D-FA 100mm Macro
Posted 20/07/2006 - 08:45
Link
Mike,
Now I understand. Mine is yet a different model to either of the two you mentioned. The second link to the cheaper one is not a macro lens.
I'm sure that mine is either the 70-300mm APO Macro Super or Super II which has different mechanics as I explained previously that has to be 'switched' into macro mode at 300mm. This switch then locks the zoom mechanism at 300mm but the focussing ring will turn further into the close distance range.
I also have a Sigma 135-450mm (non macro) APO lens which is a great performer and light too.
Now I understand. Mine is yet a different model to either of the two you mentioned. The second link to the cheaper one is not a macro lens.
I'm sure that mine is either the 70-300mm APO Macro Super or Super II which has different mechanics as I explained previously that has to be 'switched' into macro mode at 300mm. This switch then locks the zoom mechanism at 300mm but the focussing ring will turn further into the close distance range.
I also have a Sigma 135-450mm (non macro) APO lens which is a great performer and light too.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 20/07/2006 - 13:01
Link
Hi Dan, thanks for the offer, as you will see it below it's not need at the moment.
Just got a phone call from Microglobe, guess what, they don't have the lens in stock and whats more they can't even get a hold of one as it's been discontinued, it's being replaced with the DG version which MIGHT be available in 4 -8 weeks.
Called round a few more suppliers and the best I can get is 4 weeks from Cameraking, although again they list it on their website as instock. The only place that I can see that actually has it in stock is B&H but that's going to prove expensive , what with VAT, import duty and shipping.
Its so frustrating trying to get any kind of lens for Pentax in the UK, even more frustrating when web shops list it in stock but know full well that they ain't got any stock and are nor likely to ever have.
This is how Pentax have fallen behind C** and N**, not because there products are inferior but their product support sure is.
Just got a phone call from Microglobe, guess what, they don't have the lens in stock and whats more they can't even get a hold of one as it's been discontinued, it's being replaced with the DG version which MIGHT be available in 4 -8 weeks.
Called round a few more suppliers and the best I can get is 4 weeks from Cameraking, although again they list it on their website as instock. The only place that I can see that actually has it in stock is B&H but that's going to prove expensive , what with VAT, import duty and shipping.
Its so frustrating trying to get any kind of lens for Pentax in the UK, even more frustrating when web shops list it in stock but know full well that they ain't got any stock and are nor likely to ever have.
This is how Pentax have fallen behind C** and N**, not because there products are inferior but their product support sure is.
Cheers
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Posted 20/07/2006 - 13:03
Link
Peter,
The second link does show "70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO" and describes Macro between 200-300. The sample I looked at in Henry's was lighter and seemed cheaper in construction and of course not APO.
I wonder if Sigma has changed the lens we have so that it only goes to Macro at 300 because I know of two people with the Canon version of mine who have had the lens stick on Macro. Apparently it took some fiddling, they didn't know about altering the focusing, to get it off Macro. One guy forced the switch and consequently broke it, ruining the lens.
On an aside I love the Macro shot of the spider. I have the Vivitar 6000AF ring flash. I used my original one with my MZ6 and the Sigma 105 Macro. The results were very poor. The store where I purchased took the flash and took several control shots using mine and their cameras and a flash meter. They concluded that the exposures were varying considerably and the flash was replaced by the distributor. The replacement is much better but I have not done much with the DS2 other than confirm that it works OK.
Any tips on the way you set up with the flash, etc.?
Cheers,
Mike
The second link does show "70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO" and describes Macro between 200-300. The sample I looked at in Henry's was lighter and seemed cheaper in construction and of course not APO.
I wonder if Sigma has changed the lens we have so that it only goes to Macro at 300 because I know of two people with the Canon version of mine who have had the lens stick on Macro. Apparently it took some fiddling, they didn't know about altering the focusing, to get it off Macro. One guy forced the switch and consequently broke it, ruining the lens.
On an aside I love the Macro shot of the spider. I have the Vivitar 6000AF ring flash. I used my original one with my MZ6 and the Sigma 105 Macro. The results were very poor. The store where I purchased took the flash and took several control shots using mine and their cameras and a flash meter. They concluded that the exposures were varying considerably and the flash was replaced by the distributor. The replacement is much better but I have not done much with the DS2 other than confirm that it works OK.
Any tips on the way you set up with the flash, etc.?
Cheers,
Mike
Posted 20/07/2006 - 20:00
Link
Mike,
I don't have any tips as such but I can tell you all of the relevant camera settings I used for this shot which was very impromptu, the spider had made a web close to our outside porch light so there is some rear illumination from that. The light is one of those low energy fluorescant jobs.
Anyway, istD set to manual. ISO 800, RAW, WB set to auto, 1/90 sec, f32, SMCP-F 100mm Macro focussed at almost minimum distance (flash to subject distance was no more than a couple of inches I think). That's about it really. The original shot was a tad overexposed but not by much. PS-CS2 Camera Raw dealt with that. I should really have taken the shutter speed up a stop or two.
My Vivitar 6000AF will be on ebay shortly as I have an AF140C which is far superior. The Vivitar is consistent though, its a nice flash and the only one I could lay my hands on last night to take this shot.
Light from ring flashes is often criticised as being too harsh, but I happen to like it. Its certainly the most convenient for quick pics when you haven't got ages to setup a more professional twin flash rig etc.
I'm glad you like the photo.
I don't have any tips as such but I can tell you all of the relevant camera settings I used for this shot which was very impromptu, the spider had made a web close to our outside porch light so there is some rear illumination from that. The light is one of those low energy fluorescant jobs.
Anyway, istD set to manual. ISO 800, RAW, WB set to auto, 1/90 sec, f32, SMCP-F 100mm Macro focussed at almost minimum distance (flash to subject distance was no more than a couple of inches I think). That's about it really. The original shot was a tad overexposed but not by much. PS-CS2 Camera Raw dealt with that. I should really have taken the shutter speed up a stop or two.
My Vivitar 6000AF will be on ebay shortly as I have an AF140C which is far superior. The Vivitar is consistent though, its a nice flash and the only one I could lay my hands on last night to take this shot.
Light from ring flashes is often criticised as being too harsh, but I happen to like it. Its certainly the most convenient for quick pics when you haven't got ages to setup a more professional twin flash rig etc.
I'm glad you like the photo.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 20/07/2006 - 20:20
Link
peter,
Many thanks for the information - I haven't tried that close yet - I will have to experiment - the joy of digital.
Mike
Many thanks for the information - I haven't tried that close yet - I will have to experiment - the joy of digital.
Mike
Posted 21/07/2006 - 11:24
Link
Hi Mike,
I use a Heath Robinson set-up, but I find it quick and easy to use. My flash is a basic Centon FG30, which I use in manual mode (it has no TTL facility), and general, using this with Sigma and my 'special' diffuser, see below, an aperture of f/11 seems to give an accurate exposure.
The diffuser is a pedal-bin liner, cut up and restuck together using a soldering iron to weld the edges. It has a 6" x 5" flat panel at the front, and the sides taper down to the size of the flash head, where a rubber band holds it in place. The a quick blow inside inflates it to give an effective softbox. Ideally the sides would be silvered inside to reduce the amount of light lost through them, but then it does make it easier to balance the flash to the ambient light. I like the soft lighting produced, as being from above (or one side if used in portrait orientation), you also get some modeling, which you lose with ringflash. And it was dirt-cheap!
You do get some funny looks though...
istD, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 @f/11, extension tube ISO200 full frame
The beauty of digital is, as you say, that you are free to experiment!
All the best,
Dan
I use a Heath Robinson set-up, but I find it quick and easy to use. My flash is a basic Centon FG30, which I use in manual mode (it has no TTL facility), and general, using this with Sigma and my 'special' diffuser, see below, an aperture of f/11 seems to give an accurate exposure.
The diffuser is a pedal-bin liner, cut up and restuck together using a soldering iron to weld the edges. It has a 6" x 5" flat panel at the front, and the sides taper down to the size of the flash head, where a rubber band holds it in place. The a quick blow inside inflates it to give an effective softbox. Ideally the sides would be silvered inside to reduce the amount of light lost through them, but then it does make it easier to balance the flash to the ambient light. I like the soft lighting produced, as being from above (or one side if used in portrait orientation), you also get some modeling, which you lose with ringflash. And it was dirt-cheap!
You do get some funny looks though...
istD, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 @f/11, extension tube ISO200 full frame
The beauty of digital is, as you say, that you are free to experiment!
All the best,
Dan
Posted 21/07/2006 - 12:23
Link
Brian,
It is frustrating trying to find lenses in stock - I was in Jessops on Wednesday, looking at the Sigma 10-20, and the guy said "I'll just pop downstairs, see if we've got one" and I was thinking, yeah right, save your legs. Oddly enough, they didn't, in fact they didn't have any PAF lenses.
But from a dealers point of view, I guess it's not worth keeping a stock of Pentax lenses for the odd times that people ask for them, because, like it or not, we're in the minority, and Nikon and Canon are the market leaders by far. It must be just as frustrating for Minolta, Contax and Sigma users. I don't think we can blame Pentax for it, nor the dealers, they don't want dead stock on their shelves, especially these days when lenses and cameras are updated every six months (well, by some manufacturers, at least).
But what we can have a go at dealers for is them saying they've got an item in stock, taking your money, then phoning you a week later to say "Actually, ...".
Several years ago, I ordered a Tamron 1.4x convertor from Jessops, who did tell me it wasn't in stock, but said "about a week, perhaps two". Six months later it turned up, by which time I'd gone off the idea. It's probably still on a shelf somewhere at the back of their warehouse. At least I hadn't paid for it in advance .
I hope you have some luck getting your lens. I was just about to say "have you tried Warehouse Express, they've got it listed", but when I just looked, they've changed it to just N & C.
Cheers,
Dan
It is frustrating trying to find lenses in stock - I was in Jessops on Wednesday, looking at the Sigma 10-20, and the guy said "I'll just pop downstairs, see if we've got one" and I was thinking, yeah right, save your legs. Oddly enough, they didn't, in fact they didn't have any PAF lenses.
But from a dealers point of view, I guess it's not worth keeping a stock of Pentax lenses for the odd times that people ask for them, because, like it or not, we're in the minority, and Nikon and Canon are the market leaders by far. It must be just as frustrating for Minolta, Contax and Sigma users. I don't think we can blame Pentax for it, nor the dealers, they don't want dead stock on their shelves, especially these days when lenses and cameras are updated every six months (well, by some manufacturers, at least).
But what we can have a go at dealers for is them saying they've got an item in stock, taking your money, then phoning you a week later to say "Actually, ...".
Several years ago, I ordered a Tamron 1.4x convertor from Jessops, who did tell me it wasn't in stock, but said "about a week, perhaps two". Six months later it turned up, by which time I'd gone off the idea. It's probably still on a shelf somewhere at the back of their warehouse. At least I hadn't paid for it in advance .
I hope you have some luck getting your lens. I was just about to say "have you tried Warehouse Express, they've got it listed", but when I just looked, they've changed it to just N & C.
Cheers,
Dan
Posted 21/07/2006 - 17:47
Link
Daniel,
Thanks for the information and pictures. Makes me think of also trying my Stofen Diffuser with Sigma 105 Macro. So far I have only used it on portraits - I have one for the AF360FGZ and one for the AF500FTZ.
Mike
Thanks for the information and pictures. Makes me think of also trying my Stofen Diffuser with Sigma 105 Macro. So far I have only used it on portraits - I have one for the AF360FGZ and one for the AF500FTZ.
Mike
Posted 21/07/2006 - 23:34
Link
Dan,
That's one of the best macro shots I've seen in a long while. Magnificent.
G
That's one of the best macro shots I've seen in a long while. Magnificent.
G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
Posted 22/07/2006 - 01:20
Link
This is the first image I've processed using Capture One LE (Trial Version). It does seem very easy to use in that the interface is more intuitive (natural) than RawShooter. The flower is a Gazania, the spider has a name about 3 feet long, and the fly . . . is deceased.
IstD with SMCP-FA 100mm Macro and AF140C ring flash.
IstD with SMCP-FA 100mm Macro and AF140C ring flash.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 25/07/2006 - 23:04
Link
Hi All
Well I eventually gave up trying to locate the Sigma 180mm Macro lens, no UK or European supplier would give a definite date, B&H were a bit vague about their supply so I resolved just to go ahead and get the DFA 100mm Macro (maybe get the Sigma some time).
Then there was another twist that screwed up my intensions, in my searching for the best deal I came across another option, one I just couldn’t resist, I found a mint SMC-A 100mm f2.8 Macro (reported to one of the best Pentax lenses ever made) here in the UK, it arrived today and boy it is nice, lovely focus action and the build quality is superb.
Here are a few shots (full frame) I took this evening in breezy conditions, all hand held with the AF360FGZ set on HSS with Stofen attached.
Well I eventually gave up trying to locate the Sigma 180mm Macro lens, no UK or European supplier would give a definite date, B&H were a bit vague about their supply so I resolved just to go ahead and get the DFA 100mm Macro (maybe get the Sigma some time).
Then there was another twist that screwed up my intensions, in my searching for the best deal I came across another option, one I just couldn’t resist, I found a mint SMC-A 100mm f2.8 Macro (reported to one of the best Pentax lenses ever made) here in the UK, it arrived today and boy it is nice, lovely focus action and the build quality is superb.
Here are a few shots (full frame) I took this evening in breezy conditions, all hand held with the AF360FGZ set on HSS with Stofen attached.
Cheers
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Brian.
LBA is good for you, a Lens a day helps you work, rest and play.
Posted 12/08/2006 - 12:09
Link
Thanks Matt.
Graham
Graham
Keep up the good work
Graham
I'll think of something someday.
Graham
I'll think of something someday.
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175 posts
20 years
Hamilton,
Ontario
Just checked my lens. It is a Sigma 70-300 1:4-5.6 APO DG Macro. Once I rotate the zoom ring to 200 it allows me to use the Macro switch on the lens. The lens is then locked and will only zoom between 200-300.
The US web site is contradictory in that it mentions Macro at 300 and then 200-300. I used mine yesterday and it seemed to work fine, although my composition was poor and needed tripod.
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3303&navigator=3
I looked at the lower priced version:
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3304&navigator=3
but the local Henry's chain had a three-day Sigma sale (I walked in on day two) and couldn't resist the deal. The APO worked out cheaper than the normal price of the cheaper lens. Even Mrs. Pearson approved!
Mike
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