Macro 100mm f2.8 WR

Read all the comments on here. Tried to get the less expensive model and gave up with Currys/ Dixons/PC World and thought, what the heck...get a water resistent model.

Always wanted a Macro lens.

Just set it up so I'll post something shortly once my back is up to it...been salting the sloping drive this AM.

Polchraine gave me some advice on this a while back, where are you?

Did I do right Anvh? Already have filters off a previous Pentax lens.



Rob

"gave up with Currys/ Dixons/PC World"

Why? they are still on the website..

I wanted to see one, ie hold one, examine build quality etc..

PC World call centre said Currys had one in Bridgend.

30 mins previous I was in that store, got the lady to find out where the lens had gone from their empty box. God bless her, she turned the place over..no lens.

Man in PC World stuck to his guns...Bridgend store has one. Asked if his system was showing any other store in S Wales having one...yes...Cardiff East, Newport Road. Asked him to ring to see if they really had one...he wouldn't. Could I have the number to check, so as to save me another wasted journey....no. At that point I lost my sense of humour.

Jimmy in SRS sorted me...next day Saturday delivery for half price 'cos member of this great forum.

Some firms have just lost it haven't they?

Sorry, PC World et al...no customer focus.

Well done SRS.

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/4280/Pentax-smc-DFA-100mm-f2-8-WR-Macro-Lens.ht...

Rob

filters .. on a Macro lens?

I wouldn't be putting anything in front of any of mine .. with macro you are looking for that ultimate sharpness and putting a filter in front can only degrade the IQ, even if only a little bit.

I know some people do though.

What about a lens protector?



Ah, my smilies are working properly now.

Rob

Minimum focus distance 30.3 cm.

Working distance 13 cm.






Rob

By all means when not using the lens but personally I wouldn't put anything in front when shooting. I have filters on all my lenses to protect the front element but unscrew them when I take the front cap off to take pictures.

Just my personal preference but why spend £500 on a macro lens to take the chance of not getting ultimate IQ.

"Just my personal preference but why spend £500 on a macro lens to take the chance of not getting ultimate IQ."

Often thought that myself with other lenses.

Reading the manual...Pentax say "use a polarising filter with an auto focus camera for proper exposure and autofocusing."

So would it be better to manual focus and leave off all filters when in use?

Sorry Mike-P, you may be here all day explaining. Anyone else, just pitch in...I'm an amateur.



Rob (all the gear....no idea!)

I suppose a polarising filter may bring out the colours a bit more but decent macro is all about good light so again, anything that cuts down on that and IQ is not a good thing imo.

As for AF, never use it for macro, some do and fine tune manually but my best macro lens is manual focus anyway. I have the D-FA non WR but doubt I will ever use it again now I have another copy of the Vivitar 105mm.

Would love to try the WR version though.

Also, if you don't have a diffuser for the AF 360FGZ then get one, it's a must when shooting close up.

Again, I must stress this all personal preference .. others do it differently.

Got this from elsewhere on here...

"The focusing distance is the shortest distance where you can focus: but this is not the actual distance between you and the subject, it is just the distance between the focus plane (the sensor) and the subject.

In macro photography, it is very important to know the working distance - that is the distance between the front element of the lens and the subject."

Is that a Sto-Fen Omnibounce Mike-P?. Flash has wide angle panel and catchlight panel.

http://www.stofen.com/misc/productfind.asp

Thanks again.

Now let's have a go.

Rob

Yes, the Omnibounce, but you can get copies off Ebay that are a lot cheaper and do exactly the same thing.

As for knowing the working distance, not really necessary now as you have already bought the lens but 100mm is fine for most things.

Would be interested to see some pics when you get round to it.

Minimum focus distance is measured from the sensor and Working distance from the front element i believe or maybe from the front part of the lens?

I use a polarising filter, certainly with plants you make the colours look more brilliant.
Not so sure about flower and insect, never compared.

A few shots taken with my old Vivitar macro before I sold it.



Bee by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr



Processional Pine Caterpillars by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr



Wasp Nest Crop by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

Just ordered OM PZ * from Jimmy at SRS.

Just uploading foto.

Rob

Wow, cracking fotos Mike-P

Rob