Beginner Macro lens or tube?

**aslyfox** · 08-05-2017, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by normhead

Forgive me if I don't read all the responses.

My first choice would be a DFA 100 macro-WR, for ti's weight and size, and the weather sealing/
Barring that my next choice would be the Tamron 90 macro, a lens rated very highly on every platform it's been released on.
Third would be the Sigma 70 macro... a little short for a K-1 but functional on an APS-c sensor, and also ver highly regarded. It is used to determine relative sensor scores on Imaging Resources.
FA 50 macro, the last lens I'd recommend and already starting to get into a range for which you need to be really close to your subject.

All of these lenses are top notch, can be used as walk around lenses as well as macros, and should give you a feel for macro and what you might want to do. All of them work really well with TC. We use them with the F 1.7x AF adapter and HD DA 1.4 TC to increase magnification. For the two shooters in my family , none of us has ever felt the need to go beyond those lenses for what we do, but macro extension tubes or bellows are also an option. . . .

My own personal preference would be the DFA 100 macro WR, but it's also by far the most expensive. It's also the longest allowing me to try and get images without disturbing my subjects. . . .

just curious

you would take the third party lenses - Tamron and Sigma - over the non WR 100 macro???

SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - D FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

I know it isn't the most recent "edition" of the 100 macro but ???

full disclosure, I have the non WR 100 macro

Last edited by aslyfox; 08-05-2017 at 01:58 PM.

BrianR · 08-05-2017, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

just curious

you would take the third party lenses - Tamron and Sigma - over the non WR 100 macro???

I've used neither the Tamron nor the Sigma, but it's not a trade I would make. Part of the DFA100mm's charm is its size and weight, both the WR and the non-WR versions share this. Optically I'm sure I'd be happy with the Tamron or Sigma, but the DFA100mm's are just so cute and nice to hold. Money could be a factor, I decided to pay the premium at the time for the Pentax, and I've no regrets.

About the only thing I'd trade my non-WR DFA100mm for would be the WR version, and this would only be after getting my grubby hands on a DFA50mm macro. I do use the aperture ring on my DFA100mm on tubes and bellows, but the 50mm would be better suited for this so I'd be willing to make the trade on the 100mm front for the weather sealing and nicer feeling build.

normhead · 08-05-2017, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by BrianR

I've used neither the Tamron nor the Sigma, but it's not a trade I would make. Part of the DFA100mm's charm is its size and weight, both the WR and the non-WR versions share this. Optically I'm sure I'd be happy with the Tamron or Sigma, but the DFA100mm's are just so cute and nice to hold. Money could be a factor, I decided to pay the premium at the time for the Pentax, and I've no regrets.

About the only thing I'd trade my non-WR DFA100mm for would be the WR version, and this would only be after getting my grubby hands on a DFA50mm macro. I do use the aperture ring on my DFA100mm on tubes and bellows, but the 50mm would be better suited for this so I'd be willing to make the trade on the 100mm front for the weather sealing and nicer feeling build.

I'm with Brian, I have the Sigma, the Tamron and the FA 50 macro, and my next purchase will likely be the 100. I want it for it's size, weight, reach and water resistance. The Sigma is too big. The Tamron is a great lens but it's not water resistent and it's bigger. All our favourite lenses go out in the fog, dew and sometimes spray. WR would save a lot of worry. Also with the 100 and my two TCs, I have the choice of 140mm ƒ4 or 170mm ƒ 4.5. Those are focal lengths it's hard to cover with Pentax right now, if you want to shoot primes.

Wheatfield · 08-05-2017, 11:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by following.eric

hey guys

What would be the best step to get me started on macro. Just looking to expand on something to shoot. and not sure if finding a good deal on a 100mm macro lens be better or would buying some tubes and attaching that me cheaper and better to get me started.

Kit is k70 10-17mm, Simga 17-50 f2.8, Pentax A-50mm 1.7

Got loads of flowers in the garden and figured its a good cloudy day/rainy day activity.

You are going to end up with a macro lens at some point, it may as well be sooner rather than later. If I could do it again, I wouldn't bother with tubes.
I also get a fair amount of use out of a bellows, but a macro lens is probably going to get used more.

**aslyfox** · 08-06-2017, 02:11 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

to the OP and others viewing this thread:

while saving up for macro photography equipment,

may I suggest you look at some of the threads on the forums such as these:

Show me your insects - PentaxForums.com

Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com

Insects - PentaxForums.com

and look at what some people have been able to get without using a true macro lens

some time by cropping

some times not

not a substitute for a true macro lens true but still some good photography

the cost of some of the lenses used might exceed your budget but perhaps not

and some of the lenses used would give your options beyond macro

and bonus, you get to see some great photos

[ some advice, skip my efforts for the most part

and concentrate on the ones posted in those threads by good photographers ]

I don't believe I left out a reference to this thread when I was suggesting threads for folks to look at to see macro and non macro but cropped photos:

Pollinators in action - PentaxForums.com

especially in light to the reference by the OP to the flower garden:

Originally posted by following.eric

Got loads of flowers in the garden and figured its a good cloudy day/rainy day activity.

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08-05-2017, 01:53 PM	#46
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by normhead Forgive me if I don't read all the responses. My first choice would be a DFA 100 macro-WR, for ti's weight and size, and the weather sealing/ Barring that my next choice would be the Tamron 90 macro, a lens rated very highly on every platform it's been released on. Third would be the Sigma 70 macro... a little short for a K-1 but functional on an APS-c sensor, and also ver highly regarded. It is used to determine relative sensor scores on Imaging Resources. FA 50 macro, the last lens I'd recommend and already starting to get into a range for which you need to be really close to your subject. All of these lenses are top notch, can be used as walk around lenses as well as macros, and should give you a feel for macro and what you might want to do. All of them work really well with TC. We use them with the F 1.7x AF adapter and HD DA 1.4 TC to increase magnification. For the two shooters in my family , none of us has ever felt the need to go beyond those lenses for what we do, but macro extension tubes or bellows are also an option. . . . My own personal preference would be the DFA 100 macro WR, but it's also by far the most expensive. It's also the longest allowing me to try and get images without disturbing my subjects. . . . just curious you would take the third party lenses - Tamron and Sigma - over the non WR 100 macro??? SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - D FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database I know it isn't the most recent "edition" of the 100 macro but ??? full disclosure, I have the non WR 100 macro Last edited by aslyfox; 08-05-2017 at 01:58 PM.

08-05-2017, 02:22 PM	#47
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	Originally posted by Aslyfox just curious you would take the third party lenses - Tamron and Sigma - over the non WR 100 macro??? I've used neither the Tamron nor the Sigma, but it's not a trade I would make. Part of the DFA100mm's charm is its size and weight, both the WR and the non-WR versions share this. Optically I'm sure I'd be happy with the Tamron or Sigma, but the DFA100mm's are just so cute and nice to hold. Money could be a factor, I decided to pay the premium at the time for the Pentax, and I've no regrets. About the only thing I'd trade my non-WR DFA100mm for would be the WR version, and this would only be after getting my grubby hands on a DFA50mm macro. I do use the aperture ring on my DFA100mm on tubes and bellows, but the 50mm would be better suited for this so I'd be willing to make the trade on the 100mm front for the weather sealing and nicer feeling build.

08-05-2017, 02:49 PM	#48
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by BrianR I've used neither the Tamron nor the Sigma, but it's not a trade I would make. Part of the DFA100mm's charm is its size and weight, both the WR and the non-WR versions share this. Optically I'm sure I'd be happy with the Tamron or Sigma, but the DFA100mm's are just so cute and nice to hold. Money could be a factor, I decided to pay the premium at the time for the Pentax, and I've no regrets. About the only thing I'd trade my non-WR DFA100mm for would be the WR version, and this would only be after getting my grubby hands on a DFA50mm macro. I do use the aperture ring on my DFA100mm on tubes and bellows, but the 50mm would be better suited for this so I'd be willing to make the trade on the 100mm front for the weather sealing and nicer feeling build. I'm with Brian, I have the Sigma, the Tamron and the FA 50 macro, and my next purchase will likely be the 100. I want it for it's size, weight, reach and water resistance. The Sigma is too big. The Tamron is a great lens but it's not water resistent and it's bigger. All our favourite lenses go out in the fog, dew and sometimes spray. WR would save a lot of worry. Also with the 100 and my two TCs, I have the choice of 140mm ƒ4 or 170mm ƒ 4.5. Those are focal lengths it's hard to cover with Pentax right now, if you want to shoot primes.

08-05-2017, 11:15 PM - 1 Like	#49
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Originally posted by following.eric hey guys What would be the best step to get me started on macro. Just looking to expand on something to shoot. and not sure if finding a good deal on a 100mm macro lens be better or would buying some tubes and attaching that me cheaper and better to get me started. Kit is k70 10-17mm, Simga 17-50 f2.8, Pentax A-50mm 1.7 Got loads of flowers in the garden and figured its a good cloudy day/rainy day activity. You are going to end up with a macro lens at some point, it may as well be sooner rather than later. If I could do it again, I wouldn't bother with tubes. I also get a fair amount of use out of a bellows, but a macro lens is probably going to get used more.

08-06-2017, 02:11 AM	#50
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by Aslyfox to the OP and others viewing this thread: while saving up for macro photography equipment, may I suggest you look at some of the threads on the forums such as these: Show me your insects - PentaxForums.com Post your HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW pictures! - PentaxForums.com Insects - PentaxForums.com and look at what some people have been able to get without using a true macro lens some time by cropping some times not not a substitute for a true macro lens true but still some good photography the cost of some of the lenses used might exceed your budget but perhaps not and some of the lenses used would give your options beyond macro and bonus, you get to see some great photos [ some advice, skip my efforts for the most part and concentrate on the ones posted in those threads by good photographers ] I don't believe I left out a reference to this thread when I was suggesting threads for folks to look at to see macro and non macro but cropped photos: Pollinators in action - PentaxForums.com especially in light to the reference by the OP to the flower garden: Originally posted by following.eric Got loads of flowers in the garden and figured its a good cloudy day/rainy day activity.