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04-08-2010, 07:39 AM   #1
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Macro lens

Hi,

I want to buy a macro lens for this summer. I want your opinions on wich has the best value for the money. I'm considering :

- Used DA 35mm
- Used D-FA 100mm 1:2.8 Macro
- New Tamron AF90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro

Or any other 1:1 macro lens in the same price range. (not 50mm)

Thank you!

04-08-2010, 07:44 AM   #2
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The DA35 will not be useful for field macro work.

I lust after the DFA100M -- I'm saving up for one.

I have no opinion on the Tamron.
04-08-2010, 07:49 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by miss_alexx Quote
Or any other 1:1 macro lens in the same price range. (not 50mm)
May I ask why not 50mm? I have the DA35 and am considering a longer focal length in the future, so I'm curious.

QuoteOriginally posted by RioRico Quote
The DA35 will not be useful for field macro work.
Would you elaborate on this? I realize the working distance at 1:1 is practically nonexistent. Is that your reasoning?
04-08-2010, 07:49 AM   #4
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I have a Sigma 105mm 1:1 Macro and love it.

04-08-2010, 07:50 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by RioRico Quote
The DA35 will not be useful for field macro work.

I lust after the DFA100M -- I'm saving up for one.

I have no opinion on the Tamron.
Thanks for your opinion. I included the DA35 in my choices because I frequently use the 35mm focal.
04-08-2010, 07:52 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by twokatmew Quote
May I ask why not 50mm? I have the DA35 and am considering a longer focal length in the future, so I'm curious.
I have two 50mm primes, and I don't find them very usable in a lot of situations.
04-08-2010, 07:53 AM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by MrApollinax Quote
I have a Sigma 105mm 1:1 Macro and love it.
I think the sigma 105mm costs a little more. Maybe a used one would be in my price range.

04-08-2010, 07:56 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by RioRico Quote

I have no opinion on the Tamron.
Make one up.
04-08-2010, 08:10 AM   #9
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Hey, miss alex.

I've never used the Tamron 90/2.8 Di, but I've heard only good things about it. Very good things. I think as far as pure value is concerned, the Tamron 90 might be the way to go.

The Pentax macros are supposed to be great, too.

I just picked up a Kiron 105/2.8 macro, and I love it. It's manual focus, but for me, for macro work, that's a plus rather than a minus.

On the other hand, if you want to use the lens for portraiture or other purposes, you might miss the AF on an older lens such as Kiron. So you're probably right to think about the Tamron 90/2.8.

Besides, the Tamron 90/2.8 is way easier to find than a Kiron.

Let us know what you decide on. . . .
04-08-2010, 08:12 AM   #10
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The DA35, because of its really short working distance at 1:1, will not be well-suited to insect macros and the like.

In addition to the lenses you list, the Sigma 70mm has a really great reputation, and it doubles up as a useful portrait focal length (if that's your sort of thing).

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the macro lenses between 90 and 105mm, in any brand. I can't recall any one really standing out from the others. So I would advise you to go with the best compromise of "affordable" & "in good shape" you can find.
04-08-2010, 08:29 AM   #11
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Thank you for your advices. It made me realize that de DA 35 will not suit my need for macro. Right now there is a D-FA 100 Macro for sale on the forum. I think it's a good deal. But I don't know wich I should choose between the Tamron and the Pentax.
04-08-2010, 08:39 AM   #12
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go with the 100mm
04-08-2010, 08:40 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by noquarter15 Quote
go with the 100mm
Why should I go for the Pentax over the Tamron?
04-08-2010, 09:24 AM   #14
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There are numerous threads that pertain to the Pentax D-FA 100 vs Tamron 90 vs Sigma 105 macro range. If you are looking for AF these are definately the best options as of right now. If you don't mind manual focus there are some other cheaper options out there. In some cases when it comes to macro work you will be using manual focus anyway so that is something else you should consider.
04-08-2010, 09:51 AM   #15
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I once had a Tamron Adaptall version of the 90mm and can say nothing but good about it. Sold it when I bought my Vivitar 105. Don't really regret it, much. Recently got a DFA100 f2.8 WR from Prodigital2000 and it's a fantastic lens. If price is your concern, the Tamron is the way to go and would serve you quite nicely. The Pentax however is about half the physical size (maybe a little more) of the Tamron.

With respect to the DA35 f2.8 Ltd. Great all around lens. True that if your aim is live bugs, it's difficult to use. If the AF mechanism doesn't scare them off, bumping them in the head with the lens will. That's at 1:1 of course. I find my copy very usable with all focus distance ranges, near and far.

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