Originally posted by barondla The Pentax 200 macro is about twice the size of the DFA100. Saw a Sigma 180. It is much bigger than the A*200. Weight was surprisingly close between 180 and 200. The Sigma was a beautiful lens ( I don't say that often about Sigma). It would get my vote (ruling out finding Pentax 200). Macro really comes alive at 180-200mm.
thanks
barondla
Agreed - the narrower FOV of the 180-200mm telephoto macros "shuts out" the distractions, and no cropping is needed. The world of macro is amazing at those focal lengths - it does come alive.
My FA* 200/4 Macro allows you to photograph a swallowtail butterfly from 3 feet away, but you fill the frame...
Get the Sigma 180/3.5 if you can find it! It appears to be a wonderful lens. I got my FA* 200/4 prior to the release of the K10D, so the price was much better then. Here are some samples of from the FA* 200/4 macro and the 6MP DS body I used to own...
First flower macro I ever did with that lens - the day the FA* 200/4 arrived from Pentax Canada. A heavy afternoon rainstorm broke and the sun came out - a Yellow Zinnia:
"Neighbours" (Leafcutter Bee with a buddy - this is a heavy crop)
You know, 6MP just cannot cut it anymore...
Now get the Sigma 180/3.5 if you want/need the reach... or else...
Cheers,
Marc