Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

PentaxForums-User · 06-15-2009, 06:41 PM

I'm looking to buy a MACRO LENS, but also want it to double for a nice portrait lens, with great bokeh. Prefer Auto-Focus, ...manual or screw mount is ok if it is a killer lens.

What are your suggestions?

**Digitalis** · 06-15-2009, 06:49 PM

your choices are pretty obvious, it's either the D-FA 100mm f/2.8 mcaro or the DA35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro. I don't own either lens but I'm sure if you talk to someone who does they'll fill you in on what they are capable of doing.

**Canada_Rockies** · 06-15-2009, 06:51 PM

35mm is quite short for a portrait lens. It will be difficult to get the best perspective. I, personally, would check out the 50mm macros. I am sure there are sample shots on this forum somewhere from several of them.

jslifoaw · 06-15-2009, 06:55 PM

The Zeiss 50mm F/2 Makro-Planar seems like a good candidate.

I have the FA50/2.8 Macro and I can't see myself needing an F/1.x lens in addition.

**Ash** · 06-15-2009, 07:00 PM

To me, the longer the better for portraiture - and it also eases macro work IMO.

So I'd recommend the D-FA or FA 100/2.8 macro for AF, even a Sigma 180 macro is a possibility if you prefer it that long. I think even the 50/2.8 macros are a little short, but it depends what suits you in the style of portraiture you're into doing.

MF gems include the Kiron/Vivitar/Lester Dine 105/2.8 macro or the Voigtlander 125

asdf · 06-15-2009, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by Ash

So I'd recommend the D-FA or FA 100/2.8 macro for AF, even a Sigma 180 macro is a possibility if you prefer it that long.

The nice thing about FA 100 f/2.8 is that it has a focus limiter, unlike the DFA.

Pentax SMC-FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Lab Test Report

Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Test Report

**Digitalis** · 06-15-2009, 07:06 PM

some of you people think a 35 is too short for portraits?

I did THIS...

...with the FA31

Marc Sabatella · 06-15-2009, 07:07 PM

Seems odd to me that no one has mentioned the Sigma 70 macro - seems the no-brainer choice to me.

**Digitalis** · 06-15-2009, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

Seems odd to me that no one has mentioned the Sigma 70 macro - seems the no-brainer choice to me.

or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro - which is well known for the quality of it's bokeh.

ll_coffee_lP · 06-15-2009, 07:18 PM

No one mentioned the Sigma 70 macro yet because Jsherman and I (and a few others) hadn't seen this thread yet

Sigma 70mm macro is your most likely candidate. Tamron 90mm macro if you want a bit longer reach. Do a Sigma 70mm search in this forum for plenty-o posts that have lots of great pics.

You won't be disappointed.

c[_]

stl09 · 06-15-2009, 07:45 PM

I have the 100mm f2.8 macro lens that I got from a fellow member and its a fantastic lens. The clarity is beyond belief.

I also picked up the 50mm 1.4 strictly for portraits based on many recommendations from fellow members. Again a fantastic lens.

If you can post on the wanted list you will get an answer usually with an offer that's too good to pass up.

Good luck

Originally posted by PentaxForums-User

I'm looking to buy a MACRO LENS, but also want it to double for a nice portrait lens, with great bokeh. Prefer Auto-Focus, ...manual or screw mount is ok if it is a killer lens.

What are your suggestions?

maxwell1295 · 06-15-2009, 07:54 PM

DA35 Macro Limited

It's short for portraits, but good for closeups and for head & shoulder or torso shots. Something in the 50-90mm range would work well, but the DA35 is a quality lens that's a great all-around solution.

jsherman999 · 06-15-2009, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by ll_coffee_lP

No one mentioned the Sigma 70 macro yet because Jsherman and I (and a few others) hadn't seen this thread yet

Sigma 70mm macro is your most likely candidate. Tamron 90mm macro if you want a bit longer reach. Do a Sigma 70mm search in this forum for plenty-o posts that have lots of great pics.

You won't be disappointed.

c[_]

sychen · 06-15-2009, 08:50 PM

I love my Voigtlander 125mm Macro for portraits and macro.. though I don't shoot many portraits.

Cheers

Venturi · 06-15-2009, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by Digitalis

or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro - which is well known for the quality of it's bokeh.

This is exactly what I was about to recommend. The shorter lenses are just fine for *some* portrait work but I personally would not want to work that close on a regular basis for portraits. Nor would I routinely want to be doing macro (1:1) with that short of a lens.

From my Tamron SP 90/2.8 Di:

Ditto, this one's almost *all* bokeh:

06-15-2009, 06:41 PM	#1
PentaxForums-User Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 263	Best COMBO Macro AND Portrait Lens(es)? I'm looking to buy a MACRO LENS, but also want it to double for a nice portrait lens, with great bokeh. Prefer Auto-Focus, ...manual or screw mount is ok if it is a killer lens. What are your suggestions?

06-15-2009, 07:45 PM	#11
stl09 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 487	Lens choice I have the 100mm f2.8 macro lens that I got from a fellow member and its a fantastic lens. The clarity is beyond belief. I also picked up the 50mm 1.4 strictly for portraits based on many recommendations from fellow members. Again a fantastic lens. If you can post on the wanted list you will get an answer usually with an offer that's too good to pass up. Good luck Originally posted by PentaxForums-User I'm looking to buy a MACRO LENS, but also want it to double for a nice portrait lens, with great bokeh. Prefer Auto-Focus, ...manual or screw mount is ok if it is a killer lens. What are your suggestions?

06-15-2009, 08:03 PM	#13
jsherman999 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,237	Sigma 70 f/2.8 macro, people Originally posted by ll_coffee_lP No one mentioned the Sigma 70 macro yet because Jsherman and I (and a few others) hadn't seen this thread yet Sigma 70mm macro is your most likely candidate. Tamron 90mm macro if you want a bit longer reach. Do a Sigma 70mm search in this forum for plenty-o posts that have lots of great pics. You won't be disappointed. c[_]

06-15-2009, 09:12 PM	#15
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	Originally posted by Digitalis or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro - which is well known for the quality of it's bokeh. This is exactly what I was about to recommend. The shorter lenses are just fine for some portrait work but I personally would not want to work that close on a regular basis for portraits. Nor would I routinely want to be doing macro (1:1) with that short of a lens. From my Tamron SP 90/2.8 Di: Ditto, this one's almost all bokeh: Last edited by Venturi; 07-20-2009 at 07:39 AM. Reason: photos moved

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The right macro/portrait lens?	Stiv	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	39	09-21-2010 04:44 PM
Cactus KF36 Portrait Flash Combo	Class A	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	0	07-04-2009 08:35 PM
Portrait Lens and Macro	metalfab	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	05-15-2008 12:12 AM
For Sale - Sold: K1000, Panagor 1:1 Macro, Ring flash Combo	HogRider	Sold Items	2	03-30-2007 08:13 AM

06-15-2009, 06:49 PM	#2
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	your choices are pretty obvious, it's either the D-FA 100mm f/2.8 mcaro or the DA35mm f/2.8 Limited Macro. I don't own either lens but I'm sure if you talk to someone who does they'll fill you in on what they are capable of doing.

06-15-2009, 06:51 PM	#3
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	35mm is quite short for a portrait lens. It will be difficult to get the best perspective. I, personally, would check out the 50mm macros. I am sure there are sample shots on this forum somewhere from several of them.

06-15-2009, 06:55 PM	#4
jslifoaw Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto/Victoria Posts: 460	The Zeiss 50mm F/2 Makro-Planar seems like a good candidate. I have the FA50/2.8 Macro and I can't see myself needing an F/1.x lens in addition.

06-15-2009, 07:00 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	To me, the longer the better for portraiture - and it also eases macro work IMO. So I'd recommend the D-FA or FA 100/2.8 macro for AF, even a Sigma 180 macro is a possibility if you prefer it that long. I think even the 50/2.8 macros are a little short, but it depends what suits you in the style of portraiture you're into doing. MF gems include the Kiron/Vivitar/Lester Dine 105/2.8 macro or the Voigtlander 125

06-15-2009, 07:03 PM	#6
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by Ash So I'd recommend the D-FA or FA 100/2.8 macro for AF, even a Sigma 180 macro is a possibility if you prefer it that long. The nice thing about FA 100 f/2.8 is that it has a focus limiter, unlike the DFA. Pentax SMC-FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Lab Test Report Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Test Report

06-15-2009, 07:06 PM	#7
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	some of you people think a 35 is too short for portraits? I did THIS... ...with the FA31

06-15-2009, 07:07 PM	#8
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Seems odd to me that no one has mentioned the Sigma 70 macro - seems the no-brainer choice to me.

06-15-2009, 07:10 PM	#9
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella Seems odd to me that no one has mentioned the Sigma 70 macro - seems the no-brainer choice to me. or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro - which is well known for the quality of it's bokeh.

06-15-2009, 07:18 PM	#10
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	No one mentioned the Sigma 70 macro yet because Jsherman and I (and a few others) hadn't seen this thread yet Sigma 70mm macro is your most likely candidate. Tamron 90mm macro if you want a bit longer reach. Do a Sigma 70mm search in this forum for plenty-o posts that have lots of great pics. You won't be disappointed. c[_]

06-15-2009, 07:54 PM	#12
maxwell1295 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, New York Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,703	DA35 Macro Limited It's short for portraits, but good for closeups and for head & shoulder or torso shots. Something in the 50-90mm range would work well, but the DA35 is a quality lens that's a great all-around solution.

06-15-2009, 08:50 PM	#14
sychen Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 120	I love my Voigtlander 125mm Macro for portraits and macro.. though I don't shoot many portraits. Cheers

Best COMBO Macro AND Portrait Lens(es)?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!