Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
08-23-2014, 11:30 PM   #1
Senior Member




Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane Qld Aust
Posts: 220
Which macro lens ??

Hope this is the right place to ask about macro lenses, and not just a place to show images.

I've decided (sort of anyways) to buy a dedicated macro prime lens. have two in mind - the Sigma 105 f2.8 or the Pentax 100 f2.8 WR. (assuming I can still find a Sigma 105 that is)

The Pentax seems to have a few advantages over the Simga
- smaller and lighter
- smaller filter size
- WR

Sigma
- is inner focusing, which I do like the idea of.

Both are around the same price. The Pentax seems to be the better option, so looking for options of either .

Thanks
Mark

08-24-2014, 12:19 AM   #2
Senior Member
Undot's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 176
Very good question as I'm looking for the right macro lens, too. Didn't even have the Sigma on my radar (don't worry, I'm in a different purchasing region )
I can't answer your question, though was swaying towards the Pentax. But one drawback you haven't listed is, that it doesn't have an aperture ring. So one can't use extension rings or bellows for further magnification.
08-24-2014, 12:28 AM   #3
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
rod_grant's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wangaratta, Victoria
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,945
QuoteOriginally posted by markl62 Quote
Hope this is the right place to ask about macro lenses, and not just a place to show images.

I've decided (sort of anyways) to buy a dedicated macro prime lens. have two in mind - the Sigma 105 f2.8 or the Pentax 100 f2.8 WR. (assuming I can still find a Sigma 105 that is)

The Pentax seems to have a few advantages over the Simga
- smaller and lighter
- smaller filter size
- WR

Sigma
- is inner focusing, which I do like the idea of.

Both are around the same price. The Pentax seems to be the better option, so looking for options of either .

Thanks
Mark
Don't discount the Tamron 90mm.
It has a quirky MF/AF mechanism, where both camera body and lens have to be in the same mode, but you get used to it, and the lens is well regarded.
08-24-2014, 01:13 AM   #4
Closed Account
esrandall's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Sumner, WA
Photos: Albums
Posts: 965
Both lenses are available in the Marketplace right now, so some savings to be had.

08-24-2014, 02:10 AM   #5
Senior Member




Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane Qld Aust
Posts: 220
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by esrandall Quote
Both lenses are available in the Marketplace right now, so some savings to be had.
thanks, but still need to decide on which one
08-24-2014, 02:23 AM   #6
hcc
Pentaxian
hcc's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 3,999
Both lenses are highly regarded. You cannot go wrong with either. If you need WR the DAFA-100mm is the best option.

A third cheaper alternative is the Tamron 90mm, well regarded. An excellent comparison was published at PF:

Review: Tamron 90mm Macro vs Pentax 100mm WR: - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Hope that the comment may help.
08-24-2014, 04:37 AM   #7
Veteran Member
Na Horuk's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Slovenia, probably
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 11,186
People often can't decide between Tamron 90mm, Sigma 105mm and Pentax 100mm macro lenses. Optically, they are all pretty amazing. I have seen great photos taken with each of these lenses. It usually comes down to availability and budget. I have the DFA 100mm and really like it. Very sharp, contrasty, works as a general tele lens, portrait lens, etc. Only downside is lack of aperture ring (you only need it if you want to use it on older film cameras or with certain extension tubes or bellows) and lack of focus limiter, but it does have quickshift. The DFA 100mm WR is optically the same as the previous DFA 100mm macro (not WR, not aluminium) and FA 100mm macro and F 100mm macro. The difference between them is the build/appearance and features like focus limiter, focus clamp (to prevent accidental focus shifting), and WR.
I would say get any of these lenses, as long as you find one in good condition for a good price. Only choose a specific model if it has a feature that you need, and the others don't have it.

08-24-2014, 06:14 AM - 1 Like   #8
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
photolady95's Avatar

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cruising the forum watching his back
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,712
My two cents. I have the Sigma 105mm and the Tamron 90mm, the Tammy is M but you can get one that is AF. Beaware, not all macro primes are 1:1 magnification. The F100 isn't, it's 1:2, and it makes a difference. Also, the only time you should use AF is if you're not doing macro. That's why I kept the Tammy, even though it isn't AF, I don't need that to do macro. But currently I'm using the Sigma and used it in a monthly challenge recently.

Here is some examples taken with the Sigma:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1photolady/sets/72157645693588058/
08-24-2014, 07:09 AM   #9
Veteran Member
Na Horuk's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Slovenia, probably
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 11,186
Hm I think the F series 100mm macro is 1:1, at least according to this:
SMC Pentax-F 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - F Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database
And I agree that in actual macro work AF is pretty much useless.
08-24-2014, 07:23 AM   #10
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 169
I'm pretty sure the Sigma 105 is not internal focus
08-24-2014, 07:46 AM   #11
Otis Memorial Pentaxian
photolady95's Avatar

Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cruising the forum watching his back
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,712
The review I read on the Pentax F 100, I think it was the f3.5, said it was 1:2. I couldn't find it just now though. I do know the f4 M version is only 1:2.
08-24-2014, 07:50 AM   #12
Veteran Member




Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Montréal QC
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 2,351
Keep in mind that the Pentax has no aperture ring. If you ever want to go beyond 1:1 using extension tubes, you'll need much more expensive ones with electrical contacts for aperture control.

The Tamron 90, Sigma 105 and Pentax 100WR are all fine lenses. You might consider older Pentax macros too (D-FA 100mm non-WR, FA 100). The Tamron seems to usually be available for the best price, and has a focus limiter. I chose this one because I found a good deal on it. Pentax is lightest and has WR but no aperture ring. I'm tempted by the non-WR version because it's so light and the colors are supposed to be wonderful. The Sigma has many fans, has a focus limiter but is the heaviest. It is not internal focus. I'm still also tempted by this one every time I see one at a reasonable price either here or on eBay...
08-24-2014, 10:23 AM   #13
Closed Account
esrandall's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Sumner, WA
Photos: Albums
Posts: 965
QuoteOriginally posted by markl62 Quote
thanks, but still need to decide on which one
Understood. Like the othes have said, you cant go wrong with either of them. I own the much mentioned Tamron, and love it. My best friend has the Sigma 105, and we both get great results shooting with it. If you dont need WR, i would personally go for the one that was cheapest, as they are all great performers. 😉
08-24-2014, 10:51 AM   #14
Pentaxian
Kozlok's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Albuquerque
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 3,145
I agonized over this for months, and ended up going for the Sigma 70mm. I thought the image samples from it were just slightly nicer than the longer lenses. I also like the it has a 62mm thread, same as my Sigma 30/1.4 and my DA18-135. Only shot with it a couple of times, but so far, I love it.
08-24-2014, 11:58 AM   #15
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
cheekygeek's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kearney, Nebraska USA
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 1,261
I'll add my voices to those that say that autofocus is a bit silly for macro work. For the same money you could probably come close to getting a great manual focus macro AND a Sigma EM-140 DG TTL Macro Ringlight Flash for Pentax.

There is hardly such a thing as a bad macro lens. The longer the focal length, the farther away you stay from your subject (important if it is skitterish and flies off).

If you are worried about making the right decision or want to try several before settling, then I recommend buying used. You can always turn around and get you money spent BACK (or maybe make a profit, if you find a great deal).

I've been through a lot of them, but the one that will be buried with me is the (pretty darn rare) Tokina AT-X 90mm f2.5 with 1:1 matched extender. This is an "A" lens in Pentax mount. I call it the Bokina II. The original "Bokina" is the Vivitar Series 1 model of the same 90mm f2.5 with 1:1 extension, designed & manufactured by Tokina. They are not the same lens, but both are SUPERB, if not inexpensive.

Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
f2.8, lens, macro, macro lens, pentax, sigma, wr
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Which is which macro? old vs new rp_dxn Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 6 09-27-2013 05:48 AM
Which Macro lens? k-5 II Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 14 08-20-2013 07:36 AM
which of my lens is best for macro work? WA-surfer Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10 04-25-2013 09:06 PM
Which Macro lens? Spiderman Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 27 08-21-2010 12:57 PM
Which Macro lens? jfsavage Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 37 06-07-2009 07:10 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:24 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top