Macro Cheap (macro) lens

kref · 07-02-2014, 12:48 AM

Hi,

I dont have much money right now and I am looking for cheap way to shot macro photos.

There was topics about cheap macro lens, but with no lens examples.

So I think about cheap manual prime lens with aperture ring and extension tubes (or reverse?). Is better wide or something like 50mm?

I dont want exactly to shot something, I want to try all kind of photos ;]

Thank you for answer

Adam · 07-02-2014, 01:01 AM

The Pentax M 50mm F4 is a good place to start. I recommend getting something around 50-100mm and with an aperture ring so that you can use tubes when needed.

photolady95 · 07-02-2014, 01:17 AM

Moved thread to correct forum.

Now this is what I do for macro, and it has worked pretty good so far. I bought a few closeup lenses, normally called diopters, they're pretty cheap and you can get them in sets of three. Another tool/lens adapter I use is the Raynox DCR-150 and DCR-250. Below is a photo I took today using my Pentax DA 50-200mm and the Raynox DCR-150:

Last month a did a whole month using a Pentax A 50mm f2, plus three closeups, and the Raynox DCR-250.

Here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1photolady/sets/72157644961984144/

Plus this thread might give you some ideas:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/177-macro-photography/262296-macro-any-means-possible.html

schnitzer79 · 07-02-2014, 01:21 AM

do you have any lenses at all? maybe one of them will work with a reverse ring adapter or with extension tubes, or even something like the raynox which is relatively cheap.how much are you looking to spend?

kref · 07-02-2014, 01:31 AM

I have set k3+18-135 and I am planning to buy 35mm prime

I have around 150 USD (110 EUR)

mtux · 07-02-2014, 01:36 AM

The M 100mm f/4 macro lens is selling for about USD100 and is a great real macro lens.
Also there are several 50mm f/4 macro lenses for the same price.

schnitzer79 · 07-02-2014, 01:44 AM

i havent tried the 18-135 that i have with my raynox but it could yield decent results.the raynox diopters(dcr-150 or 250) cost around $70.the other cheaper option would be to go for a 50mm manual prime(about $30) plus a reversing ring or extension tubes.will probably set you around $50 total with shipping.but you have to work in full manual if you dont mind.something which i normally do if im working with flash as well.
i could try and get some shots with the 18-135 and the raynox if you want and post results so you can decide. but that would be tonight or tomorrow (local time here is 11:43am)

kref · 07-02-2014, 01:46 AM

Originally posted by schnitzer79

i havent tried the 18-135 that i have with my raynox but it could yield decent results.the raynox diopters(dcr-150 or 250) cost around $70.the other cheaper option would be to go for a 50mm manual prime(about $30) plus a reversing ring or extension tubes.will probably set you around $50 total with shipping.but you have to work in full manual if you dont mind.something which i normally do if im working with flash as well.
i could try and get some shots with the 18-135 and the raynox if you want and post results so you can decide. but that would be tonight or tomorrow (local tmie here is 11:43am)

Yeah if you have time, pls do some example photos, thank you very much.

kdf9511 · 07-02-2014, 02:03 AM

I've found a few macro's pretty cheep. I just picked up a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DL Macro Super Lens Reviews off of ebay for $15.00. I haven't tried macro with it yet but I'm hoping it works as well as my Sigma 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Macro. Right now there are a few of them on eBay going between $40 to $150. I've had mine for 14 years and really like it. It's a good every day walk around lens and the macro function is nice to have when you want it. Here are a couple of macro shots from it.

This one was a quick shot and handheld. Would have been better if I would have had some camera support.

3 Jun 2014 -1 by kdf9511

This one I did have the camera supported on some boxes at my desk.

20 Jun 2014 by kdf9511

Na Horuk · 07-02-2014, 02:15 AM

Hm, if you are planning on buying a 35mm lens anyway, might as well save up for a DA 35mm f2.8 limited macro. It gives you true 1:1 macro and is also a good 35mm lens in general. There are now two versions of it available, the one with SMC coatings and the brand new one with new HD coatings. Its not an expensive lens, considering its performance. The only problem is that 1:1 macro with 35mm lens means you have to be really, really close to the subject (like, 1 inch from the front of the lens). Compared to older macro lenses, this one has AF, true 1:1 macro (some older macro lenses only go to 1:4 or 1:2 magnification), quick shift,.. only thing lacking is the aperture ring

Other than the older M and A series lenses, there are also lenses made by Sigma (105mm, 70mm) and Tamron 90mm that are good macro lenses. Especially the Tamron 90mm used can be found for a very good price and delivers great quality

p38arover · 07-02-2014, 02:19 AM

You could look at the Pentax SMC F 35-70 f3.5-f4.5 macro. I've seen them going on eBay for as little as $15. It's a far better lens that you'd think for that price. I've had mine since 1989.

See SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

schnitzer79 · 07-02-2014, 02:35 AM

Originally posted by kref

Yeah if you have time, pls do some example photos, thank you very much.

unfortunately as quoted by the user in the link below (post 455), the raynox 150 and 18-135 produces significant vignetting

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74221-raynox-macro-club-31.html#post2289506

old4570 · 07-02-2014, 07:21 AM

Prime Lens , 50mm , 90mm , 100mm
If you find one , I really like the Ricoh 2x Macro Adapter , put a 50mm lens on the end of it , I currently have a 90mm Sigma 1:2 connected to mine ( Macro Adapter )
Cheapest option = +4 close focus filter , about $5 or less off ebay ... Works rather well with the 18-55 kit lens .
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/244609-macro-pentax-kit-lens-k200d.html
The thread above has some kit lens with +4 filter shots ... ( surprisingly nice )

07-02-2014, 12:48 AM	#1
kref New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 18	Cheap (macro) lens Hi, I dont have much money right now and I am looking for cheap way to shot macro photos. There was topics about cheap macro lens, but with no lens examples. So I think about cheap manual prime lens with aperture ring and extension tubes (or reverse?). Is better wide or something like 50mm? I dont want exactly to shot something, I want to try all kind of photos ;] Thank you for answer

07-02-2014, 01:01 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	The Pentax M 50mm F4 is a good place to start. I recommend getting something around 50-100mm and with an aperture ring so that you can use tubes when needed. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-02-2014, 01:17 AM	#3
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Moved thread to correct forum. Now this is what I do for macro, and it has worked pretty good so far. I bought a few closeup lenses, normally called diopters, they're pretty cheap and you can get them in sets of three. Another tool/lens adapter I use is the Raynox DCR-150 and DCR-250. Below is a photo I took today using my Pentax DA 50-200mm and the Raynox DCR-150: Last month a did a whole month using a Pentax A 50mm f2, plus three closeups, and the Raynox DCR-250. Here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/1photolady/sets/72157644961984144/ Plus this thread might give you some ideas: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/177-macro-photography/262296-macro-any-means-possible.html Last edited by photolady95; 07-02-2014 at 01:24 AM.

07-02-2014, 01:31 AM	#5
kref New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 18 Original Poster	I have set k3+18-135 and I am planning to buy 35mm prime I have around 150 USD (110 EUR) Last edited by kref; 07-02-2014 at 01:42 AM.

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07-02-2014, 01:21 AM	#4
schnitzer79 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	do you have any lenses at all? maybe one of them will work with a reverse ring adapter or with extension tubes, or even something like the raynox which is relatively cheap.how much are you looking to spend?

07-02-2014, 01:36 AM	#6
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	The M 100mm f/4 macro lens is selling for about USD100 and is a great real macro lens. Also there are several 50mm f/4 macro lenses for the same price.

07-02-2014, 01:44 AM	#7
schnitzer79 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	i havent tried the 18-135 that i have with my raynox but it could yield decent results.the raynox diopters(dcr-150 or 250) cost around $70.the other cheaper option would be to go for a 50mm manual prime(about $30) plus a reversing ring or extension tubes.will probably set you around $50 total with shipping.but you have to work in full manual if you dont mind.something which i normally do if im working with flash as well. i could try and get some shots with the 18-135 and the raynox if you want and post results so you can decide. but that would be tonight or tomorrow (local time here is 11:43am)

07-02-2014, 01:46 AM	#8
kref New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 18 Original Poster	Originally posted by schnitzer79 i havent tried the 18-135 that i have with my raynox but it could yield decent results.the raynox diopters(dcr-150 or 250) cost around $70.the other cheaper option would be to go for a 50mm manual prime(about $30) plus a reversing ring or extension tubes.will probably set you around $50 total with shipping.but you have to work in full manual if you dont mind.something which i normally do if im working with flash as well. i could try and get some shots with the 18-135 and the raynox if you want and post results so you can decide. but that would be tonight or tomorrow (local tmie here is 11:43am) Yeah if you have time, pls do some example photos, thank you very much.

07-02-2014, 02:03 AM	#9
kdf9511 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Weatherford, Oklahoma Posts: 206	I've found a few macro's pretty cheep. I just picked up a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DL Macro Super Lens Reviews off of ebay for $15.00. I haven't tried macro with it yet but I'm hoping it works as well as my Sigma 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 Macro. Right now there are a few of them on eBay going between $40 to $150. I've had mine for 14 years and really like it. It's a good every day walk around lens and the macro function is nice to have when you want it. Here are a couple of macro shots from it. This one was a quick shot and handheld. Would have been better if I would have had some camera support. 3 Jun 2014 -1 by kdf9511 This one I did have the camera supported on some boxes at my desk. 20 Jun 2014 by kdf9511

07-02-2014, 02:15 AM	#10
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Hm, if you are planning on buying a 35mm lens anyway, might as well save up for a DA 35mm f2.8 limited macro. It gives you true 1:1 macro and is also a good 35mm lens in general. There are now two versions of it available, the one with SMC coatings and the brand new one with new HD coatings. Its not an expensive lens, considering its performance. The only problem is that 1:1 macro with 35mm lens means you have to be really, really close to the subject (like, 1 inch from the front of the lens). Compared to older macro lenses, this one has AF, true 1:1 macro (some older macro lenses only go to 1:4 or 1:2 magnification), quick shift,.. only thing lacking is the aperture ring Other than the older M and A series lenses, there are also lenses made by Sigma (105mm, 70mm) and Tamron 90mm that are good macro lenses. Especially the Tamron 90mm used can be found for a very good price and delivers great quality

07-02-2014, 02:19 AM	#11
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	You could look at the Pentax SMC F 35-70 f3.5-f4.5 macro. I've seen them going on eBay for as little as $15. It's a far better lens that you'd think for that price. I've had mine since 1989. See SMC Pentax-F 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 Reviews - F Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

07-02-2014, 02:35 AM	#12
schnitzer79 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,248	Originally posted by kref Yeah if you have time, pls do some example photos, thank you very much. unfortunately as quoted by the user in the link below (post 455), the raynox 150 and 18-135 produces significant vignetting https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/74221-raynox-macro-club-31.html#post2289506

07-02-2014, 07:21 AM	#13
old4570 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 2,551	Prime Lens , 50mm , 90mm , 100mm If you find one , I really like the Ricoh 2x Macro Adapter , put a 50mm lens on the end of it , I currently have a 90mm Sigma 1:2 connected to mine ( Macro Adapter ) Cheapest option = +4 close focus filter , about $5 or less off ebay ... Works rather well with the 18-55 kit lens . https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/12-post-your-photos/244609-macro-pentax-kit-lens-k200d.html The thread above has some kit lens with +4 filter shots ... ( surprisingly nice )