i was bored sitting at my desk and lunch and decided to play with a lens i got for a very reasonable cost (free). it is a kiron 80-200 f4.5 macro. the maginifcation is only 1:4 so not a true macro, but it appears to be pretty sharp for what it does.

this was at 1/60 f8 with on camera flash, cropped from original, but no other adjustments.

[spyglass]

Hey Craftsmansky,

I think that the term Macro is a bit loosely applied these days. I have always used the hard fast rule of 1:1 (where the image captured on the film or sensor equals or exceed actual life size).
It would be better is they created a new term (close focus, or something to that effect). I see a lot of zoom lens with macro plastered on them that do not get anywhere close to obtaining 1:1 ratios. Your image seems sharp.
I have seen a few Kiron lenses kicking around Ebay. Where are they made?

Spyglass

[craftsmansky]

this lens was made in japan, no idea of the age.

from what i have been able to find, kiron was another of those brand names for cosina. i understand their 100ish macro is very good and hard to find.

[craftsmansky]

i also have the DA50-200. pentax list the max magnification for this lens as .24x. this is roughly the same as 1:4, correct?

i havent compared the lenses directly, but i will play with that this weekend.

[spyglass]

Testing lenses can be interesting, especially zoom lenses. One would quickly assume that the Pentax with its proven lens coating and reputation should come out on top.

Enjoy your weekend. (it will probably just zoom by)