[Precious]

Hello,
Many years I have been using Pentax 100 mm f 2.8 macro and I have recently decided to upgrade for something new.
I was searching for zoom lenses that also have macro function (1:1), but many of them are not available anymore (for example Sigma 180 mm, Sigma 150 mm ...). Maybe there are some other good lenses for Pentax K-3? Thank you!

[boriscleto]

There are no 1:1 zoom macro lenses. The two examples you gave are telephoto prime lenses. The only current 1:1 macro longer than 100mm for K-mount is the Irix 150mm afaik.

[normhead]

Try an F 1.7x AF Adapter for your DFA 100 macro. or even the 1.4.

[SharkyCA]

Pentax K-3 II and Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 - Compatibility | PentaxForums.com

Great lens! Pepperberry has some good shots & reviews on the forum!

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Last edited by SharkyCA; 01-16-2021 at 07:05 AM.

[SharkyCA]

Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews
The above link will give you some good tips!

[UncleVanya]

As another person has said, Zoom lenses are lenses where you can change the focal length within the zoom rather than needing to change lenses. It appears what you want is a longer telephoto macro lens.

Assuming that’s true, then the options are:

1) buy used; some options have rather high price tasks like the 200mm Pentax macro.

2) use your existing lens with a teleconverter. I routinely use mine with the HD da 1.4x - this gives you more reach and isn’t crazy expensive.

3) buy the 150mm mentioned earlier.

[pepperberry farm]

as stated above, it sounds like you are looking for a longer, telephoto macro; something beyond....

currently, all your options, except one, are going to be used - the Irix 150/2.8, however, is available new from all the usual retailers....

here's a taste of it:







and the rest of that album:

Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro (Dragonfly) | Flickr


I'm currently halfway through the month of Singling with the lens, so there's more on the way....

[tibbitts]

Hello,
Many years I have been using Pentax 100 mm f 2.8 macro and I have recently decided to upgrade for something new.
I was searching for zoom lenses that also have macro function (1:1), but many of them are not available anymore (for example Sigma 180 mm, Sigma 150 mm ...). Maybe there are some other good lenses for Pentax K-3? Thank you!

It would be helpful if the OP could clarify "upgrade", and whether this is for crop or full-frame. Realistically I don't think a 150mm or 200mm macro would generally be considered an upgrade or downgrade from a 100mm. On the other hand, an upgrade from an older model macro lens (maybe no floating or low-dispersion elements for example) to a newer-technology model, even in the same focal length, might be an upgrade.

[35mmfilmfan]

Why especially 'zoom' ? Or do you mean 'telephoto' ? I think most macro lenses available will also focus to infinity with no appreciable loss of quality.

[gerardbaron]

The old Tamron 70-200 macro f:2.8. Try to find one if it is still available.
Work very good and very sharp on a K-1 II.

[tryphon4]

The old Tamron 70-200 macro f:2.8. Try to find one if it is still available.
Work very good and very sharp on a K-1 II.

It is a zoom but it is NOT macro. There are several models with different optic formulas, mine (Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II Ex HSM Macro DG) goes to about 1:3.

I own one Sigma 180mm F3.5 APO EX DG IF macro, it is a very good macro lens but very expensive (and of course it is no more produced).

I also own one Irix 150mm F/2.8 macro, it is a very good macro lens too, and affordable (and it is still in production). Its bokeh is awesome.

By the way, there are cheaper options, for example if you own a PENTAX DA* 300mm F4 sdm ED [IF], you could buy a Nikon 6T close up, then you would reach 1:1 (about 1.1:1 if I am not wrong) and get a huge working distance: 28cm @ 1:1.

Irix 150's working distance is about 17.2cm @ 1:1.
Sigma 180's working distance is about 23.1cm @ 1:1.

[pepperberry farm]

The old Tamron 70-200 macro f:2.8. Try to find one if it is still available.
Work very good and very sharp on a K-1 II.

not a macro...

[ehrwien]

To be fair, it does say macro in its name, but it only goes to 0.32x or about 1:3

[mikesbike]

When zoom lenses by various manufacturers state "macro" they don't really mean the ability to produce true macro magnification (super closeups- 1:1). Instead, they rely on either the customer's ignorance, or to give them the benefit of a doubt, rely on the customer's knowledge that they really mean closer focus capability with more magnification than usually found on most zoom lenses.

[swanlefitte]

If you have a zoom lens or larger focal length lens already you might consider a raynox to attach.
The Raynox Macro club - PentaxForums.com