Which 50mm 2.8 Macro Pentax or Sigma or 100mm Macro?

**Craigbob** · 05-21-2017, 09:01 AM

I've come across a Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro at a local camera store for $60.00, and I have a couple of questions.

It's an A-lens and seemed to work fine on my K-1 though I have to grt pretty damn close for macro mode.

My concern, is how does this compare the Pentax 50mm 2.8 macro. Is the Pentax version signifcantly better?

Is the 50mm Macro a better choice than the 100mm Macro? Does the 100mm need as close focus as the 50?

leekil · 05-21-2017, 09:17 AM

With a longer focal length macro lens, you don't have to be as close to your subject to get the same magnification.

bassek · 05-21-2017, 09:34 AM

You can't go wrong with sixty bucks on that one if it's not faulty.
But in that case they likely take it back.

My macros are 70mm, 100mm and 180mm. I use the shortest more than the longer ones.

Seb

**boriscleto** · 05-21-2017, 09:42 AM

You could probably pick up a Cosina 100mm F3.5 AF Macro for about the same price, maybe a little more...(I paid $82 for mine after shipping)

It was only 1:2, but it has a matched 1:1 diopter. It was sold under several different brand names Vivitar/Phoenix/Promaster etc. It was also sold by Pentax as the FA 100mm F3.5 Macro...

Cosina 100mm F3.5 MC Makro Lens Reviews - Cosina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F3.5 Macro Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

The SMC Pentax A 50mm Macro is only 1:2, the later F, FA & D FA are 1:1.
SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I've never been tempted to buy it because I own the Sigma. And the Phoenix 100mm. And two 90mm macros...

Last edited by boriscleto; 05-21-2017 at 09:54 AM.

TaoMaas · 05-21-2017, 09:44 AM

The working distance of any 50mm macro on a full-frame camera is going to be fairly short. Different brands won't change that. However, macro lenses are one of those things where even the worst of the lot is usually pretty danged good. I think it would be worth $60 to pick up that Sigma.

**ChrisPlatt** · 05-21-2017, 10:05 AM

IIRC the Sigma goes to 1:1 without extension tube.
The Pentax-A 50/2.8 macro only does 1:2 without.

The 90/100mm focal length offers a more comfortable working distance.
Further your macro subject is less likely to scratch the front element.

My wife finds the Pentax-A 50/2.8 a great general purpose normal lens.
My Tamron SP 90/2.5 macro Adaptall is also an excellent portrait lens.

Camera movement, however slight, is magnified in macrophotography.
A firm stable camera support is required, e.g. a good tripod.

Chris

**ramseybuckeye** · 05-21-2017, 11:15 AM - **2 Likes**

Buy it!
Those are hard to find and that is a bargain. I got that lens a few months ago, I had been looking for a manual focus macro for some time, they are hard to find unless you pay though the nose. I got mine in a auction, it was all sticky from the sigma zen coating, but once cleaned up I really like it. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but I'm having fun, here's one from yesterday, this flower has about a two inch diameter:

aoeu · 05-21-2017, 12:15 PM

My SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro lives on my K-5. It is quite a bit more expensive but it works at both near and long distances. YMMV.
Sometimes it hunts for AF but if I get it close manually then it works.

Na Horuk · 05-21-2017, 12:40 PM

I have DFA 100mm macro and love it, highly recommended. But for $60?? Get that Sigma! Even if you hate it you can sell it without a loss.
Yes, 100mm macro is more handy for skittish subjects like insects because you get a longer working distance. This is why for macro beginners it is usually recommended to start with longer focal length. The DA 35mm macro, for example, is a demanding lens in the 1:1 macro range. Moreso than 100mm. 50mm on FF won't be super easy to use for real closeup macro, but macro primes tend to be great lenses at any focus distance. They have lots of uses. Product photos, still life, textures and abstracts, landscapes, closeups, scanning/reproduction,...

Post some sample photos here once you get it

aoeu · 05-21-2017, 01:33 PM

The longer the better.

aoeu

pathdoc · 05-21-2017, 01:47 PM

At that price, just get it. Macro lenses are among some of the optically best at their focal length, whoever makes them.

**Des** · 05-21-2017, 03:07 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

Buy it!
Those are hard to find and that is a bargain. I got that lens a few months ago, I had been looking for a manual focus macro for some time, they are hard to find unless you pay though the nose. I got mine in a auction, it was all sticky from the sigma zen coating, but once cleaned up I really like it. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but I'm having fun, here's one from yesterday, this flower has about a two inch diameter:

That's magnificent Tom.

Is there such a thing as a bad true 1:1 macro lens? Any macro for $100 or less seems like a bargain. I got an FA 50 f2.8 macro last year for the equivalent of about $US100. The bad? It's ugly (even for an FA lens

), it doesn't have QS, it's not WR, MF ring is not great, doesn't come with a hood. But while I haven't used it a lot it is devastatingly sharp and I think the bokeh is very pleasant.

If I had to choose one I would go for a lens around 90-105mm over a 50mm (that's on APS-C, on FF even more so) for macro use (because of the working distance), although 50mm is more versatile for general use.

**hjoseph7** · 05-21-2017, 06:06 PM

You can always use the 50mm to do copy work close-ups...

05-21-2017, 09:01 AM	#1
Craigbob Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX Photos: Albums Posts: 521	Which 50mm 2.8 Macro Pentax or Sigma or 100mm Macro? I've come across a Sigma 50mm 2.8 Macro at a local camera store for $60.00, and I have a couple of questions. It's an A-lens and seemed to work fine on my K-1 though I have to grt pretty damn close for macro mode. My concern, is how does this compare the Pentax 50mm 2.8 macro. Is the Pentax version signifcantly better? Is the 50mm Macro a better choice than the 100mm Macro? Does the 100mm need as close focus as the 50?

05-21-2017, 01:33 PM	#10
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	Even with a loss any macro lens is worth it. The longer the better. aoeu

05-21-2017, 03:07 PM - 2 Likes	#12
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye Buy it! Those are hard to find and that is a bargain. I got that lens a few months ago, I had been looking for a manual focus macro for some time, they are hard to find unless you pay though the nose. I got mine in a auction, it was all sticky from the sigma zen coating, but once cleaned up I really like it. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but I'm having fun, here's one from yesterday, this flower has about a two inch diameter: That's magnificent Tom. Is there such a thing as a bad true 1:1 macro lens? Any macro for $100 or less seems like a bargain. I got an FA 50 f2.8 macro last year for the equivalent of about $US100. The bad? It's ugly (even for an FA lens ), it doesn't have QS, it's not WR, MF ring is not great, doesn't come with a hood. But while I haven't used it a lot it is devastatingly sharp and I think the bokeh is very pleasant. If I had to choose one I would go for a lens around 90-105mm over a 50mm (that's on APS-C, on FF even more so) for macro use (because of the working distance), although 50mm is more versatile for general use. Last edited by Des; 05-21-2017 at 03:20 PM.

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05-21-2017, 09:17 AM	#2
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	With a longer focal length macro lens, you don't have to be as close to your subject to get the same magnification.

05-21-2017, 09:34 AM	#3
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	You can't go wrong with sixty bucks on that one if it's not faulty. But in that case they likely take it back. My macros are 70mm, 100mm and 180mm. I use the shortest more than the longer ones. Seb

05-21-2017, 09:42 AM	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	You could probably pick up a Cosina 100mm F3.5 AF Macro for about the same price, maybe a little more...(I paid $82 for mine after shipping) It was only 1:2, but it has a matched 1:1 diopter. It was sold under several different brand names Vivitar/Phoenix/Promaster etc. It was also sold by Pentax as the FA 100mm F3.5 Macro... Cosina 100mm F3.5 MC Makro Lens Reviews - Cosina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F3.5 Macro Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database The SMC Pentax A 50mm Macro is only 1:2, the later F, FA & D FA are 1:1. SMC Pentax-A 50mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - A Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I've never been tempted to buy it because I own the Sigma. And the Phoenix 100mm. And two 90mm macros... Last edited by boriscleto; 05-21-2017 at 09:54 AM.

05-21-2017, 09:44 AM	#5
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	The working distance of any 50mm macro on a full-frame camera is going to be fairly short. Different brands won't change that. However, macro lenses are one of those things where even the worst of the lot is usually pretty danged good. I think it would be worth $60 to pick up that Sigma.

05-21-2017, 10:05 AM	#6
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	IIRC the Sigma goes to 1:1 without extension tube. The Pentax-A 50/2.8 macro only does 1:2 without. The 90/100mm focal length offers a more comfortable working distance. Further your macro subject is less likely to scratch the front element. My wife finds the Pentax-A 50/2.8 a great general purpose normal lens. My Tamron SP 90/2.5 macro Adaptall is also an excellent portrait lens. Camera movement, however slight, is magnified in macrophotography. A firm stable camera support is required, e.g. a good tripod. Chris

05-21-2017, 11:15 AM - 2 Likes	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Buy it! Those are hard to find and that is a bargain. I got that lens a few months ago, I had been looking for a manual focus macro for some time, they are hard to find unless you pay though the nose. I got mine in a auction, it was all sticky from the sigma zen coating, but once cleaned up I really like it. I don't have a lot of experience with it, but I'm having fun, here's one from yesterday, this flower has about a two inch diameter:

05-21-2017, 12:15 PM	#8
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	My SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro lives on my K-5. It is quite a bit more expensive but it works at both near and long distances. YMMV. Sometimes it hunts for AF but if I get it close manually then it works.

05-21-2017, 12:40 PM	#9
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I have DFA 100mm macro and love it, highly recommended. But for $60?? Get that Sigma! Even if you hate it you can sell it without a loss. Yes, 100mm macro is more handy for skittish subjects like insects because you get a longer working distance. This is why for macro beginners it is usually recommended to start with longer focal length. The DA 35mm macro, for example, is a demanding lens in the 1:1 macro range. Moreso than 100mm. 50mm on FF won't be super easy to use for real closeup macro, but macro primes tend to be great lenses at any focus distance. They have lots of uses. Product photos, still life, textures and abstracts, landscapes, closeups, scanning/reproduction,... Post some sample photos here once you get it

05-21-2017, 01:47 PM	#11
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	At that price, just get it. Macro lenses are among some of the optically best at their focal length, whoever makes them.

05-21-2017, 06:06 PM	#13
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	You can always use the 50mm to do copy work close-ups...