Pentax Macro 50MM

To see exactly which lens I'm referring to, please look at eBay item
7547894836. (Sorry, I don't know how to include a link within my messages.)

I assume that these lenses are only used for extreme closeup work and provide greater Depth of Field than other fixed focus lenses with extension tubes? Does it focus in inches?

Will they also focus to infinity and essentially become a 50MM basic lens - albeit not very bright?

The seller - one I'm familiar with here in Montreal - claims that this type of lens is very clear, and I thought I'd ask for your collective experiences before I "Ask Seller a Question".

Thanks in advance

Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7547894836&ru=http%3A...

Macro lenses can be used as "normal" lenses too

It's just they can focus very close, and gain either lifesize, or half lifesize reproduction (depends on the model, not sure which for this one).

Sometimes it's still not close enough I use the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8 macro, with extension tubes, and even with the Pentax 1.7xAF for super close work... maybe I should buy a microscope instead!

Seriously, though, they are superb for general work, though not every subject will appreciate the sharpness and detail when used as a portrait lens!!

Matt

Most kind of you Matt!

So, as I find my Super Tak f3.5 1:135MM critically sharp for portrait work, this would be way worse. (I gotta get better models).

Appreciate the insight very much.

Cheers

Good macros are distinguished from ordinary lenses in three ways:

First, they are extremely sharp. The sharpest lenses you can buy.

Second, they will often have a flatter field of focus, to help when photographing documents for example.

Third, they focus much closer than ordinary lenses, although you can obtain the same effect with extension tubes.

Sometimes they will have a smaller minimum aperture too, because DOF is vital at close range.

They make perfectly good general-purpose lenses, although usually larger, heavier and slower than non-macros.

G

Maybe you misunderstood my reply about sharpness... (not sure)

I find the 100mm f2.8 sooo sharp that it highlights every skin blemish, wrinkle and all. I like that super sharpness, but for female subjects of a certain age, a little Photoshop smoothing doesn't go amiss

Matt

Actually, Gentlemen, this type of lens sounds like just the ticket for photographing flowers and plant life?

It also seems that the front lens element is recessed considerably, precluding the need for a UV or 1A filter simply for protection? I'm always cleaning my lenses and filters, but not needing an extra two surfaces of glass can only help clarity.

I'm starting to think this could be a good investment. Do you have any experience with this particular lens? (the one one eBay?)

Thanks!

What does the panel have to say on:

Pentax 50mm f1.7 with extension tubes vs a proper macro lens?

How much are extension tubes nowadays?

I'm not sure what type you'd be usung, but my German Edixa metal M42 screw mount set was only about $15 Cdn on eBay. I tested then out using a Pentax 55MM lens and Holy Cow! From wow to downright scarey!

DOF seemed to suffer at the extreem end, and I was pouring on the light to be able to close the aperture.

I guess clarity and DOF must be better starting with a macro?

A Pentax 50mm macro will be sharper than any normal prime. If you want to do a reasonable amount of macro photography you will soon wish you had a proper macro lens.

As Mac says, Pentax macros tend to come with recessed front elements, which reduces flare and helps to protect the lens. So you save on hoods and filters (if you use the latter).

Macros are more expensive to make than normal lenses, and sell in smaller quantities, so they are rather more expensive. Having said that, 50mm macros are less useful than the 100mm, so command less of a premium. Most people prefer the extra reach of the 100mm, especially for live bugs.

My normal advice would be to get either an A 100mm, or, for more money, an F or FA 100mm. I've just sold my A, but if my eyes were better I would have kept it and sold my FA because although the latter is superb, it's a big beast.

However, the Ebay item, being a late model Takumar, is no doubt a marvellous lens, and seems to be well-priced. For macro work, auto this and that is often more of a hindrance than a help.

G

Thanks, George - the quest for a 100MM continues. (But that is a big part of the fun isn't it?)

Kevin, wanna have some fun? Get a 2x extender, tubes and a 49MM to 42 MM reversing ring and see how many conbinations you and your 1.7 can come up with. I've totally lost count. (Sorry, I'm assuming you're using screw mount?)

Off to search.

Cheers