Originally posted by dcshooter The Elicar is the only one I can't speak for (although it does have a good reputation) , but with the Tamron, and Pentaxes, and Viv, you will be fine. The Sears is always fuzzy in macro mode, but for regular shooting and stopped down, it will probably be fine, too.
Yeah, the macro function has really only been used in a few creative shots where the "dreamy" soft focus effect is warranted. It's use is very limited however. One things for sure though.........the macro versions seem to be of better quality (build and image rendering) than the non-macros across the board from mine and many others experience. Hence, the reason I kept it and sold an old Pentax-M 135mm when I realized the soft focus effect didn't work how I wanted. My copy was actually a better lens than the Pentax I had.