Petrochemist wrote: In keeping with your suggestion, one more option has been added to the list: that of using a reversing ring with a wide-angle or standard prime. As luck would have it, the reversing ring arrived in the post yesterday and I was able to secure a 'mint' Sigma Super Wide II 24mm f/2.8 on fleabay last week. At this stage, however, I don't anticipate exploring the stacked option: primarily due to time constraints and the need to re-integrate with the family

Jon

Mannesty wrote: Thanks for the response, Peter, and fully understand your reluctance to send your precious lenses to Swindon: I would feel likewise

Perhaps I should have made it clear in the original post that I want to produce a portfolio of images (all of the same object) that includes examples taken and post-processed under identical conditions with one or more Pentax Macro lenses; something that I do not possess (mine is a Sigma). I was hoping to find another member within 'spitting distance' who would either drop by and observe my progress whilst partaking in some light refreshment, or would allow me to collect and return a suitable lens, having first left my wife as security

When completed, my intention was to make upload the portfolio (full frame to allow assessment of DOF and sharpness/distortion at centre and edge) with all the relevant details (including working distances for each lens/combination); not to make a case for using one lens/combination in particular, but to allow someone developing an interest in close-focus/macro photography to see the range of possibilities that exist and decide which might best match their aspirations and budget.

The following is an example taken using a my Sigma 70mm Macro and 1.4x TC (of interest because it is not listed by Sigma as a compatible combination). The point of focus used in every case (selected because it is of intermediate height) was the 'large'ceramic capacitor (brown)to the right of the voltage regulator marked 'PGVI'. A 1mm line has been added above the capacitor marked 'C6'. Whilst the circuit board used is not the most interesting of subjects, it does have the advantage of having defined topography which makes assessing DOF easier.

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5325242002_5f4c83d748_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

70mm TC f16 resized by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

Thanks for expressing an interest and if you think I'm wasting my time do let me know.

Best wishes,

Jon

You should be looking for a monitor with an IPS or S/M-PVA panel(definitely not TN)and a non-glossy/reflective screen. In the 22 - 24" size range reasonably priced models (£275 - £325) are now available from Dell, NEC, HP and, even cheaper, Viewsonic. If you want to read about the colour quality and gamut of recent models this is a good place to start: link

Regards,

Jon

Been working on a project to help those wanting to develop an interest in close-focus/macro photography decide how to begin. To this end, having been shooting images under controlled conditions of the same subject using a Sigma 70mm Macro (+/- extension tubes or 1.4X TC) and a variety of other lens (50mm KM 1.7, 18-55mm DA WR, 50-200mm DA WR, Sigma 70-300mm APO DG) with close-focus attatchments (extension tubes, Raynox DCR-150/250 and, in the case of the 70-300mm, matched supplementary lens). What is lacking, however, are images from a Pentax macro lens, which I would like to include. If you are willing to help please drop me a PM and we can discuss things further.

Jon

Algi wrote: Algi, did you upload the correct image as I can't see any motorbike?

Jon

Do you think the seller would give a worthwhile discount (say 15 - 20%) and free p&p if I bought all 8 lenses and, if he did, would anyone on the forum offer to 'gimme shelter' in exchange for a share in their use until the missus had gotten over the shock?

Have always wanted to know what it feels like to live dangerously

Jon

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 Macro DC, 72mm Lightshop ND500, 72mm Kenko Pro-1 Circular Polariser, DiffuseiT Vari-angle Flash Reflector® link, Sigma Super Wide II 24mm f/2.8, PK reversing ring and, by far the best (I kid you not) an invitation to spend Christmas with my Grandson (captured below with said Sigma 17-70mm at f/4, the vari-angle flash reflector and Metz 48 AF-1)

[img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5316870426_6a931b792a_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Grandson's bath time! by prsjnb, on Flickr[/img]

"...time we wrapped things up, Morris." Realising his fate now hung by a silken thread, Morris fell to his knees, clasped his hands together and prayed to the Great Pentaxian in the circularly polarised sky.

which, whilst retaining the Tinea pedis-infested toenail clippings, allowed the deadly but latent Canikon photograpicans virus to pass through.

Just feel the need to redress the balance a little in this thread as, IMO, Ebay is still a good place to find bargains subject to the following:

:arrow: you've done your research

:arrow: you extend your search to include Europe, U.S.A. and Japan

:arrow: you've set a realistic upper limit (including p&p) and stick to it

:arrow: you look for items were the seller has retained all the original packaging and documents

:arrow: you play the waiting game: unless you're after a true rarity there will be another

:arrow: pay with PayPal and benefit from the additional protection it offers

By adhering rigidly to these guidelines I've obtained a number of lenses (all in mint or Exc++), and other photographic accessories, from all over the world in the last 12 months including: Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 and 200mm f4, Sigma 17-70mm f2.8/4.0 (KAF2; new) and 24mm f2.8 Super Wide II (KA) a pair of AF200T flashguns with variable output and a Digi-Slave L-Ring 3200.

Jon