[csa]

I have the Sigma 105 Macro; but would like something a little "closer" to subject. With the 105, there's quite a bit of cropping involved.

Open to suggestions; and thanks in advance!

[sergysergy]

What do you mean by "closer"? From further away? Because I am sure with the minimum focusing distance of the Sigma you can get quite close
The only 1:1 options above 105 I can think of are the Sigma 180/3.5 and the Pentax FA and A 200 macros. Maybe you can use a TC?

[pepperberry farm]

I've been researching the Irix 150/2.8 Dragonfly macro...

[biz-engineer]

Open to suggestions;

Add a screw on macro lens filter on the 105 macro lens?

[JensE]

Due to internal focus, the focal length decreases to slightly below 100mm at minimal focus distance. I'd be curious how it compares to the DFA100 and the Sigma 180 at MFD.

[tvdtvdtvd]

Indeed, what do you mean by closer? I assume you closer to the subject so that it fills more of the frame, thus less cropping in post.
If your subject is not filling the frame with the 105mm, then I can only assume your subjects are indeed rather small. Perhaps
the next step is to start adding extension tubes or a bellows.

[aslyfox]

options which would require you to get closer to your target to obtain 1:1

is that the question ?

if so, you may want to look at -

the DA 35mm Limited Macro

the D FA 50mm Macro

the Tamron 85mm Macro

there is the 100mm Macro family - D FA series WR and non WR, the FA and F 100mm

and probably more

[photoptimist]

Four options:

1) Teleconverters are an easy option for getting more reach without decreasing the lens-to-subject distance (good for skittish critters).

2) Extension tubes and bellows offer more magnification without the optical degradations of the teleconverter. However, the longer the lens, the more extension you'll need. To get from 1:1 to 2:1 magnification with a 105mm lens, you'll need 105mm of extension which is typically means using bellows. In contrast, a 35mm 1:1 macro lens with 105 mm of extension will get you to 4:1! (Or you only need 35mm of extension to get a 35mm macro lens from 1:10 to 2:1)

3) Screw-on macro filters get you closer. How much closer is hard to to predict without knowing some arcane optical parameters of the main lens and screw-on filter.

4) Reversing a wide-angle prime (perhaps with a some extension tubes) can get quite close. Reversing uses an inexpensive attachment that has lens filter threads on one side and a K-mount bayonet on the other. You screw the reversing ring on, flip the lens around, and mount it on the camera.

[csa]

Thanks! Never even thought of using my TC (it's always on the telephoto lens!) Duh!

there is the 100mm Macro family - D FA series WR and non WR, the FA and F 100mm

Don't see any advantage with another Macro so close to what I already have. I'm aware of the 100's.

[csa]

Four options:

1) Teleconverters are an easy option for getting more reach without decreasing the lens-to-subject distance (good for skittish critters).

2) Extension tubes and bellows offer more magnification without the optical degradations of the teleconverter. However, the longer the lens, the more extension you'll need. To get from 1:1 to 2:1 magnification with a 105mm lens, you'll need 105mm of extension which is typically means using bellows. In contrast, a 35mm 1:1 macro lens with 105 mm of extension will get you to 4:1! (Or you only need 35mm of extension to get a 35mm macro lens from 1:10 to 2:1)

3) Screw-on macro filters get you closer. How much closer is hard to to predict without knowing some arcane optical parameters of the main lens and screw-on filter.

4) Reversing a wide-angle prime (perhaps with a some extension tubes) can get quite close. Reversing uses an inexpensive attachment that has lens filter threads on one side and a K-mount bayonet on the other. You screw the reversing ring on, flip the lens around, and mount it on the camera.

Thanks for such a great, helpful post. Gives me lots of ideas!

[MikeyBugs95]

Aren't there a few super macros available to Pentax? I know Loawa makes a 5:1 macro but I don't know if they sell a K mount version.

[Not a Number]

Laowa (formerly Venus Lens) has two options in K-mount. These are full manual lenses without open aperture metering however.

Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro – LAOWA Camera Lenses

Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro – LAOWA Camera Lenses

Not much working distance on the 25mm though.

[tokyoscape]

Close like, uncomfortably close; Reverse stack a lens in front of your 105mm. a male to male ring adapter is super cheap on eBay then any normal lens with an aperture ring will work.
Note: The focal range of non-reversed lens ÷ Focal length of reversed lens = Magnification power

Close like, very close but not super close; DA35 limited

Close like, closer but not that very close; DFA50 f2.8, FA50 f2.8, F50 f2.8

[Thagomizer]

Along with using "ordinary" macro lenses, I've had good results from

reversed prime lenses,

reversed zoom lenses.,

macro lenses with teleconverters,

supplementary lenses,

a microscope objective,

and reversed cine lenses.

Many of these combinations allow greater than 1:1 magnification, letting you shoot much smaller subjects, usually at the expense of auto diaphragm, and (sometimes greatly) reduced working distance. If getting closer is your goal, these methods are ways of getting there.

There are many options available for macro shooting; each has its advantages and disadvantages. Many are suprisingly inexpensive (e.g.reversed lens-you've already-got).The key is to find those ways that work best for your shooting style, and give you the desired reults for the subjects you're shooting.

[TwoUptons]

I think first I'd try reversing a 50mm f1.7 or something like that onto your Sigma.
You'll get 2:1 with that, and the filter ring adapters are cheap.

I'd probably also recommend a reversing ring just for reversed lenses. Also cheap and potentially just the trick.

There's a lot of inexpensive fiddling I would suggest before you drop big money on something, just to get an idea of what you're really after.

-Eric