Mitakon 85mm 2.8 1X to 5X Macro Lens $499

xandos · 12-04-2019, 06:02 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by totsmuyco

Interesting lens. It looks good. Too bad, I already have a DFA 100 WR. Otherwise, I would be looking deeply into this.

This lens does not compete with the 100mm DFA WR. As far as I understand, it has no focus ring. The distance is set completely by the magnification. The DFA WR can be used for many things, this thing starts where the working range of the DFA ends. The DFA, at its shortest working distance is 1:1 macro. This lens does 1:1 macro as its minimum, up to 5:1 macro. In other words, The biggest you can get something to appear in-frame with the D-FA is the smallest you can get it with this.

Unlike the D-FA, this won't do landscapes, portraits, or studio photography. Only 1:1 and higher magnification macro.

---------- Post added 12-04-2019 at 03:04 PM ----------

Originally posted by edri

If Pentax does not introduce in camera focus stacking then I find this lens more interesting than the 100mm macro.

I dont see why that depends on in-camera focus stacking. This lens, especially at higher magnifications, will need focus stacking even more than the 100mm, as the depth of field will be smaller. Getting a large depth of field needs focus stacking in either case.

xmeda · 12-04-2019, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by luftfluss

Disappointed it's not available in M42...

It has zero connection at all, so you can just unscrew those three screws and slap-on any mount you wish..

**FozzFoster** · 12-04-2019, 08:30 AM

85mm f/2.8 at 5X... just image how narrow that depth of field would be haha like half a hair if that! So awesome

vonBaloney · 12-04-2019, 08:36 AM - **2 Likes**

I think telecentric means that the object size does not change as you shift focus or move the lens back or forward slightly (within a certain range) making focus stacking easier.

**manishved** · 12-04-2019, 08:44 AM - **1 Like**

There is also a 20mm F/2 for $199 - tempting...

---------- Post added 12-04-19 at 07:46 AM ----------

Originally posted by FozzFoster

85mm f/2.8 at 5X... just image how narrow that depth of field would be haha like half a hair if that! So awesome

I saw the sample pics and they are amazing. Those insects and their compound eyes!

sculptor666 · 12-04-2019, 08:59 AM

you can get to 3:1 with the dfa50mm macro and extension tubes, and still have aperture linkage to see what you're doing. beyond 3:1 your pulse is enough to miss focus, and if you want sharp pictures you have to shoot at wider than usual apertures and focus stack. different lenses are diffraction limited at different apertures.... pentax does such a great job with their macro lenses it's hard to beat. might be fun to play with though!

xmeda · 12-04-2019, 01:32 PM

Concerning Macro ... I like DFA100/2.8WR with 1.7x AF TC.. it results in quickly autofocusing 170mm lens, increases working distance and/or magnification

And then we have reverse mount.. reverse mounted FA35/2 can do pretty large magnification..

Last edited by xmeda; 12-04-2019 at 01:33 PM. Reason: typo

totsmuyco · 12-04-2019, 03:56 PM

Originally posted by xandos

This lens does not compete with the 100mm DFA WR. As far as I understand, it has no focus ring. The distance is set completely by the magnification. The DFA WR can be used for many things, this thing starts where the working range of the DFA ends. The DFA, at its shortest working distance is 1:1 macro. This lens does 1:1 macro as its minimum, up to 5:1 macro. In other words, The biggest you can get something to appear in-frame with the D-FA is the smallest you can get it with this.

Unlike the D-FA, this won't do landscapes, portraits, or studio photography. Only 1:1 and higher magnification macro.

---------- Post added 12-04-2019 at 03:04 PM ----------

I dont see why that depends on in-camera focus stacking. This lens, especially at higher magnifications, will need focus stacking even more than the 100mm, as the depth of field will be smaller. Getting a large depth of field needs focus stacking in either case.

So it's completely a special lens for a specific purpose. Hmmm, I think it's not for me.

HoutHans · 12-05-2019, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by totsmuyco

So it's completely a special lens for a specific purpose. Hmmm, I think it's not for me.

Same here. Far too specialised. Still, I think its great that a manufacturer is willing to design and manufacture something as exotic as this.

totsmuyco · 12-05-2019, 12:47 AM

It would be good to have this lens if you have the need for it. It's also nice that it's available in the K-mount.

xandos · 12-05-2019, 01:01 AM

Its indeed quite specialistic, but from 1-5x magnification its still useful for lots of things. A lot of insect close-up is in that range for example. For a long time only Canon had a lens like this, the MP-65. The only choice we had as pentaxians were to use tricks (extension tubes, bellows, reversing lenses etc). A few years ago both Laowa and Mitakon started doing lenses with more than 1:1 magnification in all mounts. This one is a bit different from what has come before, because it has a longer working distance and a large magnification range. I guess its the first real competition for the more expensive canon MP-65.

I'm no good at it, but have shot magnifications from 1x-6.5x using different combinations of lenses (from just the D-FA 100mm to a reversed pentax-M 28mm/3.5 to a 28mm/3.5 reversed on top of a pentax-M 200mm/4). For me this could be rather interesting. Then again, I already have those lenses, and their performance is pretty good. Small working distance is not a problem for me since I rarely shoot insects at high magnification.

torashi · 12-05-2019, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by tryphon4

This lens seems to be very interesting!

The announced working distance at 1:1 (230mm) is similar to the Sigma 180mm macro F/3.5's working distance, huge!
The announced working distance at 5:1 is stellar: 95mm. For information, the "famous" Canon MP-E 65's working distance at 5:1 is 41mm only!
In fact it is hard to believe.

Those working distances would be awesome!
Bad news is:
1) It doesn't even have an aperture lever, which means the big 2.8 aperture is useless in practice, because you'll be using it stopped down to your working aperture anyways. This would limit it pretty much to table top/studio work.
2) It doesn't have contacts, which means any shooting mode other than Av or Manual is out of the question and…
3) TTL flash, too.

torashi · 12-05-2019, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by manishved

There is also a 20mm F/2 for $199 - tempting...

---------- Post added 12-04-19 at 07:46 AM ----------

I saw the sample pics and they are amazing. Those insects and their compound eyes!

I also looked at the 20mm, but I opted for the Olympus Auto Macro. It's three times as expensive, but holds its value better, has better coatings, six vs. three aperture blades, can be focused wide open, then stopped down with a cable or double cable release I rigged up… lots of possibilities. It can also be used up to 16x with the dedicated bellows. If anyone's interested in seeing my rig, let me know.

**Hornet** · 12-05-2019, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by xandos

Its indeed quite specialistic, but from 1-5x magnification its still useful for lots of things. A lot of insect close-up is in that range for example. For a long time only Canon had a lens like this, the MP-65. The only choice we had as pentaxians were to use tricks (extension tubes, bellows, reversing lenses etc). A few years ago both Laowa and Mitakon started doing lenses with more than 1:1 magnification in all mounts. This one is a bit different from what has come before, because it has a longer working distance and a large magnification range. I guess its the first real competition for the more expensive canon MP-65.

I'm no good at it, but have shot magnifications from 1x-6.5x using different combinations of lenses (from just the D-FA 100mm to a reversed pentax-M 28mm/3.5 to a 28mm/3.5 reversed on top of a pentax-M 200mm/4). For me this could be rather interesting. Then again, I already have those lenses, and their performance is pretty good. Small working distance is not a problem for me since I rarely shoot insects at high magnification.

Note that Laowa has had a lens in this niche for a couple of years now Venus Optics Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

torashi · 12-05-2019, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by Hornet

Note that Laowa has had a lens in this niche for a couple of years now Venus Optics Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

There's just one review,and it's not clear in the specs if there's an aperture lever or not. That would make it waaaay more useful.

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12-04-2019, 06:02 AM - 2 Likes	#16
xandos Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 120	Originally posted by totsmuyco Interesting lens. It looks good. Too bad, I already have a DFA 100 WR. Otherwise, I would be looking deeply into this. This lens does not compete with the 100mm DFA WR. As far as I understand, it has no focus ring. The distance is set completely by the magnification. The DFA WR can be used for many things, this thing starts where the working range of the DFA ends. The DFA, at its shortest working distance is 1:1 macro. This lens does 1:1 macro as its minimum, up to 5:1 macro. In other words, The biggest you can get something to appear in-frame with the D-FA is the smallest you can get it with this. Unlike the D-FA, this won't do landscapes, portraits, or studio photography. Only 1:1 and higher magnification macro. ---------- Post added 12-04-2019 at 03:04 PM ---------- Originally posted by edri If Pentax does not introduce in camera focus stacking then I find this lens more interesting than the 100mm macro. I dont see why that depends on in-camera focus stacking. This lens, especially at higher magnifications, will need focus stacking even more than the 100mm, as the depth of field will be smaller. Getting a large depth of field needs focus stacking in either case.

12-04-2019, 06:39 AM	#17
xmeda Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brno Posts: 295	Originally posted by luftfluss Disappointed it's not available in M42... It has zero connection at all, so you can just unscrew those three screws and slap-on any mount you wish..

12-04-2019, 08:30 AM	#18
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	85mm f/2.8 at 5X... just image how narrow that depth of field would be haha like half a hair if that! So awesome

12-04-2019, 08:36 AM - 2 Likes	#19
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	I think telecentric means that the object size does not change as you shift focus or move the lens back or forward slightly (within a certain range) making focus stacking easier.

12-04-2019, 08:44 AM - 1 Like	#20
manishved Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N. Calif Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,651	There is also a 20mm F/2 for $199 - tempting... ---------- Post added 12-04-19 at 07:46 AM ---------- Originally posted by FozzFoster 85mm f/2.8 at 5X... just image how narrow that depth of field would be haha like half a hair if that! So awesome I saw the sample pics and they are amazing. Those insects and their compound eyes!

12-04-2019, 08:59 AM	#21
sculptor666 Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 675	you can get to 3:1 with the dfa50mm macro and extension tubes, and still have aperture linkage to see what you're doing. beyond 3:1 your pulse is enough to miss focus, and if you want sharp pictures you have to shoot at wider than usual apertures and focus stack. different lenses are diffraction limited at different apertures.... pentax does such a great job with their macro lenses it's hard to beat. might be fun to play with though!

12-04-2019, 01:32 PM	#22
xmeda Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brno Posts: 295	Concerning Macro ... I like DFA100/2.8WR with 1.7x AF TC.. it results in quickly autofocusing 170mm lens, increases working distance and/or magnification And then we have reverse mount.. reverse mounted FA35/2 can do pretty large magnification.. Last edited by xmeda; 12-04-2019 at 01:33 PM. Reason: typo

12-04-2019, 03:56 PM	#23
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	Originally posted by xandos This lens does not compete with the 100mm DFA WR. As far as I understand, it has no focus ring. The distance is set completely by the magnification. The DFA WR can be used for many things, this thing starts where the working range of the DFA ends. The DFA, at its shortest working distance is 1:1 macro. This lens does 1:1 macro as its minimum, up to 5:1 macro. In other words, The biggest you can get something to appear in-frame with the D-FA is the smallest you can get it with this. Unlike the D-FA, this won't do landscapes, portraits, or studio photography. Only 1:1 and higher magnification macro. ---------- Post added 12-04-2019 at 03:04 PM ---------- I dont see why that depends on in-camera focus stacking. This lens, especially at higher magnifications, will need focus stacking even more than the 100mm, as the depth of field will be smaller. Getting a large depth of field needs focus stacking in either case. So it's completely a special lens for a specific purpose. Hmmm, I think it's not for me.

12-05-2019, 12:33 AM	#24
HoutHans Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Appingedam Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,112	Originally posted by totsmuyco So it's completely a special lens for a specific purpose. Hmmm, I think it's not for me. Same here. Far too specialised. Still, I think its great that a manufacturer is willing to design and manufacture something as exotic as this.

12-05-2019, 12:47 AM	#25
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	It would be good to have this lens if you have the need for it. It's also nice that it's available in the K-mount.

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12-05-2019, 01:01 AM	#26
xandos Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 120	Its indeed quite specialistic, but from 1-5x magnification its still useful for lots of things. A lot of insect close-up is in that range for example. For a long time only Canon had a lens like this, the MP-65. The only choice we had as pentaxians were to use tricks (extension tubes, bellows, reversing lenses etc). A few years ago both Laowa and Mitakon started doing lenses with more than 1:1 magnification in all mounts. This one is a bit different from what has come before, because it has a longer working distance and a large magnification range. I guess its the first real competition for the more expensive canon MP-65. I'm no good at it, but have shot magnifications from 1x-6.5x using different combinations of lenses (from just the D-FA 100mm to a reversed pentax-M 28mm/3.5 to a 28mm/3.5 reversed on top of a pentax-M 200mm/4). For me this could be rather interesting. Then again, I already have those lenses, and their performance is pretty good. Small working distance is not a problem for me since I rarely shoot insects at high magnification.

12-05-2019, 08:30 AM	#27
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by tryphon4 This lens seems to be very interesting! The announced working distance at 1:1 (230mm) is similar to the Sigma 180mm macro F/3.5's working distance, huge! The announced working distance at 5:1 is stellar: 95mm. For information, the "famous" Canon MP-E 65's working distance at 5:1 is 41mm only! In fact it is hard to believe. Those working distances would be awesome! Bad news is: 1) It doesn't even have an aperture lever, which means the big 2.8 aperture is useless in practice, because you'll be using it stopped down to your working aperture anyways. This would limit it pretty much to table top/studio work. 2) It doesn't have contacts, which means any shooting mode other than Av or Manual is out of the question and… 3) TTL flash, too.

12-05-2019, 08:53 AM	#28
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by manishved There is also a 20mm F/2 for $199 - tempting... ---------- Post added 12-04-19 at 07:46 AM ---------- I saw the sample pics and they are amazing. Those insects and their compound eyes! I also looked at the 20mm, but I opted for the Olympus Auto Macro. It's three times as expensive, but holds its value better, has better coatings, six vs. three aperture blades, can be focused wide open, then stopped down with a cable or double cable release I rigged up… lots of possibilities. It can also be used up to 16x with the dedicated bellows. If anyone's interested in seeing my rig, let me know.

12-05-2019, 09:59 AM	#29
Hornet Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 169	Originally posted by xandos Its indeed quite specialistic, but from 1-5x magnification its still useful for lots of things. A lot of insect close-up is in that range for example. For a long time only Canon had a lens like this, the MP-65. The only choice we had as pentaxians were to use tricks (extension tubes, bellows, reversing lenses etc). A few years ago both Laowa and Mitakon started doing lenses with more than 1:1 magnification in all mounts. This one is a bit different from what has come before, because it has a longer working distance and a large magnification range. I guess its the first real competition for the more expensive canon MP-65. I'm no good at it, but have shot magnifications from 1x-6.5x using different combinations of lenses (from just the D-FA 100mm to a reversed pentax-M 28mm/3.5 to a 28mm/3.5 reversed on top of a pentax-M 200mm/4). For me this could be rather interesting. Then again, I already have those lenses, and their performance is pretty good. Small working distance is not a problem for me since I rarely shoot insects at high magnification. Note that Laowa has had a lens in this niche for a couple of years now Venus Optics Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

12-05-2019, 12:05 PM	#30
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by Hornet Note that Laowa has had a lens in this niche for a couple of years now Venus Optics Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro Lens Reviews - Venus Laowa Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database There's just one review,and it's not clear in the specs if there's an aperture lever or not. That would make it waaaay more useful.