Originally posted by mackloon Hello Fellow Pentaxers:
I am a proud new owner of a Pentax K-x kit with the 18-55/55-300 DAL lenses. I am coming up from my Canon G9, and I am looking to learn the ins and outs on this new camera.
As part of this search I am looking to expand upon the functionality and accessories of this camera, and I am looking to get into some macro photography. Considering the current kit lenses, I have been trying to decide on whether I should buy a set of macro adapters or a dedicated macro lens.
I am in the process of reading through this entire thread, and will continue to do so...but I wanted to post probably a redundant question and when I get to this point, if the answer has not been discovered through reading, perhaps someone would have some pointers or at least a direction to continue my research.
The question is do I get the Raynox 150 or 250 to pair with my current lenses, or both? Or am I better off just getting a dedicated macro lens?
I assume the AF on my kit lenses works well with either, but I was wondering if anyone could comment on actual focus distances with either Raynox adapter, paired with either lens.
I will also be looking at potentially adding a teleconverter if someone could point me in the right direction for that. Glad to be here, liking the camera thus-far, and I am looking forward to learning how to use it to it's fullest potential.
Thanks
-mackloon
Mackloon, a few months ago, I was where you are, except I have the DAL50-200 instead of the DAL55-300. I'd start with the Ranox DCR150, which I have. It's a bit easier to use and provides more working distance than the DCR250. Further, I've read several comments that the DCR250 vignettes on the DAL55-300 as you increase the focal ength. Unfortunately I can't remember the FL at which the vignetting begins. With the DCR-150 you can still go greater than 1:1 if you choose, and you shouldn't see any vignetting.
That said, I added the DA35 macro to my collection and almost immediately discovered it was much simpler to use (than a zoom with Raynox adapter). IQ is fantastic, too, not that it's bad by any means with the Raynox setup.
Not to long ago I added the DFA100WR macro. I hesitated due to the cost and because I wasn't sure I'd do enough with macro to justify having such a lens around.
There are other less expensive alternatives, such as the Sigma and Tamron macro lenses as well as the non-WR Pentax and older MF macro lenses. Still, I wanted the WR.
I have not been disappointed! It's a great macro lens, very light and with an amazing build similar to the DA Ltd lenses. It takes fantastic photos and is less fiddly when shooting macro (than with a Raynox setup). It's also great as a short telephoto lens, and I'm sure it'll get used a fair amount there as well.
I'm not selling my Raynox, as there are times when it may be very useful, say, if I'm out with only the DAL50-200 and want to shoot a close-up. But ... I'm very happy I splurged and got the DFA100/2.8 WR. So ...I'd say start with a Raynox DCR150 for ~$50 new. Make sure you really want to shoot macros, and then add a dedicated macro lens later if you want. Some shoot absolutely amazing macros with only a zoom and Raynox adapter.
HTH!