advice on macro lens for a K1000

JoanArkham · 07-17-2019, 10:00 AM

Hello! I don't know why it's taken me so long to find this forum - I've been shooting with various K1000s as my main camera since 1995. I've never bought any additional lenses for them though - people used to just give them away with lenses for free or close to it! Now I want to explore some macro photography, and using the resources on this site I'm 99% sure this lens will work with my K1000 but I just wanted to check with the experts before pulling the trigger on the purchase. Any advice is welcomed! Thanks!

https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%201138425.html?

Adam · 07-17-2019, 10:18 AM - **1 Like**

Yes, the lens will most certainly work. Just bear in mind that this is only a 1:2 macro, so you might also want to get some extension tubes if you want more magnification.

**tonyzoc** · 07-17-2019, 11:37 AM - **1 Like**

While the 50/4 would probably be my 1st choice...depending on the magnification you want, you could get a K mount bellows for a similar price.

tvdtvdtvd · 07-17-2019, 12:51 PM - **1 Like**

That is a fine lens at a very good price. I wouldn't be too concerned that it is 'only' 1:2 max magnification. It will allow you to get much closer than your
non-macro lenses and the results will help inform how you may wish to push forward in the future. That said, if you have a specific goal in mind then a
more specific solution might be recommended.

JoanArkham · 07-17-2019, 01:06 PM

Thanks, all! My eventual goal is to stage and shoot miniature sets/dollhouses, but for right now I'm just thinking about trying something new. (Most of what I shoot now is architectural/urban ruins/cemeteries, usually with a zoom lens.)

tvdtvdtvd · 07-17-2019, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by JoanArkham

Thanks, all! My eventual goal is to stage and shoot miniature sets/dollhouses,

For that scale the 50/4 should perform nicely. Good luck and have fun.

**K-Three** · 07-17-2019, 08:09 PM

The 50mm will work fine,
A longer lens, 100mm f/4 or f/2.8 macro, will get you the same magnification, with greater working distance, important for getting light on your subject.
The 100mm f/4 M macro is a great lens, and can be found reasonably priced.

**pentaxus** · 07-18-2019, 07:43 AM

Another vote for the 100mm macro. It keeps you from casting your shadow onto the subject. Also good for portraits.

**pres589** · 07-18-2019, 08:01 AM

There are so many great macro's on the used market for k-mount cameras like the K1000. Two that I own and like are the Tamron Adaptall 90mm f2.5 and the Kino Precision (sold under a number of brands, mine is Ricoh) 105mm f2.8. The Tamron is pretty small and great to carry, the Kino is much larger physically but goes to 1:1 magnification without additional hardware and is a very fine performer optically. Both are around $125 or so in good condition on the used market.

07-17-2019, 10:00 AM	#1
JoanArkham New Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: DC metro area Posts: 5	advice on macro lens for a K1000 Hello! I don't know why it's taken me so long to find this forum - I've been shooting with various K1000s as my main camera since 1995. I've never bought any additional lenses for them though - people used to just give them away with lenses for free or close to it! Now I want to explore some macro photography, and using the resources on this site I'm 99% sure this lens will work with my K1000 but I just wanted to check with the experts before pulling the trigger on the purchase. Any advice is welcomed! Thanks! https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%201138425.html?

07-17-2019, 10:18 AM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Yes, the lens will most certainly work. Just bear in mind that this is only a 1:2 macro, so you might also want to get some extension tubes if you want more magnification. 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:

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07-17-2019, 11:37 AM - 1 Like	#3
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 992	While the 50/4 would probably be my 1st choice...depending on the magnification you want, you could get a K mount bellows for a similar price.

07-17-2019, 12:51 PM - 1 Like	#4
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	That is a fine lens at a very good price. I wouldn't be too concerned that it is 'only' 1:2 max magnification. It will allow you to get much closer than your non-macro lenses and the results will help inform how you may wish to push forward in the future. That said, if you have a specific goal in mind then a more specific solution might be recommended.

07-17-2019, 01:06 PM	#5
JoanArkham New Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: DC metro area Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks, all! My eventual goal is to stage and shoot miniature sets/dollhouses, but for right now I'm just thinking about trying something new. (Most of what I shoot now is architectural/urban ruins/cemeteries, usually with a zoom lens.)

07-17-2019, 03:07 PM	#6
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by JoanArkham Thanks, all! My eventual goal is to stage and shoot miniature sets/dollhouses, For that scale the 50/4 should perform nicely. Good luck and have fun.

07-17-2019, 08:09 PM	#7
K-Three Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pugetopolis, WA Photos: Gallery Posts: 938	The 50mm will work fine, A longer lens, 100mm f/4 or f/2.8 macro, will get you the same magnification, with greater working distance, important for getting light on your subject. The 100mm f/4 M macro is a great lens, and can be found reasonably priced.

07-18-2019, 07:43 AM	#8
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,313	Another vote for the 100mm macro. It keeps you from casting your shadow onto the subject. Also good for portraits.

07-18-2019, 08:01 AM	#9
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	There are so many great macro's on the used market for k-mount cameras like the K1000. Two that I own and like are the Tamron Adaptall 90mm f2.5 and the Kino Precision (sold under a number of brands, mine is Ricoh) 105mm f2.8. The Tamron is pretty small and great to carry, the Kino is much larger physically but goes to 1:1 magnification without additional hardware and is a very fine performer optically. Both are around $125 or so in good condition on the used market.