I have to say I prefer #2 Craig, to me it has more vitality and contrast.

Best wishes
David

I would strongly recommend you check the following before you buy a macro lens:

1. Make sure it is a 1:1 Macro (this means it will give you a true life-size image). The one linked to above is not a 1:1 lens so you would not get true macro performance with it. This is probably why it went so cheaply.

2. Make sure it is a Pentax Bayonet fit, ideally 'PKA' (if it's a manual focus lens), or any Pentax Autofocus fitting will be OK. This ensures you get automatic opening & closing of the aperture, which IMHO is the most important factor

3. Decide on the focal length; lenses of 90mm - 105mm fetch more money than 50mm macros as most people prefer the greater working distance you get with the longer focal length lenses. There's a Tamron 90mm for sale on the forum at present

Hope this helps!

Regards
David

Great set, so much variety and interest. I've enjoyed browsing through these.

Regards
David

Hi Jim, congratulations on your win last week! Just a quick question, do Traction Engine shots qualify for this week's competition or is it strictly rail locomotives?

Regards
David

+2, I think that's the best one so far IMHO.

Regards
David

Great shots Stuey, I love the Skipper one in particular. That old lens seems pretty sharp to me.

Here are a few of my efforts:

1. K-5 with Sigma 50-500mm



2. K-5 with Sigma 50-500



3. K-x with Tamron Adaptamatic 300mm F5.6



4. K-x with Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG EX Macro



Best wishes
David

Same from me, thanks very much Shaun, excellent day. I've posted three on the Gallery so far, I'm looking forwards to seeing some more from everyone else

Regards
David

Hope you enjoy it, I love my SMC 135mm F3.5 Takumar, it's especially good when teamed up with the K-5.

Regards
David

Absolutely stunning set Gary, great lens and great shots, you must be very pleased with them.

Regards
David

Hi Andy, I've just acquired the 50-500 from another forum member and have given it a good workout today at a wildlife reserve. First impressions are very favourable - I've posted a couple of images on the Gallery taken with it (see below).

Please bear in mind that both the 150-500 and the 50-500 are extremely heavy and only really suitable for using with a tripod or monopod, unless you have arms like Garth. The 55-300 is a great lens and really light, although clearly does not have the reach of the Sigma lenses. I think I'm going to love the 50-500, but it is definitely not a 'walkabout' lens due to the weight.







Best wishes
David