Macro Best moderate priced macro lens for newbie

HGMerrill · 10-14-2014, 08:09 AM

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Hi all. I have my first Pentax K-50 with the two kit lenses but want to do some macro work. I am an old timer with SLR experience (Canon A-1), but this is my first DSLR. I'm disappointed by the lack of macro capacity on the kit lenses.

What do you recommend for a macro lens under $500? I don't need zoom and don't need new. Also does not have to be a Pentax or AF.

I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them?

Many thanks!!

VoiceOfReason · 10-14-2014, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by HGMerrill

Hi all. I have my first Pentax K-50 with the two kit lenses but want to do some macro work. I am an old timer with SLR experience (Canon A-1), but this is my first DSLR. I'm disappointed by the lack of macro capacity on the kit lenses.

What do you recommend for a macro lens under $500? I don't need zoom and don't need new. Also does not have to be a Pentax or AF.

I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them?

Many thanks!!

Sometimes you can see the Pentax DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro up here in your price range, adn the Tamron 90 f/2.8 Macro is 499 new from B&H.

---------- Post added 10-14-14 at 10:20 AM ----------

Check the marketplace here. There are multiple listings for macro lenses up near the top.

**sergysergy** · 10-14-2014, 08:41 AM

Tamron 90, Sigma 105, Vivitar/Kiron/Kino 105, DFA 100. All of them are 2.8 (or 2.5) and very nice lenses.

carrrlangas · 10-14-2014, 08:53 AM

Your budget is not small at all.. Upon reading the title of your thread I was going to recommend the FA100/3.5 1:2 Macro which goes for U$125 give or take but there`s a DFA100/2.8 WR in the marketplace for U$450 right now...

**jrpower10** · 10-14-2014, 09:02 AM

I have the FA100 f2.8 and it's a great lens also. Advantages are it's slightly cheaper, has an aperture ring for times when you can't use the camera to control (like when using extension tubes), and has a focus limiter (big advantage when using as a telephoto lens in autofocus mode rather than a macro lens in manual focus mode). Disadvantage is it's not weathersealed.

esrandall · 10-14-2014, 09:25 AM

You can usually get the Tamron 90mm on sale new for around $350, from Prodigital2000 on eBay. They're a Canadian-based retailer with an online presence. They had really good communication throughout my transaction, and because I bought it from them, I also get the Tamron 6-year warranty (they said that I just send it to them for RMA processing, since I live in the US. If you want really cheap, then I would take a look at some of the other suggestions in your thread, namely the Pentax M 100mm Macro f/4. I see them from time to time in the Markletplace, and on eBay. Price is usually around $125-150. Pretty compact design too.

narual · 10-14-2014, 09:37 AM

Originally posted by HGMerrill

I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them?

Extension Tubes: Close Up Photography Lesson #2 -

You can get manual tubes cheap on Amazon. Like $10. If you want electrical contacts, that's harder to find. Easier to get a cheap teleconverter and remove the glass

normhead · 10-14-2014, 09:45 AM

Save yourself a lot of grief, go for the Tamron 90 macro, $325 below... there's no law says you can't use extension tubes on a Macro lens. The big advantage to a macro lens is you can shoot macro then lift your lens up and take a landscape, or wildlife image then go back to the macro.

New Tamron AF 90mm F 2 8 Di SP Macro Lens for Pentax DSLR | eBay

If you don't want to order from Canada use the ad to try and get someone to price match.

6BQ5 · 10-14-2014, 10:56 AM

If you don't mind the closer working range of the D FA 50mm f/2.8 then you may want to look into that lens. It can be had for $250-$300 on the used market.

LowVoltage · 10-14-2014, 01:06 PM

+1 for all the suggestions of the Tamron 90mm 2.8. It's well below your budget maximum and can be found for less during Tamron's rebate season. Also consider Sigma's 50mm 2.8 EX. I have both the Tamron and Sigma. Both are excellent at max aperture and either one could double as a fine portrait lens, depending on how much of the model you're trying to isolate. Considering how inexpensive they are, you really can't go wrong. The only criticism of the Sigma is that, while it does come with a hood, it can not be stored in reverse position on the lens. It's the screw-in variety, not bayonet. Not a big deal - I just store the two pieces in a padded lens pouch when traveling.

old4570 · 10-14-2014, 05:27 PM

$500 So many choices , just Troll Ebay , read some reviews , and make an educated choice ..
As for the kit lenses , ( What U talking about ? )
The 18-55 Kit lens makes an excellent entry level Macro lens .. All you need is a +4 Close focus filter up front , or a +8 close focus filter and your ready to go ..
And you can still use autofocus if you wish , ( Within the Focus distance - now more macro )
Again , there is a decent choice of lenses on Ebay ..

Lots of Pentax 100mm Macro lenses , some Tamron 90mm SP Di lenses , and very few Sigma 105 lenses ( Sigma being out of production now )
+ There are the 1970's and 80's Manual focus lenses , some of which have collector status , so some what inflated $$ making the Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro lenses look like a better option .
So $10 for some close focus filters , or around $350 for a used 100mm Pentax or new Tamron 90mm SP Di , or some other option , which there are plenty off .

6BQ5 · 10-14-2014, 07:39 PM

There is a D FA 50mm f/2.8 on eBay right now with no bids. Search for item #141438812180 and it will come up.

AquaDome · 10-15-2014, 06:46 AM - **1 Like**

The SMC-M Macro 1:4 50mm & 100mm manual primes are fantastic lenses.
A faster prime would be advantageous if you were going to use extension tubes.

NicoleC · 10-15-2014, 12:12 PM

Used Pentax DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro
or
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

All in all, I prefer the Pentax over the Sigma.

HGMerrill · 10-20-2014, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by old4570

$500 So many choices , just Troll Ebay , read some reviews , and make an educated choice ..
As for the kit lenses , ( What U talking about ? )
The 18-55 Kit lens makes an excellent entry level Macro lens .. All you need is a +4 Close focus filter up front , or a +8 close focus filter and your ready to go ..
And you can still use autofocus if you wish , ( Within the Focus distance - now more macro )
Again , there is a decent choice of lenses on Ebay ..

Lots of Pentax 100mm Macro lenses , some Tamron 90mm SP Di lenses , and very few Sigma 105 lenses ( Sigma being out of production now )
+ There are the 1970's and 80's Manual focus lenses , some of which have collector status , so some what inflated $$ making the Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro lenses look like a better option .
So $10 for some close focus filters , or around $350 for a used 100mm Pentax or new Tamron 90mm SP Di , or some other option , which there are plenty off .

Thanks to all for you wonderful advice. I bought:

- used FA 50 Macro
- set of Close-Up Filters to try with my 18-55 WR Kit lens

Can't wait to play with all of them!

- Heather

10-20-2014, 12:04 PM	#15
HGMerrill New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 23 Original Poster	Thanks! Originally posted by old4570 $500 So many choices , just Troll Ebay , read some reviews , and make an educated choice .. As for the kit lenses , ( What U talking about ? ) The 18-55 Kit lens makes an excellent entry level Macro lens .. All you need is a +4 Close focus filter up front , or a +8 close focus filter and your ready to go .. And you can still use autofocus if you wish , ( Within the Focus distance - now more macro ) Again , there is a decent choice of lenses on Ebay .. Lots of Pentax 100mm Macro lenses , some Tamron 90mm SP Di lenses , and very few Sigma 105 lenses ( Sigma being out of production now ) + There are the 1970's and 80's Manual focus lenses , some of which have collector status , so some what inflated $$ making the Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro lenses look like a better option . So $10 for some close focus filters , or around $350 for a used 100mm Pentax or new Tamron 90mm SP Di , or some other option , which there are plenty off . Thanks to all for you wonderful advice. I bought: - used FA 50 Macro - set of Close-Up Filters to try with my 18-55 WR Kit lens Can't wait to play with all of them! - Heather

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10-14-2014, 08:09 AM	#1
HGMerrill New Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 23	Best moderate priced macro lens for newbie Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hi all. I have my first Pentax K-50 with the two kit lenses but want to do some macro work. I am an old timer with SLR experience (Canon A-1), but this is my first DSLR. I'm disappointed by the lack of macro capacity on the kit lenses. What do you recommend for a macro lens under $500? I don't need zoom and don't need new. Also does not have to be a Pentax or AF. I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them? Many thanks!!

10-14-2014, 08:18 AM	#2
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	Originally posted by HGMerrill Hi all. I have my first Pentax K-50 with the two kit lenses but want to do some macro work. I am an old timer with SLR experience (Canon A-1), but this is my first DSLR. I'm disappointed by the lack of macro capacity on the kit lenses. What do you recommend for a macro lens under $500? I don't need zoom and don't need new. Also does not have to be a Pentax or AF. I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them? Many thanks!! Sometimes you can see the Pentax DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro up here in your price range, adn the Tamron 90 f/2.8 Macro is 499 new from B&H. ---------- Post added 10-14-14 at 10:20 AM ---------- Check the marketplace here. There are multiple listings for macro lenses up near the top.

10-14-2014, 08:41 AM	#3
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,175	Tamron 90, Sigma 105, Vivitar/Kiron/Kino 105, DFA 100. All of them are 2.8 (or 2.5) and very nice lenses.

10-14-2014, 08:53 AM	#4
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	Your budget is not small at all.. Upon reading the title of your thread I was going to recommend the FA100/3.5 1:2 Macro which goes for U$125 give or take but there`s a DFA100/2.8 WR in the marketplace for U$450 right now...

10-14-2014, 09:02 AM	#5
jrpower10 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935	I have the FA100 f2.8 and it's a great lens also. Advantages are it's slightly cheaper, has an aperture ring for times when you can't use the camera to control (like when using extension tubes), and has a focus limiter (big advantage when using as a telephoto lens in autofocus mode rather than a macro lens in manual focus mode). Disadvantage is it's not weathersealed.

10-14-2014, 09:25 AM	#6
esrandall Closed Account Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Sumner, WA Photos: Albums Posts: 965	You can usually get the Tamron 90mm on sale new for around $350, from Prodigital2000 on eBay. They're a Canadian-based retailer with an online presence. They had really good communication throughout my transaction, and because I bought it from them, I also get the Tamron 6-year warranty (they said that I just send it to them for RMA processing, since I live in the US. If you want really cheap, then I would take a look at some of the other suggestions in your thread, namely the Pentax M 100mm Macro f/4. I see them from time to time in the Markletplace, and on eBay. Price is usually around $125-150. Pretty compact design too.

10-14-2014, 09:37 AM	#7
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by HGMerrill I don't know how to work the tubes - that may be the answer but maybe someone can point me in the direction of what to buy and how to use them? Extension Tubes: Close Up Photography Lesson #2 - You can get manual tubes cheap on Amazon. Like $10. If you want electrical contacts, that's harder to find. Easier to get a cheap teleconverter and remove the glass

10-14-2014, 09:45 AM	#8
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Save yourself a lot of grief, go for the Tamron 90 macro, $325 below... there's no law says you can't use extension tubes on a Macro lens. The big advantage to a macro lens is you can shoot macro then lift your lens up and take a landscape, or wildlife image then go back to the macro. New Tamron AF 90mm F 2 8 Di SP Macro Lens for Pentax DSLR \| eBay If you don't want to order from Canada use the ad to try and get someone to price match.

10-14-2014, 10:56 AM	#9
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	If you don't mind the closer working range of the D FA 50mm f/2.8 then you may want to look into that lens. It can be had for $250-$300 on the used market.

10-14-2014, 01:06 PM	#10
LowVoltage Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mount Joy, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 544	+1 for all the suggestions of the Tamron 90mm 2.8. It's well below your budget maximum and can be found for less during Tamron's rebate season. Also consider Sigma's 50mm 2.8 EX. I have both the Tamron and Sigma. Both are excellent at max aperture and either one could double as a fine portrait lens, depending on how much of the model you're trying to isolate. Considering how inexpensive they are, you really can't go wrong. The only criticism of the Sigma is that, while it does come with a hood, it can not be stored in reverse position on the lens. It's the screw-in variety, not bayonet. Not a big deal - I just store the two pieces in a padded lens pouch when traveling.

10-14-2014, 05:27 PM	#11
old4570 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 2,551	$500 So many choices , just Troll Ebay , read some reviews , and make an educated choice .. As for the kit lenses , ( What U talking about ? ) The 18-55 Kit lens makes an excellent entry level Macro lens .. All you need is a +4 Close focus filter up front , or a +8 close focus filter and your ready to go .. And you can still use autofocus if you wish , ( Within the Focus distance - now more macro ) Again , there is a decent choice of lenses on Ebay .. Lots of Pentax 100mm Macro lenses , some Tamron 90mm SP Di lenses , and very few Sigma 105 lenses ( Sigma being out of production now ) + There are the 1970's and 80's Manual focus lenses , some of which have collector status , so some what inflated $$ making the Pentax 100mm F2.8 Macro lenses look like a better option . So $10 for some close focus filters , or around $350 for a used 100mm Pentax or new Tamron 90mm SP Di , or some other option , which there are plenty off .

10-14-2014, 07:39 PM	#12
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	There is a D FA 50mm f/2.8 on eBay right now with no bids. Search for item #141438812180 and it will come up.

10-15-2014, 06:46 AM - 1 Like	#13
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	The SMC-M Macro 1:4 50mm & 100mm manual primes are fantastic lenses. A faster prime would be advantageous if you were going to use extension tubes.

10-15-2014, 12:12 PM	#14
NicoleC Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 448	Used Pentax DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro or Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro All in all, I prefer the Pentax over the Sigma.