And then, of course, there is the Pentax SMC M 100mm f4 macro to consider as well...highly regarded, I believe, and probably more affordable than either of the Sigmas (having already spent my birthday money and fighting the early developing symptoms of underfunded LBA! )

I found this site very recently too while looking for bits and pieces, but hadn't heard of them before..a quick Google search turned up several threads highlighting the nature of the site - I steered well clear!

The old adage 'if it looks to good to be true it probably is' holds true!

The above is what I love about this forum - within 2 hours folk have read my question and sent a lot of helpful information my way!

Plenty of food for thought, and some cracking shots above to whet the appetite (as well as David's lovely snail in the gallery today!)

I do have some auto tubes which I found last year, and which I have used a little with my 50mm and the green button to stop down (I also stuck them all in front of the Tamron to see what it could do for a laugh, but it did work!)

Milamber, your suggestion is a good one (and certainly within budget!) and one I had marked as an option. Maybe I'll do that, and buy a tripod instead!!

Thanks again to all for the useful feedback, and on I will ponder...

I am in the process of upgrading my 70-300mm Tamron lens with a Pentax 55-300 DA . I know that for telephoto the Pentax is a good upgrade on the Tamron, but the Tamron also has a useful macro function.

I have been looking at Sigma macro lenses, and have found examples of both the 50mm and 105mm f2.8 in my price range. Clearly the 105mm will give me extra reach, but is there any other difference optically between the two?

I anticipate using it as a general lens (I have seen some excellent portraits with both), and for macro work of flowers, butterflies and insects. The 105mm gives an extra 5 inches or so on minimum focus distance (possibly useful working distance for two of the above subjects), and just wondered what experiences folks had of these lenses. I already have a Pentax SMC-M 50mm f2, so am I better of going for the 105mm as an additional lens to my bag?

Thanks for any opinions, as usual I have addled my brain by giving myself a choice!

Andrew

IMGP4202 by PentaxHodds, on Flickr



IMGP4205 by PentaxHodds, on Flickr



IMGP4207 by PentaxHodds, on Flickr



IMGP4208 by PentaxHodds, on Flickr



IMGP4211 by PentaxHodds, on Flickr

The only wear I can see is in the last photo - slight rubbing marks on lens barrel, otherwise in excellent condition. Optics are completely clear and dust-free.

For Sale: Tamron AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro zoom lens (Pentax KA fit)

Used, but in excellent condition. Comes in original box and wrappings, with all paperwork, lens caps, hood and a Tamron UV filter which has been fitted since new. The optics as far as I can see are completely clear (no scratches, marks, visible dust in elements or fungus). Body is unmarked. Lens works perfectly in both telephoto and macro modes.

Sample photos in my portfolio taken with this lens - Sparrowhawk, Tornado, Red Arrows, Robin, Tiger and Tulips

A versatile starter telephoto lens, with a macro facility as well - I have used this for wildlife, airshows, flowers and insects. I can email photos of the lens on request, and will try to get some on here tomorrow!

Price: £80 plus your choice of Royal Mail postage at cost (UK buyers). If non-UK please contact me for costs. Payment via Paypal (buyer to cover fees), cheque, bank transfer or cash on collection.

Thanks,

Andrew (Ebay user ID: hoddhead if you wish to look at feedback)

PM sent re 55-300

Bienvenue!

I have the 35mm 2.4 - it's a lightweight lens, with the composite mount and no quick shift or aperture ring, but I've found it takes great pictures, and have some lovely portraits taken with it outside.

For the price I don't think you'll find better - there were a few for sale on here a while back but I think they all went.

Just seen your other post - very nicely done, I must say. Envious that you have these beautiful creatures close to you