Here are few flower images with the aforementioned lenses:

K55 F1.8:





Sigma 105 DG EX Macro:





SMC Takumar 135mm F3.5:




Regards
David

I wouldn't say that the Sigma 105 DG EX Macro is either 'clinical' or 'heavy', in fact quite the opposite. It is a lovely, subtle lens with smooth bokeh and great colour rendering. For flowers, I can't think of many AF lenses that would be better.

Some of the old glass, as already mentioned, has a lovely way of rendering flower images, the K55 F1.8, the SMC Takumar 135 F3.5, both of which work great on tubes, but MF only.

Regards
David

Neil, I think you have added an additional 'zero' on the price of your zoom by accident

Cheers
David

I too have not seen Louise's thread, but judging by the strength of feeling in this one, I am amazed that whoever deleted it didn't consult with Louise and the members first.

I have a son who has difficulty interacting with people and he too takes comfort from 'meeting people' and conversing online. My heart goes out to Louise, I have tried to provide help to her via various threads and PM's over the past couple of years and this episode really disappoints me.

I think at the very least an explanation and apology should be forthcoming.

Regards
David

Fabulous shot Alan, what a catch! I agree with Dr O about the grass, but there's nothing you could have done about it. I would be very tempted to try and clone it out, it looks as though it should be a fairly simple clone, except maybe where it crosses the tail.

Regards
David

Brilliant shots Neil, I must get one of those butchered zooms!

We don't Smeggy, it's impossible to stop them sometimes, it is just a 'numbers game'. The trick is to creep about very slowly, close to the ground and not to make any sudden movements.

Regards
David

Great set Neil, the only one not nailed is the spider, the eyes could be sharper on this one.

I have a few questions:

How did you get the glass out of the zoom?

Any particular reason for the Nikkor as opposed to a different lens?

Do you always use the Nikkor wide open? Is this to help focussing?

Regards
David

Nice set Simon, the 1.4 TC is great isn't it?

With the DA*300 I barely notice a drop in IQ, but I do see a slight difference with the DFA100 Macro.

My favourite from this set is the Bee Fly in the Cranesbill flower.

Regards
David

I didn't notice the poll either! I've voted now, but I would have liked a 'get new glass and get second hand K-5IIs option' too!

Cheers
David

Another lens that's good for flowers is the 135mm SMC Takumar F3.5, it's pretty cheap too. You might need some tubes with this as well to get a bit closer

Cheers
David