[paolojackson]

Having used the Tamron 70-300 for random macro shots, I wanted to pick up a decent macro lens. Don't want to spend too much $$$, just basically want to have a good macro lens. I've used a 28/1.8 macro, but I didn't like the fact that you have to be up close and personal to whatever you are shooting.

Are there any older manual focus lenses that are worth taking a look? What about some of the newer stuff, maybe 70mm and up?

[Jewelltrail]

paolojackson: What about some of the newer stuff, maybe 70mm and up?

Wow, are you in luck! Pentax, Sigma and Tamron all make some great Macro lenses. Your toughest decision will be to pick just one. Danielchtong highlights Tamron's 90mm f2.8 here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/33940-tamron-90mmf2-8-sp.html. This lens sold me.

You can reader hundreds of opinions here: FM Reviews - Main Index.
This last site will serve you only for Sigma and Tamron, but there are some great reviews on this forum for Pentax lenses and 3rd party as well. Do some searching on Google and read, read, read.

70 to 105mm is a much better distance for shooting live things, than is the 28mm you have used. But you can also pick up dedicated macros out at much longer focal lengths--these start to get expensive. Not sure what you have to spend, but the world of Macro is great--best of luck.

[platinum]

Tamron's 90mm f2.8 is a very nice lens.

but a good and not expensive macro is
Pentax 100mm f3.5
(macro 1:2 and you can have macro 1:1 using a filter)

Pentax 100mm f3.5 was rebranded also as "Cosina 100mm f3.5".

there is a manual focus version , but also autofocus version.

[paolojackson]

I found a Vivitar 100/3.5 Macro on ebay. Would this be the same lens as the Pentax/Cosina you mention?

[platinum]

I found a Vivitar 100/3.5 Macro on ebay. Would this be the same lens as the Pentax/Cosina you mention?

i think yes.
has vivitar also the lens for 1:1 macro?
ask it to seller.

this 100mm macro is called "plastic fantastic" because it has a not excellent exterior plastic but a good interior lens!

[Gooneybird]

My experience suggests you should look at the Sigma 180mm Macro. It will focus down to about 15 inches, and has at least a 1 to 1 magnification factor or greater if you're careful.

[pacerr]

Yes, a Cosina. I've got one. Build is a little plasticy but very light weight. Optics are good at F5.6-8 and higher. No AF of course. I use it as an outdoors hike-about lens when casual macro's possible. There's a 49mm 1:1 front filter attachment available that works ok with other shorter 49mm filter primes too .

That and a old MF 28 make a compact field kit with the DS body.

H2

[Blue]

My experience suggests you should look at the Sigma 180mm Macro. It will focus down to about 15 inches, and has at least a 1 to 1 magnification factor or greater if you're careful.

That's a heavy lens though. The only lens I know of that is actually greater than a 1 to 1 without extension tubes is the Canon EF 65mm macro.

[Gooneybird]

That's a heavy lens though. The only lens I know of that is actually greater than a 1 to 1 without extension tubes is the Canon EF 65mm macro.

I agree it's heavy. And it's cost is not for the timid. But if you want the sharpest and very versatile, you should consider it. Based on actual resolution tests I ran with it and several other high quality lenses, it outperforms them all.

[marcusyoung]

Not wanting to spend too much I suggest Takumar smc macro 50 f4 magnification 1:2, vivitar 100 f3.5 with adapter 1:1 mag, vivitar 90 f2.8 macro 1:1 mag. Panagor 90 f2.8, M100 f4 macro 1:2\) or macro converter with 50 mm lesn.

Slightly more expensive will be the Kiron Macro/ vivitar s1 105/ sigma 105 macro, tamron d1 macro 90mm/ pentax dfa 100 and many more.

Others in higher values are voigtlander macro, sigma 180 macro A200 macro f4.

Most macro lenses produce sharp image and lenses are not measure by sharpness alone.

marcus young

[Stratman]

You could also look for a set of extension tubes. I have some, and they work great for "macro" shooting. You could pick up a nice 50mm manual lens, and use it with the tubes, and have an inexpensive macro setup.