Quick question on what is 'real' macro

looking at this on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120144579683&fromMa...

I wanted to get a cheap macro lens to play with for my GX-10 - but I want to make sure I get a proper macro one, that can get 1:1 images. Is that lens alright? Seems cheap at the moment, and the 100mm seems to be a recommended length.

Sorry for the n00b question

Looks tempting...

On first appearance I reckon it would be a 1:2 or 1:4 ratio, so wouldn't be a true macro lens......

I could be wrong

Also need to be certain what actual mount it has.. Is it K or KA, people have reported exposure problems with Ks on the K10D....

For 5 pounds, if you do get it for that, then it's only 5 pounds spent....

Peter

My advice, for what it's worth. Don't waste even a fiver. Put that money towards a decent macro lens. The SMC Pentax F, FA & DA 100mm 1:2.8 are very good, so too is the Sigma 90mm Macro lens.

The only 'macro' zoom lens I use is a Sigma 70-300mm APO lens which is very good for keeping your distance from otherwise shy subjects but it doesn't do 1:1. For that I use an SMCP-FA 100mm, wickedly sharp.

The lens you are looking at will not be a true 1:1 macro lens either.

You have the Samsung 'K10D-'ish' body which may or may not suffer from the same exposure issues using pre A series lenses. For that reason I would avoid buying anything older than a lens having the KA mount. Manual focus is OK, AF is unnecessary for macro work.

A true macro lens has a magnification ratio of 1:1 or, in the case of older manual focus lenses of 1:2, 1:1 being achieved by a dedicated extension ring.

1:4 is close focusing, but not macro.

This would seem to foot the bill, but it's got a long way to go in the auction and is likely to go up in bid value:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sigma-EX-105mm-1-2-8-Macro-for-Pentax_W0QQitemZ18014469692...

That'll do nicely. What's your budget? Prepare to use all of it

The additional filters are possibly worth bidding at least the £125 that this seller is expecting . . . but wait . . . until the last minute.

I would love to get my hands on that Sigma 105 for £125 it retails for around $800 (£350) in Aust. I cant see it going for under £125 but you never know. Good luck

I use this lens and it's wonderful - I wouldn't be surprised if that auction tops £200 though...

Dan