[GoldMountain]

What do people feel are the best low cost Pentax K (fits the K-X) macro lenses? I mean sub $150 or $200.

Thanks!

[jatrax]

Best value with auto focus would be the 100mm f/3.5


Not as good as the 100 f/4 or 100 f/2.8 ones but very good and usually priced in your budget.

You could also look at something like the Pentax-A 100mm f/4
That would be usually at the upper end of your budget but an excellent lens.

[Wheatfield]

What do people feel are the best low cost Pentax K (fits the K-X) macro lenses? I mean sub $150 or $200.

Thanks!

Pretty much any dedicated macro lens is going to be good. Find something in your price range and buy it. Brand doesn't really matter. It's darned near impossible to get a bad one as long as it is mechanically and optically in good shape.

[Scorpio71GR]

If you want autofocus the Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di Macro is probably one of the best values. I have seen them sell for $200.

Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

[onlineflyer]

There is a Vivitar Series 1 105 2.5 PKA for sale in the marketplace. Same lens as the Lester Dine.

Kiron / Lester A. Dine 105mm f2.8 Macro Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

[pepperberry farm]

depends upon your budget and how far you want to go...

do you want a full 1:1 macro, or is 1:2 going to be sufficient...

MF or AF?

I have four genuine macro lenses - and a handful that have the word 'macro' in their lens designation that I would label as 'close-focusing'....


if I am shooting for true macro, I always reach for my Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 72B; it's a 90mm f2.8 manual focus lens, with native 1:1 capability, and amazes me just about every time I use it....

[UncleVanya]

I would argue the Raynox dcr-150 or 250 or a reversing ring or even an enlarger lens and tubes. It depends a lot on intended use.

An earlier thread about this that may help: Cheap Macro - PentaxForums.com

[boriscleto]

CHEAP MACRO -- Buying or exploiting a lens for ultraclose work - PentaxForums.com

The FA 100/3.5 was made by Cosina. The same lens was sold under brand names like Phoenix, Promaste, and Vivitar. Only 1:2, but it had a matched 1:1 diopter. They can be found for less than $100, if you can find one in K-mount...

In addition to the Tamron 72B mentioned before, there is the 52B. 1:2 instead of 1:1 it can be used with a 2X flat field tele-converter or extension tube for 1:1. Usually less expensive than the 72B..

Sigma made a 50mm manual focus macro. It had the A setting on the aperture ring, and was 1:1, unlike the Pentax A 50/2.8 which was 1:2.

[swanlefitte]

If you want critters i recommend 90 + mm otherwise they are all good. A dedicated lens is nice for ease of use but other methods are fine. With macro light and depth of field and stability matter way more than iq.

[aslyfox]

What do people feel are the best low cost Pentax K (fits the K-X) macro lenses? I mean sub $150 or $200.

Thanks!

how do you intend to use it

if you are trying to photograph " in the field " vs " in the lab " there could be one answer

if you are trying to photograph coins vs. live insects, there could be another

looking for " experienced " lenses the cost can depend on how lucky you might be

personally I am very happy with my D FA 100mm F2.8 macro


SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - D FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

yet the optics of these two are suppose to be the same and their cost ???

SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

SMC Pentax-F 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I try to shoot macro in the field my targets flowers and pollinators

____________________________

https://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/tutorial-videos/18-55mm-kit-vs-a-dedic...acro-lens.html

The Vivitar 55mm f2.8 macro is common, usually under $100. It goes to 1:1 but the working distance is a little tighter than a 100mm

[GoldMountain]

Wow, lots of great responses. Thanks - much appreciated all. My main usage is close ups of vintage brand name jewelry I will be selling on eBay. So it's important that the tiny stamp of the brand (in the back) is clearly visible.

With that said, what would be the best sub $200 and $100 macro or close focus lenses for such a purpose? Also, any actual tips on lighting and such for the best results would be appreciated.

Thanks again folks!

[SSGGeezer]

Pentax FA 50mm 2.8 and an inexpensive ring LED flash. Easily under 200. Also a 1:1 Macro and if the jewelry doesn't sting, the 50 will work.

---------- Post added 07-02-18 at 08:28 PM ----------

Pretty much any dedicated macro lens is going to be good. Find something in your price range and buy it. Brand doesn't really matter. It's darned near impossible to get a bad one as long as it is mechanically and optically in good shape.

This is true but the 1 to 1 to get the makers mark in focus makes things easier.
On the LED ring I have a manual one from Ebay where I can just turn on the lights and set the level of illumination and then just shoot F8-11 with my FA 50 2.8 or my Vivitar Series 1, (close focus at 28mm only though.)

[MarkJerling]

You don't even need a special macro lens. These were all taken with a regular 50mm lens, reversed.

[stevebrot]

There is a Vivitar Series 1 105 2.5 PKA for sale in the marketplace. Same lens as the Lester Dine.

Ohhhhh...If I were not already plush with macro gear I would pounce, though sadly, it appears to no longer be there. Back to the OPs request...The least expensive high quality macro solution is a set of extension tubes. The next least expensive is probably a Raynox auxiliary lens followed by a used macro lens of any vintage. Not all go to 1:1, but to be honest, I typically don't enter that realm for most closeup work and aside from the novelty of having it available, would not miss it for most shooting.*


Steve

* Effective aperture is halved at 1:1 and DOF is very slim. Light is precious to the extreme.