[DSims]

It's not IF, but if you use the hood for the 100mm WR, it attaches around the outside of the focusing element, so the physical length from the end of the hood doesn't change when you focus. I thought that was pretty neat.

Yes, I like that too.

[stevebrot]

The Zeiss Makro-Planars, 50/2 and 100/2.

It is a floating element design (common feature for macro lenses), but I don't believe that either Makro-Planar is internal focus. The product photos on photozone.de show the typical long extension for the 50/2.

Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF - Review / Test Report

Ditto for the 100/2.


Steve

[maxxxx]

Why do you want internal focus?

Keep in mind that IF is achieved by reducing focal length as you focus. As a result, say a 100mm macro with IF will essentially have the same working distance as a typical 50mm macro.

That's the down side, the up side is that a 100mm IF macro will be brighter than the same aperture standard 50mm macro.

I can only speak for myself but I would like to have internal focus so the front element doesn't bang into a close object while I am adjusting focus. My Pentax 100 does this at least.

[Lowell Goudge]

I can only speak for myself but I would like to have internal focus so the front element doesn't bang into a close object while I am adjusting focus. My Pentax 100 does this at least.

What you need to do is rethink just a little

A 100mm macro at 1:1 magnification is 200 mm away from the subject. You simply should not be that close!


You should practice moving back slightly as you focus, or better still set the lens to the magnification ratio you want, it will either be marked, or set the focus distance to give you the magnification ratio you want, then do the "coarse focus" by moving in towards the subject. Use the lens focusing collar for fine focus control

[lytrytyr]

It is a floating element design (common feature for macro lenses), but I don't believe that either Makro-Planar is internal focus.

Thanks for clarifying!

[stevebrot]

I can only speak for myself but I would like to have internal focus so the front element doesn't bang into a close object while I am adjusting focus. My Pentax 100 does this at least.

As noted by Lowell, your 100mm lens should give you plenty of working distance at 1:1. If that still is not enough, there are longer lenses available or you might want to consider one of the better auxiliary close-up lenses that are available (e.g. Raynox). Sadly, extension is part of the equation for macro lenses. You might also want to note that an internal focus lens will likely still place you on top of the subject since there is a magnification penalty to be paid in exchange for internal focus.


Steve

[Na Horuk]

Wait, are you guys sure about that Zeiss Makro Planar? Because the photos in that review show a pretty long extension at minimum focus (oh and the lens 'only' goes to 1:2):

Photo from Photozone: Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF - Review / Test Report

[stevebrot]

Wait, are you guys sure about that Zeiss Makro Planar? Because the photos in that review show a pretty long extension at minimum focus (oh and the lens 'only' goes to 1:2):

You stole Klaus' photo


Steve

[Na Horuk]

lol not sure if you are joking, but either way I mentioned where the photo was from (the review is linked above) and the photo itself was a hyperlink to the article. Its also used for educational purposes, not for profit, and the photo is freely available in the review. But I added a subtext with hyperlink now, should be okay, no?