[Ben_Edict]

A little update...

The local newpaper that my wife writes for has a less than year old Sigma 180 macro that they want to sell for $400.

What do you think of the lens and the price?

I have the Sigma 70mm macro on order and am thinking of getting both of them. I think it would be a nice mix.

I think, the 180mm is a good complement to the shorter lens. It will provide a larger distance to your subjects, which sometimes is necessary to prevent them from running/flying/crawling away. And it will give you better lighting opportunities. 400 $ seem to be okay, if the lens is in good condition.

Next you need the 35mm macro for getting those dramatic perspectives from very close distances...

Ben

[Derridale]

Wildman - I have the Sigma 180 Macro, and love it to pieces. Great lens, but big and heavy. However, I find that the weight actually helps me hold it steady, and is not a problem for me as I am a fairly large individual to start with. However, for someone more "slight" than moi, the size of the 180 may be a drawback.

I also have the Tamron 90SP Macro - a classic true macro, much loved.

The Shake Reduction on the Pentax helps with all of the above.

Oh yes - the quality of ALL the macro shots posted on this thread, including Jay's as usual - is outstanding. Good ones, peoples What a talented bunch.

[wildman]

Wildman - I have the Sigma 180 Macro, and love it to pieces. Great lens, but big and heavy. However, I find that the weight actually helps me hold it steady, and is not a problem for me as I am a fairly large individual to start with. However, for someone more "slight" than moi, the size of the 180 may be a drawback.

I also have the Tamron 90SP Macro - a classic true macro, much loved.

The Shake Reduction on the Pentax helps with all of the above.

Oh yes - the quality of ALL the macro shots posted on this thread, including Jay's as usual - is outstanding. Good ones, peoples What a talented bunch.

Pete,
Considering what I usually work with the size should be no problem.

I am very slow, deliberate, and careful when setting up for a shot. I'm
kind of an Ansel Adams with a DSLR.

Most of my shots, by far, are on a tripod and am very comfortable using
one. In fact even when using the kit lens I find myself thinking how
much sharper the pic may be if I was tripod mounted. I wouldn't be
surprised if I end up using even the little 70mm mostly on a tripod. It
just seems very natural to me.

Wildman

[Ben_Edict]

I wouldn't be
surprised if I end up using even the little 70mm mostly on a tripod. It
just seems very natural to me.

Wildman

Macro is one of the view areas (as are super-tele shots), where I nearly always use a tripod. There is enough movement in the flora and fauna - at least my camera should be steady... And at near life-size or even bigger, I find it nearly impossible to hold the camera steady myself.

Ben