Macro Lens

I want to try macro photography but don't have a macro lens and have not taken any macro shots before. I have seen the Pentax smc DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens available for £370 plus p&p. I know prices are about to go up, so given my lack of experience should I snap this up or go for a cheaper spec?

Thanks

The 100mm macro is great lens. Is this price for a new one or is it on ebay?
If you are not sure if you are going to like macro photography I would suggest looking on ebay for a cheaper lens or try to borrow a lens from someone to try out.

I have a Sigma EX 50mm macro which is good for me since I don't shoot macro that often.
A 100mm macro is more versatile because you can stay further away from the subject.

I have a Sigma 105 mm macro lens for sale for around £200. Reason for sale is because I have invested in a Sigma 180 macro. I am based nearby in Rotherham so you could come and inspect it if you wished. See Classified adds. Send PM if you are interested.

Thanks, I am definately interested and have sent you a PM.

J

PentaxBabe, I see some bubbles coming soon .
Excellent

Get that macro lens and you will see the beauties you are going to be able to capture .
Can't wait to see some bubbles, like I told you, got to crown you the BubbleBabe . Well may be PentaxBubbleBabe, whichever sounds better

Hi PentaxBabe,

Cheeper ways of doing macro are:-

extension tubes - see the shop on this site for cheep manual extension tubes
Basicaly a tube which moves the lens away from the camera allowing the lens to focus closer. The longer the tube the greater the magnification. But unless you buy expensive tubes which can stop down the lens when a picture is taken then you will need to use a lens with aperture control.
[bellows are essentially a varriable length extension tube but don't come under the heading cheep]

Reversing ring
Allows the lens to be mounted backwards and can give excellent magnification especially if a wide angle lens is reversed but again aperture control needs to be manual.
A reversing ring can be combined with extension tubes to give really good magnification.

dioptric adjustment lenses
These fit on the front of the lens just like a filter, can be purchased either as round screw on or as part of a square filter system such as Cokin system.
Unlike tubes or a reversing ring you retain full control of the lens so a lens without manual aperture can be used.


Any of the above will allow you to dabble in macro without the expense of a macro lens, then if you enjoy it can can spend serious money later

Thanks Bob,

I saw those items while I was searching. At least I know what they are for now! Will bear what you have said in mind when thinking of buying.

Hi Amin,

Watch this space then

I had better make sure all my camera batteries are charged up ready to use as they are all run down like me at the moment! I think PentaxBubbleBabe has a certain ring to it

Did you see my attempt at being creative? Not even in the same league as yours but you have managed to spur me on to try something new

J