Sigma macro digital lenses

Have noticed that Sigma have recently released two digital macro lenses, 50ml and 100ml, which would translate to 75ml and 178ml on the old slr scale. They are suitable for Pentax digital. Would anyone with *ist D happen to have purchased either model and if so what are they like. Am considering purchasing one, but not sure which, if any. Thanks
Anne

Sorry, I have all Pentax SMC

Note that the Sigma SD10 multiplier is different to the Pentax *ist-D (the Sigma has a much smaller CCD).
The *ist-D is 1.5, so a 50mm will be 75mm, while a 100mm will be 150mm.

Matt

Pentax have recently announced some new macro lenses for digital. Might be worth waiting.

Quite right

https://www.pentaxuser.com/pages/news/pentax_macrolenses.htm

and

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0408/04080801pentax_lenses.asp

(IMHO, definitely worth waiting for. I have the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8 and it's thoroughly delicious... but it might have to make way for the new SMC-D FA 100mm/f2.8!!)

Matt

thanks guys, I have the pentax smc f 100ml macro, but haven't tried it yet on *ist D, mostly because I hadn't liked the results from most of my original slr lenses. Have found the newer digital lenses produce a much better result on the *ist D. Noticed the Sigma, but did not see the Pentax options. I will pursue these and wait I think. Much appreciated. One question, how does the traditional pentax macro go on Ist D. Must try myself I guess.
Anne

Anne - the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8 just goes straight on the *ist-D. In fact, all the SMC-F lenses just work. They've all been a real treat, and the 100mm/f2.8 is sharper than the new SMC-DA 16-45 that I have. I'm not sure how good the 100mm/f4 lens is, but it's worth trying!

By far the best results come with shooting RAW and processing with Capture One or Photoshop CS. (Note that Photoshop Elements 3 will support RAW format too!) I normally process in PS-CS into the ProPhoto colour space at 16-bit per pixel. You can get astonishingly good results that way

Note that digital is not quite the same beast as film, so there's a learning curve in getting the best out of the CCD. Once you're there, you'll find the SMC lenses are pretty darn good (even the "non digitals")! The digital lenses give a bit more sharpness and contrast.

Matt

I have used a Tamron 90 mm autofocus and a Sigma 180 mm on my *ist d. The 180mm Sigma is slightly better than the Tamron and I use it for insect photography. If teh optics of teh Sigma 100mm are anything like the 180 mm then it should be a nice lens. I do prefer the longer working distance of the 180mm as well.

AS Always,

Jim Zablotny

That would seem to be the logical thing to do.
I just bought the older Sigma 50mm macro and it's a ripper.