180 Macro Choice

Jewelltrail · 12-13-2008, 10:25 PM

I want to pic up a macro lens at the 180 focal length. I have the Tamron 90mm and could not be happier with that choice. But there is a wealth of material written online for the 90mm focal length, as well as a plethora of options.

For 180mm, I am having a hard time getting material to compare and contrast. I know both Sigma and Tamron make a 180mm macro, though I am not certain the Tammy can be mounted on a Pentax yet.

Can anyone here provide some direction? Has anyone used either, or perhaps, both lenses? Does anyone know of a site where I can investigate the matter? Are there other options at 180mm besides these two? Thanks!

kthung · 12-14-2008, 11:55 AM

I can't weigh in on the performance of either but I know that only the Sigma is available in pentax mount, the tammy isnt.

thePiRaTE!! · 12-14-2008, 12:27 PM

While not technically a macro, the Voigtlander Lanthar 180/4 is a close focus lens in a very small package and is very sharp. I quite enjoy it as a companion to its 125/2.5 Lanthar macro brother.

Blue · 12-14-2008, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Jewelltrail

I want to pic up a macro lens at the 180 focal length. I have the Tamron 90mm and could not be happier with that choice. But there is a wealth of material written online for the 90mm focal length, as well as a plethora of options.

For 180mm, I am having a hard time getting material to compare and contrast. I know both Sigma and Tamron make a 180mm macro, though I am not certain the Tammy can be mounted on a Pentax yet.

Can anyone here provide some direction? Has anyone used either, or perhaps, both lenses? Does anyone know of a site where I can investigate the matter? Are there other options at 180mm besides these two? Thanks!

You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production.

1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG
2. The FA* 200mm macro
3. The A* 200mm Macro
4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find)
5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro

soccerjoe5 · 12-14-2008, 02:12 PM

The Sigma is one of the sharpest lenses I've tried. One fantastic lens, awesome for shooting critters.

Google up reviews on it, it's got some really high reviews on the net.

marcusyoung · 12-14-2008, 07:58 PM

Originally posted by Blue

You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production.

1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG
2. The FA* 200mm macro
3. The A* 200mm Macro
4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find)
5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro

I have the A200 macro f4. I luv its sharpness and bokeh, offering better working distance compares to other macros lens of 100mmm range.

This is my most used macro lens.

marcus

Jewelltrail · 12-15-2008, 09:39 PM

To All:
I really have to let you know it is a great feeling to have this forum as a resource. I really hit a brick wall up to this point on options for 180mm, but now I feel I am on my way to success. Going with a Pentax system had a lot to do with this forum. When I was researching the K20d back in very early 2008, I often got Google hits which took me to this forum. As I read them, I was astounded at the depth of knowledge residing here. I was looking forward to having this as a resource and now I do. I can not thank you all enough.

Quote:

kthung
I can't weigh in on the performance of either but I know that only the Sigma is available in Pentax mount, the Tammy isn’t.

Thanks Kthung--it is good to get this confirmed, I’ll count this lens out.

Quote:

thePiRaTE!! While not technically a macro, the Voigtlander Lanthar 180/4 is a close focus lens in a very small package and is very sharp. I quite enjoy it as a companion to its 125/2.5 Lanthar macro brother.

I did not know this was an option--thank you! I have not shot with a Voigtlander, but have read lots of good stuff about them.

You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production.

Quote:

Blue: 1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG
2. The FA* 200mm macro
3. The A* 200mm Macro
4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find)
5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro

Wow, this is great--I really did not know what my choices were limited to. Mucho appreciate!

Quote:

soccerjoe5 The Sigma is one of the sharpest lenses I've tried. One fantastic lens, awesome for shooting critters.

Google up reviews on it, it's got some really high reviews on the net.

You can bet I'll be right on Google after I finish this post--it really helps to get a thumbs up on this lens. Since it is still in production, it looks like my frontrunner.

Quote:

Marcusyoung: I have the A200 macro f4. I luv its sharpness and bokeh, offering better working distance compares to other macros lens of 100mmm range.

This is my most used macro lens

Marcus, that has to be the coolest looking fly I have ever seen--looks almost like a rainbow incarnated in a fly--truly cool--thanks. It is impressively sharp and will at least have me investigating the A200. Thanks!

koper · 12-17-2008, 07:43 AM

only Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG

Jewelltrail · 12-18-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Koper only Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG

I am not sure what exactly you mean by the above. Can you give me a little more of an explanation? Thanks

Piotr · 12-19-2008, 03:34 AM

my proposition is to use combo of FA 100/2.8 macro and AF1.7X

similar thread few weeks ago https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/42547-pentax-m...gma-180mm.html

**NaClH2O** · 12-19-2008, 05:07 AM

Ernest, I don't have the Sigma 180 yet, I pulled the trigger on one offered at KEH. I should get it on Monday ---- YEA! I will then have 4! (LBA? what LBA?) macros: the Tamron 90mm F2.8; the Sigma 105 F2.8; the Ricoh 105 F2.8 and soon to come the Sigma 180 F3.5. I hope to pull off a shootout between the 3 @100mm lenses, but I'm really looking forward to using the 180 this summer on wee beasties. I've been beastly busy lately and haven't had much shooting time with the Ricoh, which is a re-branded Kiron/Lester Dine 105 F2.8 But I can say that there is not much difference between the Tamron 90 and the Sigma 105. I'll most likely put the Sigma 105 up on the block here after the holidaze unless the upcoming shootout reveals something significant that I haven't seen yet.

edit: Before pulling the trigger on the KEH offering I did do a search on flickr for Sigma 180 macro, and got to see a goodly bunch of excellent shots, mostly on canons and nikons, but it still gave me a good idea of what the lens could do. You might want to check on flickr.

NaCl(some time to shoot would be a nice christmas present)H2O

Blue · 12-19-2008, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by NaClH2O

Ernest, I don't have the Sigma 180 yet, I pulled the trigger on one offered at KEH. I should get it on Monday ---- YEA! I will then have 4! (LBA? what LBA?) macros: the Tamron 90mm F2.8; the Sigma 105 F2.8; the Ricoh 105 F2.8 and soon to come the Sigma 180 F3.5. I hope to pull off a shootout between the 3 @100mm lenses, but I'm really looking forward to using the 180 this summer on wee beasties. I've been beastly busy lately and haven't had much shooting time with the Ricoh, which is a re-branded Kiron/Lester Dine 105 F2.8 But I can say that there is not much difference between the Tamron 90 and the Sigma 105. I'll most likely put the Sigma 105 up on the block here after the holidaze unless the upcoming shootout reveals something significant that I haven't seen yet.

edit: Before pulling the trigger on the KEH offering I did do a search on flickr for Sigma 180 macro, and got to see a goodly bunch of excellent shots, mostly on canons and nikons, but it still gave me a good idea of what the lens could do. You might want to check on flickr.

NaCl(some time to shoot would be a nice christmas present)H2O

I have been looking at that one for a week and fighting the urge. I was kicking my ass at one point.

CFWhitman · 12-19-2008, 09:22 AM

I have heard mostly good things about this particular Sigma.

Perhaps someday Sigma will release the 150mm f/2.8 HSM macro for Pentax, and then Saltwater (NaClH2O) will have to pick that one up too.

Substitute · 12-19-2008, 09:42 AM

Leica R 180mm 2.8 + leitax adapter ring+extension tubes = extra cheap solution extra good,
want it af? add the af converter and af extension tubes.
My choice.

Blue · 12-19-2008, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Substitute

Leica R 180mm 2.8 + leitax adapter ring+extension tubes = extra cheap solution extra good,
want it af? add the af converter and af extension tubes.
My choice.

At that price point, one may as well track down a FA* 200mm f4 Pentax macro lens.

12-13-2008, 10:25 PM	#1
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	180 Macro Choice I want to pic up a macro lens at the 180 focal length. I have the Tamron 90mm and could not be happier with that choice. But there is a wealth of material written online for the 90mm focal length, as well as a plethora of options. For 180mm, I am having a hard time getting material to compare and contrast. I know both Sigma and Tamron make a 180mm macro, though I am not certain the Tammy can be mounted on a Pentax yet. Can anyone here provide some direction? Has anyone used either, or perhaps, both lenses? Does anyone know of a site where I can investigate the matter? Are there other options at 180mm besides these two? Thanks!

12-19-2008, 03:34 AM	#10
Piotr Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Warsaw Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	FA 100/2.8 macro plus AF1.7X my proposition is to use combo of FA 100/2.8 macro and AF1.7X similar thread few weeks ago https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/42547-pentax-m...gma-180mm.html

12-19-2008, 05:07 AM	#11
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	Ernest, I don't have the Sigma 180 yet, I pulled the trigger on one offered at KEH. I should get it on Monday ---- YEA! I will then have 4! (LBA? what LBA?) macros: the Tamron 90mm F2.8; the Sigma 105 F2.8; the Ricoh 105 F2.8 and soon to come the Sigma 180 F3.5. I hope to pull off a shootout between the 3 @100mm lenses, but I'm really looking forward to using the 180 this summer on wee beasties. I've been beastly busy lately and haven't had much shooting time with the Ricoh, which is a re-branded Kiron/Lester Dine 105 F2.8 But I can say that there is not much difference between the Tamron 90 and the Sigma 105. I'll most likely put the Sigma 105 up on the block here after the holidaze unless the upcoming shootout reveals something significant that I haven't seen yet. edit: Before pulling the trigger on the KEH offering I did do a search on flickr for Sigma 180 macro, and got to see a goodly bunch of excellent shots, mostly on canons and nikons, but it still gave me a good idea of what the lens could do. You might want to check on flickr. NaCl(some time to shoot would be a nice christmas present)H2O Last edited by NaClH2O; 12-19-2008 at 05:18 AM. Reason: added flickr paragraph

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12-14-2008, 11:55 AM	#2
kthung Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 359	I can't weigh in on the performance of either but I know that only the Sigma is available in pentax mount, the tammy isnt.

12-14-2008, 12:27 PM	#3
thePiRaTE!! Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 942	While not technically a macro, the Voigtlander Lanthar 180/4 is a close focus lens in a very small package and is very sharp. I quite enjoy it as a companion to its 125/2.5 Lanthar macro brother.

12-14-2008, 01:58 PM	#4
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Jewelltrail I want to pic up a macro lens at the 180 focal length. I have the Tamron 90mm and could not be happier with that choice. But there is a wealth of material written online for the 90mm focal length, as well as a plethora of options. For 180mm, I am having a hard time getting material to compare and contrast. I know both Sigma and Tamron make a 180mm macro, though I am not certain the Tammy can be mounted on a Pentax yet. Can anyone here provide some direction? Has anyone used either, or perhaps, both lenses? Does anyone know of a site where I can investigate the matter? Are there other options at 180mm besides these two? Thanks! You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production. 1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG 2. The FA* 200mm macro 3. The A* 200mm Macro 4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find) 5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro

12-14-2008, 02:12 PM	#5
soccerjoe5 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,343	The Sigma is one of the sharpest lenses I've tried. One fantastic lens, awesome for shooting critters. Google up reviews on it, it's got some really high reviews on the net.

12-14-2008, 07:58 PM	#6
marcusyoung Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: singapore Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,123	Originally posted by Blue You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production. 1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG 2. The FA* 200mm macro 3. The A* 200mm Macro 4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find) 5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro I have the A200 macro f4. I luv its sharpness and bokeh, offering better working distance compares to other macros lens of 100mmm range. This is my most used macro lens. marcus

12-15-2008, 09:39 PM	#7
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	To All: I really have to let you know it is a great feeling to have this forum as a resource. I really hit a brick wall up to this point on options for 180mm, but now I feel I am on my way to success. Going with a Pentax system had a lot to do with this forum. When I was researching the K20d back in very early 2008, I often got Google hits which took me to this forum. As I read them, I was astounded at the depth of knowledge residing here. I was looking forward to having this as a resource and now I do. I can not thank you all enough. Quote: kthung I can't weigh in on the performance of either but I know that only the Sigma is available in Pentax mount, the Tammy isn’t. Thanks Kthung--it is good to get this confirmed, I’ll count this lens out. Quote: thePiRaTE!! While not technically a macro, the Voigtlander Lanthar 180/4 is a close focus lens in a very small package and is very sharp. I quite enjoy it as a companion to its 125/2.5 Lanthar macro brother. I did not know this was an option--thank you! I have not shot with a Voigtlander, but have read lots of good stuff about them. You basically have 5 choices within that focal range, 2 in AF and 3 in manual focus. All but the first one are out of production. Quote: Blue: 1. The Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG 2. The FA* 200mm macro 3. The A* 200mm Macro 4. MF Sigma 180mm f5.6 (somewhat hard to find) 5. Tamron 52B or 52BB 90mm macro plus the matched 2x converter that will get it to 180mm and 1:1 macro Wow, this is great--I really did not know what my choices were limited to. Mucho appreciate! Quote: soccerjoe5 The Sigma is one of the sharpest lenses I've tried. One fantastic lens, awesome for shooting critters. Google up reviews on it, it's got some really high reviews on the net. You can bet I'll be right on Google after I finish this post--it really helps to get a thumbs up on this lens. Since it is still in production, it looks like my frontrunner. Quote: Marcusyoung: I have the A200 macro f4. I luv its sharpness and bokeh, offering better working distance compares to other macros lens of 100mmm range. This is my most used macro lens Marcus, that has to be the coolest looking fly I have ever seen--looks almost like a rainbow incarnated in a fly--truly cool--thanks. It is impressively sharp and will at least have me investigating the A200. Thanks!

12-17-2008, 07:43 AM	#8
koper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: israel Photos: Gallery Posts: 180	only Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG

12-18-2008, 10:19 PM	#9
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180 Original Poster	Quote: Koper only Sigma 180mm f3.5 EX DG I am not sure what exactly you mean by the above. Can you give me a little more of an explanation? Thanks

12-19-2008, 08:07 AM	#12
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by NaClH2O Ernest, I don't have the Sigma 180 yet, I pulled the trigger on one offered at KEH. I should get it on Monday ---- YEA! I will then have 4! (LBA? what LBA?) macros: the Tamron 90mm F2.8; the Sigma 105 F2.8; the Ricoh 105 F2.8 and soon to come the Sigma 180 F3.5. I hope to pull off a shootout between the 3 @100mm lenses, but I'm really looking forward to using the 180 this summer on wee beasties. I've been beastly busy lately and haven't had much shooting time with the Ricoh, which is a re-branded Kiron/Lester Dine 105 F2.8 But I can say that there is not much difference between the Tamron 90 and the Sigma 105. I'll most likely put the Sigma 105 up on the block here after the holidaze unless the upcoming shootout reveals something significant that I haven't seen yet. edit: Before pulling the trigger on the KEH offering I did do a search on flickr for Sigma 180 macro, and got to see a goodly bunch of excellent shots, mostly on canons and nikons, but it still gave me a good idea of what the lens could do. You might want to check on flickr. NaCl(some time to shoot would be a nice christmas present)H2O I have been looking at that one for a week and fighting the urge. I was kicking my ass at one point.

12-19-2008, 09:22 AM	#13
CFWhitman Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Upstate New York, US Photos: Albums Posts: 225	I have heard mostly good things about this particular Sigma. Perhaps someday Sigma will release the 150mm f/2.8 HSM macro for Pentax, and then Saltwater (NaClH2O) will have to pick that one up too.

12-19-2008, 09:42 AM	#14
Substitute Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NOLA Posts: 396	Leica R 180mm 2.8 + leitax adapter ring+extension tubes = extra cheap solution extra good, want it af? add the af converter and af extension tubes. My choice.

12-19-2008, 09:48 AM	#15
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Substitute Leica R 180mm 2.8 + leitax adapter ring+extension tubes = extra cheap solution extra good, want it af? add the af converter and af extension tubes. My choice. At that price point, one may as well track down a FA* 200mm f4 Pentax macro lens.