Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
04-28-2010, 01:50 PM   #1
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
After some weeks with the Vivitar 55mm F2.8 1:1 macro

Some weeks ago I bought this lens, a K-mount Vivitar 55mm f2.8 1:1 macro. This
lens was made in several versions under several different brand names: I know
of the M42 Panagor 55mm f3 - notwithstanding it's smaller max aperture it's the
really the same lens - and I've seen pictures of the Vivitar 55mm f2.8 with M42
mount too.
After trying the above mentioned Panagor on the K-7 for a few shots, I was
pleasantly surprised by the image quality as seen on the LCD screen of the
camera.

After shooting some weeks with the Vivitar, I think this is a very good macro lens!
I use it mostly without extension rings, because for the larger subjects I shoot
1:1 is enough, but for smaller subjects I combine the lens with the Kenko PZ-AF
Uniplus Tube 25 to get a larger magnification. Of course it is manual focus, and it
has no 'A' setting.

Here are some examples made with this lens. Most of them are shown elsewhere
on the forum before, I hope you don't mind I show them here again.....

Without extension ring:
#1



#2



#3



With 25mm extension ring:
#4



#5





04-28-2010, 02:06 PM   #2
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Iris's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bennekom, The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 1,369
QuoteOriginally posted by Rense Quote
After shooting some weeks with the Vivitar, I think this is a very good macro lens!
Of course it is manual focus, and it has no 'A' setting.
In addition to your post Rense, it is perhaps good to mention that my M42 Panagor 55mm f3 macro has a 'A-M' switch.

Last edited by Iris; 04-28-2010 at 11:38 PM.
04-28-2010, 05:07 PM   #3
Moderator
Site Supporter
Blue's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida Hill Country
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 17,377
QuoteOriginally posted by Iris Quote
In addition to your post Rense, it is perhaps good to mention that my M42 Panagor 55mm f3 macro has a 'A' setting.
Do you mean A-M setting for automatic diaphragm rather than A contacts as in A series lenses? Or is it like one of the S-M-C/SMC type lenses?
04-28-2010, 05:08 PM   #4
Moderator
Site Supporter
Blue's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida Hill Country
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 17,377
Rense, not only is these lens appear outstanding, so does your skill at insect macros.

This image is particularly interesting because it shows a possible symbiotic relationship.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rense Quote


. . .


With 25mm extension ring:

#5




04-28-2010, 05:19 PM   #5
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 1,071
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
Rense, not only is these lens appear outstanding, so does your skill at insect macros.

This image is particularly interesting because it shows a possible symbiotic relationship.
This is indeed a symbiotic relationship between aphids and ants.

QuoteQuote:
An intimate, symbiotic relationship exists between ants and aphids. They are often compared to cattle, with the ants acting as protectors and ranchers. What aphids have that ants want is something called honeydew, a sweet substance that is excreted by aphids through their anus and contains surplus sugar from the aphid's diet. Ants protect aphid eggs during the winter, and carry the newly hatched aphids to new host plants, where the aphids feed on the leaves and the ants get a supply of honeydew.

Read more: Aphids - Ants And Aphids Aphids - Ants And Aphids
04-28-2010, 05:33 PM   #6
Moderator
Site Supporter
Blue's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida Hill Country
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 17,377
QuoteOriginally posted by hangu Quote
This is indeed a symbiotic relationship between aphids and ants.
"Indeed" is a little strong from one image alone since there are also many cases of ants predating on aphids etc. Based on the posture of the ants, symbiosis is probable. Aphids have an alarm pheromone that wold cause the others to scatter. That's why I mentioned it. I work with this stuff for a living.
04-28-2010, 06:07 PM   #7
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 1,071
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
"Indeed" is a little strong from one image alone since there are also many cases of ants predating on aphids etc. Based on the posture of the ants, symbiosis is probable. Aphids have an alarm pheromone that wold cause the others to scatter. That's why I mentioned it. I work with this stuff for a living.
Oh fine, you win this one. Pretty much baited me back there....

04-28-2010, 06:08 PM   #8
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
monochrome's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Working From Home
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 26,276
QuoteOriginally posted by Rense Quote
Some weeks ago I bought this lens, a K-mount Vivitar 55mm f2.8 1:1 macro.

After shooting some weeks with the Vivitar, I think this is a very good macro lens!
I use it mostly without extension rings, because for the larger subjects I shoot
1:1 is enough, but for smaller subjects I combine the lens with the Kenko PZ-AF
Uniplus Tube 25 to get a larger magnification.
Rense: I have on the way a for a ridiculous price a K50/4 Macro that has cosmetic flaws on the aperture ring, but the glass is reported to be perfect. I also have the Auto Extension Tube K Set.

If I may ask, what was your lens - subject distance without the tube?
04-28-2010, 07:12 PM   #9
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Oregon
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 5,079
Excellent shots Rense.
I just picked up the K-mount Panagor version of this lens. I have only taken a few shots with it and so far it seem like an excellent lens. I hope my copy performs as well as yours.
Were all your shots under natural lighting or did you use a flash? Also, were you using a tripod with a focusing rail?

Swift1
04-28-2010, 07:15 PM   #10
Moderator
Site Supporter
Blue's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida Hill Country
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 17,377
QuoteOriginally posted by Swift1 Quote
Excellent shots Rense.
I just picked up the K-mount Panagor version of this lens. I have only taken a few shots with it and so far it seem like an excellent lens. I hope my copy performs as well as yours.
Were all your shots under natural lighting or did you use a flash? Also, were you using a tripod with a focusing rail?

Swift1
You will be surprised about the flash when he tells you!
04-28-2010, 11:37 PM   #11
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Iris Quote
In addition to your post Rense, it is perhaps good to mention that my M42 Panagor 55mm f3 macro has a 'A' setting.
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
Do you mean A-M setting for automatic diaphragm rather than A contacts as in A series lenses? Or is it like one of the S-M-C/SMC type lenses?
Iris' Panagor has a A-M lever, so it's an automatic version, which can be used in Av mode too, unlike mine, which can be used in M mode only (unless you want to use the lens full open, of course...)
04-28-2010, 11:39 PM   #12
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
Rense, not only is these lens appear outstanding, so does your skill at insect macros.

This image is particularly interesting because it shows a possible symbiotic relationship.
QuoteOriginally posted by hangu Quote
This is indeed a symbiotic relationship between aphids and ants.
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
"Indeed" is a little strong from one image alone since there are also many cases of ants predating on aphids etc. Based on the posture of the ants, symbiosis is probable. Aphids have an alarm pheromone that wold cause the others to scatter. That's why I mentioned it. I work with this stuff for a living.
This is a case of symbiosis indeed. The ants are tickling the aphids for their excrements, a thing that can be nicely seen through the lens when making photos !
04-28-2010, 11:42 PM   #13
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by monochrome Quote
Rense: I have on the way a for a ridiculous price a K50/4 Macro that has cosmetic flaws on the aperture ring, but the glass is reported to be perfect. I also have the Auto Extension Tube K Set.

If I may ask, what was your lens - subject distance without the tube?
The distance from the front of the lens barrel to subject is about 2" or 5 cm. About, I did not measure it exactly...
I'd like to see some results from that lens, must be great!
04-28-2010, 11:47 PM - 1 Like   #14
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Swift1 Quote
Excellent shots Rense.
I just picked up the K-mount Panagor version of this lens. I have only taken a few shots with it and so far it seem like an excellent lens. I hope my copy performs as well as yours.
Were all your shots under natural lighting or did you use a flash? Also, were you using a tripod with a focusing rail?

Swift1
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Quote
You will be surprised about the flash when he tells you!


For these hand held shots, I used the pop-up flash of my K20d with a DIY macro flash diffuser. The idea for this was shown her on PF by grzehoofr in this thread with amazing macro photos. On my blog, I have a photo tutorial on how to build this $2 tool yourself.
04-29-2010, 12:12 AM   #15
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Rense's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Zetten - The Netherlands
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,050
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Swift1 Quote
Excellent shots Rense.
I just picked up the K-mount Panagor version of this lens. I have only taken a few shots with it and so far it seem like an excellent lens. I hope my copy performs as well as yours.
Were all your shots under natural lighting or did you use a flash? Also, were you using a tripod with a focusing rail?

Swift1
Just one question. Your Panagor, is it f2.8, or f3? I think f2.8, am I right?
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
55mm, extension, f2.8, k-mount, lens, macro, panagor, pentax lens, slr lens, subjects, vivitar, vivitar 55mm f2.8, weeks
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Vivitar 55mm 2.8 Macro stu49 Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 3 02-23-2010 09:27 AM
Vivitar 55mm f3.5 macro at 1:1 BUGS! mbh Post Your Photos! 0 09-06-2009 07:00 AM
Vivitar 55mm/2.8 Macro maxwell1295 Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 13 04-10-2009 01:17 PM
Questions about Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 Macro jeffkpotter Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 0 10-14-2008 07:21 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:13 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top