Wanted: Macro Lens

chrism_scotland
Posted 19/02/2011 - 23:30 Link
Looking to purchase a macro lens, I've half got my eye on ordering a brand new Tamron 90mm from One Stop Digital in Hong Kong but from a thread I posted on Pentax Forums I am aware there are perhaps older non AF lenses which would be a great option for macro.

Ideally looking for one of the following:
Tammy 90mm
Samsung 100mm f2.8

or anything else AF or Manual!

Cheers,

Chris
ccxx
Posted 20/02/2011 - 00:22 - Helpful Comment Link
Hi Chris,
what about this one 150554363113 on ebay.
It's my new lens . I've still the Tamron 90 SP MF ( buyed from a member ) ... and I'm still undecided.
Now, I think AF on a macro lens is not a basic need, in fact it seems to me boring
chrism_scotland
Posted 20/02/2011 - 09:49 Link
ccxx wrote:
Hi Chris,
what about this one 150554363113 on ebay.
It's my new lens . I've still the Tamron 90 SP MF ( buyed from a member ) ... and I'm still undecided.
Now, I think AF on a macro lens is not a basic need, in fact it seems to me boring
Yeah I've been considering that one, I take it this Samsung lens is the same as the non WR Pentax 100mm?
davex
Posted 20/02/2011 - 09:58 - Helpful Comment Link
Quote:
I take it this Samsung lens is the same as the non WR Pentax 100mm
There has been some debate about the lens coatings but yes they are the same, apart from the blue trim.

Davex.
K5 + 8mm-500mm zooms and primes
Please feel free to play with any images I post.
My flickr: link
chrism_scotland
Posted 20/02/2011 - 10:33 Link
davex wrote:
Quote:
I take it this Samsung lens is the same as the non WR Pentax 100mm
There has been some debate about the lens coatings but yes they are the same, apart from the blue trim.

Davex.
Thanks mate thats great, I had a play with a K5 and the newer Pentax 100mm WR in Jessops yesterday (and it made me want a K5 ) but the lens seemed very good and nicely built so I think I'd rather buy a Pentax/Samsung lens than the Tamron.
robbie_d
Posted 20/02/2011 - 12:15 - Helpful Comment Link
chrism_scotland wrote:
davex wrote:
Quote:
I take it this Samsung lens is the same as the non WR Pentax 100mm
There has been some debate about the lens coatings but yes they are the same, apart from the blue trim.

Davex.
Thanks mate thats great, I had a play with a K5 and the newer Pentax 100mm WR in Jessops yesterday (and it made me want a K5 ) but the lens seemed very good and nicely built so I think I'd rather buy a Pentax/Samsung lens than the Tamron.
The build quality of the WR version is streets ahead of the non-WR version. I wouldn't write the Tamron off on the basis of build quality.
If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.
Blythman
Posted 20/02/2011 - 13:04 Link
Plenty quality cheaper options.
link
Alan


PPG
Flickr
MarkTaylor
Posted 20/02/2011 - 14:00 Link
Another alternative:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pentax-SFXn-w-SMC-Pentax-FA-1-2-8-100mm-Macro-Lens-/180626...

Also I noticed you live in Edinburgh, Chris. Have you had a look at the camera store about halfway up Morningside Road (can't remember the name)? They always have a lot of older second hand lenses in the window. Some are a bit overpriced but many are perfectly reasonable. I'm sure I saw an old Pentax manual focus 100mm macro last time I was around there.
My Flickr • Pentax K-5 • K-5 II • Sigma 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6 DC HSM • Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD ASL • SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 ED [IF] SDM • SMC Pentax-DA 55-300mm F/4-5.8 ED • SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] WR • Vivitar 100mm F/3.5 Macro AF • Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2
ccxx
Posted 20/02/2011 - 14:11 Link
Blythman wrote:
Plenty quality cheaper options.
link
I'm sorry Alan but at first this lens is a 1:2 ratio and you need a ring to use it like an A lens ( the ring costs about £45 ). To reach 1:1 You need a tub or a multiplier ... ( an other quid to add )
I buyed a couple of months ago a 90 SP 2,8 with the A ring for about £145 here form a member .... I think it's not cheaper as you think ...
rparmar
Posted 20/02/2011 - 14:28 Link
There are many good choices and not many bad ones. I started with the Vivitar/Cosina 100mm f/3.5 macro which seems all plastic and janky. But optical test show it to be pretty darned sharp and I have taken some great shots with it.

Distinct advantages include a "standard" 49mm filter and weight of only 270g. It has max. magnification ratio of 1:2 but goes 1:1 with a matching adapter (included). I find that a good way to work since often 1:2 is easier and more appropriate to shoot.

I keep thinking I should sell this lens now I have the Series 1 105mm. But I just can't bring myself to part with it for the small amount of money I'd realise. Here's why...

Comment Image


That was a grab shot, by the way and not posed in the studio or anything.
Listen to my albums free on BandCamp. Or visit my main website for links to photography, etc.
chrism_scotland
Posted 20/02/2011 - 15:13 Link
I had thought about the Vivitar Series 1 105mm and I've spoken to a guy over at PentaxForums about one he has on sale albeit from the US, I had really wondered if there were cheaper manual options than that.
robbie_d
Posted 20/02/2011 - 15:38 Link
rparmar wrote:
There are many good choices and not many bad ones. I started with the Vivitar/Cosina 100mm f/3.5 macro which seems all plastic and janky. But optical test show it to be pretty darned sharp and I have taken some great shots with it.

Distinct advantages include a "standard" 49mm filter and weight of only 270g. It has max. magnification ratio of 1:2 but goes 1:1 with a matching adapter (included). I find that a good way to work since often 1:2 is easier and more appropriate to shoot.

I keep thinking I should sell this lens now I have the Series 1 105mm. But I just can't bring myself to part with it for the small amount of money I'd realise. Here's why...

Comment Image


That was a grab shot, by the way and not posed in the studio or anything.
This shot really proves the old adage that you can't really go wrong with any macro lens. Superb.
If you can't say something nice about Pentax, you won't say anything at all.

Apparently.
Blythman
Posted 20/02/2011 - 16:33 Link
ccxx wrote:
Blythman wrote:
Plenty quality cheaper options.
link
I'm sorry Alan but at first this lens is a 1:2 ratio and you need a ring to use it like an A lens ( the ring costs about £45 ). To reach 1:1 You need a tub or a multiplier ... ( an other quid to add )
I buyed a couple of months ago a 90 SP 2,8 with the A ring for about £145 here form a member .... I think it's not cheaper as you think ...
I'll not be parting with mine in a hurry. Its a quality lens. And having the PKA adaptor is useful for other lenses too
Alan


PPG
Flickr
ccxx
Posted 20/02/2011 - 16:51 - Helpful Comment Link
chrism_scotland wrote:
I had thought about the Vivitar Series 1 105mm and I've spoken to a guy over at PentaxForums about one he has on sale albeit from the US, I had really wondered if there were cheaper manual options than that.
Well , I remind something about two versions of the Vivitar Series 1 , one From Kiron and an other one from ... i don't remember.
The Kiron is IMHO the first choice for a manual macro lens, BUT today it costs like a new Tamron / Sigma AF ( you know ... warranty etc. ).
If you are going to pay over £190/£200 ( including tax and other fees ), well ... it's not so cheaper.
chrism_scotland
Posted 20/02/2011 - 17:04 Link
ccxx wrote:
chrism_scotland wrote:
I had thought about the Vivitar Series 1 105mm and I've spoken to a guy over at PentaxForums about one he has on sale albeit from the US, I had really wondered if there were cheaper manual options than that.
Well , I remind something about two versions of the Vivitar Series 1 , one From Kiron and an other one from ... i don't remember.
The Kiron is IMHO the first choice for a manual macro lens, BUT today it costs like a new Tamron / Sigma AF ( you know ... warranty etc. ).
If you are going to pay over £190/£200 ( including tax and other fees ), well ... it's not so cheaper.
Cheers, it looks like it would cost quite a bit more, almost £250 not including any tax or customs fees, I would rather purchase within the UK or EU to be honest;

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