Macro lens Help

yeatzee · 02-05-2009, 01:19 PM

I love macro work, but because of my age (15), and the fact that money is kind of tight around here I have had to make do with my kit 18-55 lens for my K200d. Well now that I've been getting more students to teach guitar to, I will have enough finally for a macro lens.

I'm currently looking into these three:

Sigma 105mm:
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Medium-Telephoto-Samsung-Cameras/dp/B0002P19YE/r...3865210&sr=1-1

Pentax 100mm:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-100mm-Samsung-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0002YE65Y/ref...3865246&sr=1-1

And the Tamron 90mm:
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-Di/dp/B0007YZLIK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8...3865246&sr=1-3

Which is the best? If you have any experience with any of the above please give your account on said lens. I'd love to hear your experience with whatever lens you have used.

Thanks,
Tanner

**pentaxman** · 02-05-2009, 01:39 PM

With the $60 rebate on the Tamron:http://www.tamron.com/lenses/rebates.asp

, plus a 6 year US warranty- it is an amazing value. It also has outstanding test results:

http://www.photodo.com/product_521_p3.html

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro (Pentax) - Lab Test Report / Review

yeatzee · 02-05-2009, 02:11 PM

My only problem is the build quality and the fact that its 90mm.

Its almost 100% plastic.......

Also, since macro work with insects means getting the shot without scaring them, is 90mm enough?

The price is about the same as the pentax and sigma which are both made of metal, which seems kind of odd.

Any experience with any of these lenses first hand?

UpNorth · 02-05-2009, 02:44 PM

Just a heads-up that there has been some discussion lately about the dealer that pops up on the Pentax lense. You might want to look this thread over as part of your research.....

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/48898-k20d-dealer-prophotobags.html

Tim

BBear · 02-05-2009, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by yeatzee

Also, since macro work with insects means getting the shot without scaring them, is 90mm enough?

I have the DFA 100mm because I had the same intuition about using 100mm (as opposed to 50mm) for macro, but what I found out is that even on 100mm, you are too damn close to the subject if you want to get 1:1 (at least on the DFA 100mm).

Based on that, I think 100mm x 90mm will result in very close focusing either way... to be confirmed by macro specialist, of course!

GLXLR · 02-05-2009, 02:51 PM

To be honest, I felt the build of the Pentax 100mm was sturdy and very VERY light, although it felt cheap and breakable in my hand, so I ultimately went for the FA-100mm used on ebay. The 90mm diff is almost unoticeable. If you scale it down, it is like comparing the difference between a 45mm and 50mm. Honestly, if you like the build of the 100mm, then go for it.

yeatzee · 02-05-2009, 03:08 PM

Alright so does anyone have any experience with the Sigma 105mm?

Out of the Pentax and the sigma which one is better over all since I can get both for the same price? I'd like to narrow down my choices.

Thanks guys.

dws1117 · 02-05-2009, 04:01 PM

I had the Sigma. Can't compare with the others becasue I've never had them. It is a good lens. Very sturdy and very good build quality. The IQ is excellent. Much better than I could make it do.

yeatzee · 02-05-2009, 06:13 PM

Anymore stuff on the Sigma? Too bad I can't try them in person......

I think it's going to be either the tamron or sigma....does that sound like a fair decision?

So since both are about the same price, which one has the edge in image quality/sharpness/bokeh?

Thanks for the help so farr....

Tanner

Peter Zack · 02-05-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm a Sigma owner and would highly recommend the lens. I've used all three I'd put the Pentax and Sigma tied for first and The Tamron is a close second but frankly I won't recommend Tamron much any longer if it's a plastic body lens. They can't hold up to long term heavy use in my experience.

I have 5 Sigma lenses (I've owned many more as well) and all are solid, sharp units that have had very heavy use. Always produce solid images with great colour and sharpness.

Peter Zack · 02-05-2009, 06:30 PM

A couple samples

audiobomber · 02-05-2009, 07:47 PM

All three are good lenses, there's no doubt about that. I chose the Pentax because it's the smallest of the three, it has a 49mm filter size like my other primes, and it's a Pentax.

It's sharper than my FA 50mm at F5.6. Here are a couple of samples.

Links for those who can't see Picasa photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/ScienceNorth#5287135642990076402
http://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/ScienceNorth#5287135886756100994

yeatzee · 02-05-2009, 08:42 PM

Man this is going to be a difficult decision since they are all priced the same.

Im going to need more input on any of the three....

Thanks for contributing btw

dws1117 · 02-05-2009, 08:45 PM

Originally posted by yeatzee

Man this is going to be a difficult decision since they are all priced the same.

Im going to need more input on any of the three....

Thanks for contributing btw

Write all three on a scrap of paper and throw then in a hat then close your eyes and pick one. You can't go wrong with any of them. The images I've seen prove that they are all worth having. Don't stress over a lens. If budget isn't a concern go for broke and get the Sigma 180mm macro.

bwield · 02-05-2009, 08:52 PM

I dont know if I've really ever heard a bad word about any of them.
In the end rest easy knowing that you'll really love the one you get, whichever one it is.
(Personally.. if all is equal than I go with pentax given the chance)

02-05-2009, 01:19 PM	#1
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Macro lens Help I love macro work, but because of my age (15), and the fact that money is kind of tight around here I have had to make do with my kit 18-55 lens for my K200d. Well now that I've been getting more students to teach guitar to, I will have enough finally for a macro lens. I'm currently looking into these three: Sigma 105mm: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Medium-Telephoto-Samsung-Cameras/dp/B0002P19YE/r...3865210&sr=1-1 Pentax 100mm: http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-100mm-Samsung-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0002YE65Y/ref...3865246&sr=1-1 And the Tamron 90mm: http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-Di/dp/B0007YZLIK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8...3865246&sr=1-3 Which is the best? If you have any experience with any of the above please give your account on said lens. I'd love to hear your experience with whatever lens you have used. Thanks, Tanner

02-05-2009, 06:24 PM	#10
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	I'm a Sigma owner and would highly recommend the lens. I've used all three I'd put the Pentax and Sigma tied for first and The Tamron is a close second but frankly I won't recommend Tamron much any longer if it's a plastic body lens. They can't hold up to long term heavy use in my experience. I have 5 Sigma lenses (I've owned many more as well) and all are solid, sharp units that have had very heavy use. Always produce solid images with great colour and sharpness. Last edited by Peter Zack; 02-05-2009 at 08:19 PM.

02-05-2009, 07:47 PM	#12
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	All three are good lenses, there's no doubt about that. I chose the Pentax because it's the smallest of the three, it has a 49mm filter size like my other primes, and it's a Pentax. It's sharper than my FA 50mm at F5.6. Here are a couple of samples. Links for those who can't see Picasa photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/ScienceNorth#5287135642990076402 http://picasaweb.google.com/bonhommed/ScienceNorth#5287135886756100994 Last edited by audiobomber; 02-07-2009 at 08:18 AM.

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02-05-2009, 01:39 PM	#2
pentaxman Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Washington Photos: Gallery Posts: 250	With the $60 rebate on the Tamron:http://www.tamron.com/lenses/rebates.asp , plus a 6 year US warranty- it is an amazing value. It also has outstanding test results: http://www.photodo.com/product_521_p3.html Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro (Pentax) - Lab Test Report / Review

02-05-2009, 02:11 PM	#3
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675 Original Poster	My only problem is the build quality and the fact that its 90mm. Its almost 100% plastic....... Also, since macro work with insects means getting the shot without scaring them, is 90mm enough? The price is about the same as the pentax and sigma which are both made of metal, which seems kind of odd. Any experience with any of these lenses first hand?

02-05-2009, 02:44 PM	#4
UpNorth Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota, U.S.A. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 714	Just a heads-up that there has been some discussion lately about the dealer that pops up on the Pentax lense. You might want to look this thread over as part of your research..... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/48898-k20d-dealer-prophotobags.html Tim

02-05-2009, 02:49 PM	#5
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by yeatzee Also, since macro work with insects means getting the shot without scaring them, is 90mm enough? I have the DFA 100mm because I had the same intuition about using 100mm (as opposed to 50mm) for macro, but what I found out is that even on 100mm, you are too damn close to the subject if you want to get 1:1 (at least on the DFA 100mm). Based on that, I think 100mm x 90mm will result in very close focusing either way... to be confirmed by macro specialist, of course!

02-05-2009, 02:51 PM	#6
GLXLR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 684	To be honest, I felt the build of the Pentax 100mm was sturdy and very VERY light, although it felt cheap and breakable in my hand, so I ultimately went for the FA-100mm used on ebay. The 90mm diff is almost unoticeable. If you scale it down, it is like comparing the difference between a 45mm and 50mm. Honestly, if you like the build of the 100mm, then go for it.

02-05-2009, 03:08 PM	#7
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675 Original Poster	Alright so does anyone have any experience with the Sigma 105mm? Out of the Pentax and the sigma which one is better over all since I can get both for the same price? I'd like to narrow down my choices. Thanks guys.

02-05-2009, 04:01 PM	#8
dws1117 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Spring, TX. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,157	I had the Sigma. Can't compare with the others becasue I've never had them. It is a good lens. Very sturdy and very good build quality. The IQ is excellent. Much better than I could make it do.

02-05-2009, 06:13 PM	#9
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675 Original Poster	Anymore stuff on the Sigma? Too bad I can't try them in person...... I think it's going to be either the tamron or sigma....does that sound like a fair decision? So since both are about the same price, which one has the edge in image quality/sharpness/bokeh? Thanks for the help so farr.... Tanner

02-05-2009, 06:30 PM	#11
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	A couple samples

02-05-2009, 08:42 PM	#13
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675 Original Poster	Man this is going to be a difficult decision since they are all priced the same. Im going to need more input on any of the three.... Thanks for contributing btw

02-05-2009, 08:45 PM	#14
dws1117 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Spring, TX. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,157	Originally posted by yeatzee Man this is going to be a difficult decision since they are all priced the same. Im going to need more input on any of the three.... Thanks for contributing btw Write all three on a scrap of paper and throw then in a hat then close your eyes and pick one. You can't go wrong with any of them. The images I've seen prove that they are all worth having. Don't stress over a lens. If budget isn't a concern go for broke and get the Sigma 180mm macro.

02-05-2009, 08:52 PM	#15
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444	I dont know if I've really ever heard a bad word about any of them. In the end rest easy knowing that you'll really love the one you get, whichever one it is. (Personally.. if all is equal than I go with pentax given the chance)