SMCP-FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Hi there

Does any one have any experience with this lense, i am interested in starting to take macro photos, and i have the chance to buy this lense for a reduce price but i am not sure as i have no experience in this field

Any help is appreciated
Pano

Optically, the lens is superb.

However:

If you just want it for macro, then auto-focus is not a huge benefit.

Many macro photographers prefer 100mm to 50mm because you can work at a significantly greater distance from the subject.

All Pentax macro lenses are excellent, so as long as it's a good price, go for it.

I'm totally in agreement with what George has written.

I have discovered that when copying documents the 100mm can lead to an uncomfortably long working distance and so for some applications the 50mm macro may be preferable.

The key is what applications you have in mind, and if you can get any Pentax macro lens at a good price then it will certainly serve you well.

One more thing, on top of JR's point, is that generally macro lenses differ from standard lenses in two ways:

They tend to have a flatter field of focus (so if you photograph a wall, the ends will be in focus as well as the middle), and

They can focus closer.

Neither of these qualities impinges in any way on their usefulness for non-macro photography. There would be no benefit in buying an ordinary 50mm lens, unless you specifically wanted a wider maximum aperture.

Thanks all

it is nice to get some reassurance from experianced users

cheers