Macro Cheap (< $100) Macro solution.

bluestringer · 06-19-2015, 05:46 AM

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The Pentax-M 100 f4 is a great lens. You can make it 1:1 with a 50mm extension tube. I have used two cheap 2x converters with the glass removed for extension tubes.

hoopsontoast · 06-19-2015, 06:35 AM

I have had great results with both the Raynox DCR-250 and Sigma AML-2. Notably with the K85 and FA135. Of course, a MF lens will be a big advantage here, and a cheap K-series is a good call as they have very long focus throw and being well built they don't wobble at all.

I like the Raynox as its very flexible as it just fits on the end of the lens (filter thread from 52mm to 67mm IIRC) where as the AML-2 only fits 49mm filters although you can get step up/down adapters. The AML-2 is very well made though, full metal build and very solid feeling (bought to use with my Sigma DP3M)

First three with the Raynox DCR-250.

FA135

With the K85

with the F70-210 (higher magnification of the plant above)

And K85 with the Sigma AML-2

**UncleVanya** · 06-22-2015, 09:29 AM

Simply add a short extension tube to the 100 f/4 and it is able to do 1:1; alternately add a Raynox 150 or 250 to increase options.

osv · 06-22-2015, 10:05 AM

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52B/52BB) Lens Reviews - Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

should be able to do it for $100 or less, and it rocks on 36mp ff, the sharpest glass i've ever put on the a7r... it also works at all distances, not just macro.

downside is that it's not 1:1, and watch out for light haze on the inner elements.

pentasonic49 · 06-22-2015, 12:53 PM

As a stopgap, you could get a set of extension tubes, either M42 or preferably PK as your M42 adaptor can sit on the end. Any lens will focus closer, a standard 50mm only needs an equivalent length of tubes to reach 1:1. Results will be better with primes and could easily be 85% of proper macro quality.

bertwert · 06-22-2015, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by pentasonic49

As a stopgap, you could get a set of extension tubes, either M42 or preferably PK as your M42 adaptor can sit on the end. Any lens will focus closer, a standard 50mm only needs an equivalent length of tubes to reach 1:1. Results will be better with primes and could easily be 85% of proper macro quality.

If I got a cheap 50mm prime and a 50mm extension tube, that would be a 100mm 1:1 lens?

**UncleVanya** · 06-22-2015, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

If I got a cheap 50mm prime and a 50mm extension tube, that would be a 100mm 1:1 lens?

No it would be a 50mm 1:1 lens. Same magnification as any lens at 1:1. The difference between a 100mm and 50mm macro at 1:1 is the working distance. The 50mm combo will need to be closer to the subject to get the 1:1 image.

But as stated earlier a 100mm 1:2 lens only needs a short extension (I think 50mm as it turns out) to get from 1:2 to 1:1.

---------- Post added 06-22-15 at 05:18 PM ----------

Another approach that is cheap, light and fun is to get some extension tubes and an enlarging lens.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/177-macro-photography/285041-lightweight-macro.html

This setup cost me very little since I already had acquired the M42 adapter; well under $100 all in.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 06-22-2015 at 02:22 PM.

bertwert · 06-22-2015, 04:40 PM

Would bellows, opposed to extension tubes, be useful for macro work?\
http://www.amazon.ca/Fotodiox-Macro-Bellows-Pentax-Samsung/dp/B003EDWHYC

old4570 · 06-23-2015, 05:23 AM

Close up filters will get you in the game ...

Not a Number · 06-23-2015, 08:11 AM

Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear

bertwert · 06-23-2015, 09:01 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear

Macro work is more around my land.

**UncleVanya** · 06-23-2015, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear

I enjoyed using bellows with my film cameras but I have had limited need since I have a dedicated macro lens. I had a cute small simple bellows for my Nikons. I have a much more capable Pentax Bellows but it is so much bigger and more complicated that I find I'm less willing to get it out.

If you go bellows - I suggest the first foray into this area would be served best by a light and cheap one. You can add a focusing rail as you determine if you need it. Additionally a short extension tube is useful to permit it to mount easily without running into the pentaprism overhang. Great deals can be found on M42 versions which work great if your plan is to use reversed lenses or enlarging lenses.

06-19-2015, 06:35 AM	#17
hoopsontoast Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 861	I have had great results with both the Raynox DCR-250 and Sigma AML-2. Notably with the K85 and FA135. Of course, a MF lens will be a big advantage here, and a cheap K-series is a good call as they have very long focus throw and being well built they don't wobble at all. I like the Raynox as its very flexible as it just fits on the end of the lens (filter thread from 52mm to 67mm IIRC) where as the AML-2 only fits 49mm filters although you can get step up/down adapters. The AML-2 is very well made though, full metal build and very solid feeling (bought to use with my Sigma DP3M) First three with the Raynox DCR-250. FA135 With the K85 with the F70-210 (higher magnification of the plant above) And K85 with the Sigma AML-2 Last edited by hoopsontoast; 06-19-2015 at 06:44 AM.

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06-19-2015, 05:46 AM	#16
bluestringer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cotton fields of South Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,748	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. The Pentax-M 100 f4 is a great lens. You can make it 1:1 with a 50mm extension tube. I have used two cheap 2x converters with the glass removed for extension tubes.

06-22-2015, 09:29 AM	#18
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Simply add a short extension tube to the 100 f/4 and it is able to do 1:1; alternately add a Raynox 150 or 250 to increase options.

06-22-2015, 10:05 AM	#19
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52B/52BB) Lens Reviews - Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database should be able to do it for $100 or less, and it rocks on 36mp ff, the sharpest glass i've ever put on the a7r... it also works at all distances, not just macro. downside is that it's not 1:1, and watch out for light haze on the inner elements.

06-22-2015, 12:53 PM	#20
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	As a stopgap, you could get a set of extension tubes, either M42 or preferably PK as your M42 adaptor can sit on the end. Any lens will focus closer, a standard 50mm only needs an equivalent length of tubes to reach 1:1. Results will be better with primes and could easily be 85% of proper macro quality.

06-22-2015, 01:37 PM	#21
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172 Original Poster	Originally posted by pentasonic49 As a stopgap, you could get a set of extension tubes, either M42 or preferably PK as your M42 adaptor can sit on the end. Any lens will focus closer, a standard 50mm only needs an equivalent length of tubes to reach 1:1. Results will be better with primes and could easily be 85% of proper macro quality. If I got a cheap 50mm prime and a 50mm extension tube, that would be a 100mm 1:1 lens?

06-22-2015, 02:16 PM	#22
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Originally posted by bertwert If I got a cheap 50mm prime and a 50mm extension tube, that would be a 100mm 1:1 lens? No it would be a 50mm 1:1 lens. Same magnification as any lens at 1:1. The difference between a 100mm and 50mm macro at 1:1 is the working distance. The 50mm combo will need to be closer to the subject to get the 1:1 image. But as stated earlier a 100mm 1:2 lens only needs a short extension (I think 50mm as it turns out) to get from 1:2 to 1:1. ---------- Post added 06-22-15 at 05:18 PM ---------- Another approach that is cheap, light and fun is to get some extension tubes and an enlarging lens. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/177-macro-photography/285041-lightweight-macro.html This setup cost me very little since I already had acquired the M42 adapter; well under $100 all in. Last edited by UncleVanya; 06-22-2015 at 02:22 PM.

06-22-2015, 04:40 PM	#23
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172 Original Poster	Would bellows, opposed to extension tubes, be useful for macro work?\ http://www.amazon.ca/Fotodiox-Macro-Bellows-Pentax-Samsung/dp/B003EDWHYC

06-23-2015, 05:23 AM	#24
old4570 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 2,551	Close up filters will get you in the game ...

06-23-2015, 08:11 AM	#25
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear

06-23-2015, 09:01 AM	#26
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear Macro work is more around my land.

06-23-2015, 09:03 AM	#27
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Originally posted by Not a Number Bellows are the most flexible solution but they are bulky and fragile. While it is possible to shoot hand-held a tripod (and focus-rail) will give you the best results. Maybe not the best equipment to take into the wilderness without an assistant to help you schlep around the gear I enjoyed using bellows with my film cameras but I have had limited need since I have a dedicated macro lens. I had a cute small simple bellows for my Nikons. I have a much more capable Pentax Bellows but it is so much bigger and more complicated that I find I'm less willing to get it out. If you go bellows - I suggest the first foray into this area would be served best by a light and cheap one. You can add a focusing rail as you determine if you need it. Additionally a short extension tube is useful to permit it to mount easily without running into the pentaprism overhang. Great deals can be found on M42 versions which work great if your plan is to use reversed lenses or enlarging lenses.