Macro

Hi I'm looking for a macro lense that I can use on a K20, does any one have any recommendations for a good one on a very tight budget. Or does anyone have a second hand one for sale.

Have a look on e-bay. There are often old manual focus lenses on there which are optically every bit as good as their modern counterparts and about a third of the price ( or less).
Manual focus is no handicap for macro shots. I think you'll find most people use manual focus anyway. As for manual exposure, you just need to push two buttons in stead of one to take the shot, that's the beauty of the green button!

If you can find it, Cosina 100mm f3.5 Macro is the poor man's macro. I had a manual version for £35, but it was nicked

Not for the smallest macro subjects but I found it a very sharp lens and lovely to use, for the price.

link

I took this on it:

It depends what you want to take
You may find that an old manual focus 50mm f/1.7 or 50mm f/2 plus some extension tubes will do the job nicely. You can often find these in local camera shops going for a song!

Matt

I've got about £200, if thats any help.

There is also the possibility of close-up filters.

Ffordes have a 50mm F/4.0 for

£125.

I have the 50mm f4 and its a nice little lens but £125 is total madness.
I sold a spare last month on Ebay for £79.

To get back to the point, you should be able to pick up a manaul focus 100mm Macro for far less than your budget from eBay. Go for one with a "A" on the aperture ring for most convenience in use. The SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 would be ideal. The dental version is exactly the same with additional markings for dental use.

There is a SMC Pentax-FA 100mm f3.5 Macro that is also fine and cost less new than the price you quote. It's a bit plasticky but capable of fine results. AF as well.

Note that both these lenses are 0.5x max magnification
The f/2.8 macro lenses are 1x magnification

I did pick up a SMC-F 100/2.8 macro for £200 a few years back. Lovely piece of glass - doesn't get nearly enough use and have wondered about selling it on but can't get myself to part with it just yet

Matt

I have one of these I would be willing to sell if its of any interest. Mint condition, boxed with caps, hood and manual.

Edit: good.. whats a good .. obviously I meant hood.