Macro Lens

I don't know that one - all the manual focus Vivitar macro lenses I was aware of went to 1:1 without an adaptor.

Assuming you mean this one?

If I was going to bid, I would ask that the seller takes another photo of the adaptor, with less light shining on the element and a dark background. From this pic it looks a bit 'smoky', which I'm guessing could be fungus, or it might just be a smeary element? Could just be that pic though.

Also, the seller doesn't know his minimum from his maximum apertures...

Don't forget you'd also need an M42 adaptor.

Dan

If it's a '70s lens it'll be OK. The more recent "Series 1" lenses are rubbish.

G

I purchased a Sigma 105DG macro two years ago and it works just fine and the images are very sharp.
I understand Tamron is also good but have not personally used that lens.


quote="Ratcatcher"]Hi All

Can anyone please recommend a good macro lens for my K10D.[/quote]

I'm keeping an eye on three lenses at the moment Sigma AF MF 105mm f2:8 macro and a Pentax PK 100mm f4 Macro + 50mm macro/extension tube and a Tamron SP90 adaptal-2 f2:5 + extension tube on e-bay . What do you think?.

How much difference does the aperature make in Macro as the Pentax is F4 and the Sigma F2:8 & the Tamron F2:5. I've found out some info on the Pentax & Tamron models but not much on the Sigma anyone used it.

You would seldom in normal circumstances want to use a macro lens wide-open, so the only advantage is a brighter viewfinder for focussing.

And, of course, if you use the lens for non-macro work, 1:2.8 might be nice to have.

G

Not a lot of difference in that macro lenses are almost always used at small apertures anyway as DOF is so limited up close.

The f4 aperture of the Pentax means the construction can be simpler (better contrast), the corrections are simpler (better performance) and the size of the lens is more compact.

The Sigma also has EX ( whatever that means )

One other thing that i had'nt thought of is which one would perform better with my K10D.

You have a K10D and two fine Pentax lenses, so you already know the answer....

Thanks John
Say no more.
Do you think though that £140 is a good price to pay.

It depends on the condition and the version. I have bought SMC Pentax-M 100mm f4 Macro lenses in mint condition for under £100, but these days prices are going up rapidly.

I would pay a good price for one of these lenses in Mint or Near Mint condition.

Someone showed me a superb example of the SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Dental Macro Lens today. Beautiful. I'd pay £150 for that one, but it wasn't for sale...

It's being sold by Camera Classics Cameras have you heard of them.
Take a look.

You know whenever I pop into the AP Forum I get this terrible sense of deja vu....

Thanks for the tip on the lens I'll have a look.

Yes John i know exactly what you mean.

Strange that.