I paid $114 for my Kiron 105/2.8 Macro on Ebay. It is an excellant lens in every respect.
Be aware that for Macro it requires a lot of focusing travel. For most shooting, focusing from 3 ft to infinity = 1/4 turn (pretty normal amount of focus throw), but for macro shooting, focusing from 3 ft to about 3 inches (1:1) = another 1.5 turns (that's a lot of barrel turning) Here's a fun little shot, with very big grain ;-) My server will be out for an hour or so, so check back if you get a page error. Shot at 1/30, f11, ISO 1600, handheld: www.photolin.com/kiron/kiron01.jpg www.photolin.com/kiron/kiron02.jpg and for the masochists with broadband (1.6 mb) www.photolin.com/kiron/kiron01.jpg I also have the Pentax FA 100/2.8 Macro and Phoenix 100/3.5 Macro (with 1:1 Diopter adapter). Since I never take portraits, except for the occasional one at 400-600mm, I can't vouch for how good any of them shoot portraits. -- John Mustarde www.photolin.com
