On Mon, 23 Dec 2002 14:25:12 +0100, Ivan Prenosil wrote: >I desperately need advice - I want to buy macro lens >for my MZ-3, both for shooting macro and portraits. >There are two candidates: > Pentax-FA 100mm/2.8 Macro > Sigma 105mm/2.8 EX
I have both these lenses, I'll sell you the Sigma if you want. >reasons why to choose Sigma over Pentax: > >Weight (g): P=600, S=450. I tend to not worry about weight as I have bags which I find comfortable to wear. >Handling: >Sigma has much wider focusing ring. I find the Pentax fine for manual focus, though the wide ring on the Sigma is good. >Sigma allows fast switching between MF/AF using focusing ring. The AF switch on the Sigma simply disengages the focus ring, it does not make it into a manual focus lens which you can use with the trap focus feature on Pentax camera. The Pentax is a true manual focus switch which allows Trap Focus. >Lens length (mm): P=103, S=95. They both fit in the bag, no real difference. >Focal length (mm): P=100, S=105. >Sigma is slightly better, both for shooting animals and portraits. Depends on your point of view, I see little difference, but prefer the 100 myself. >Price: Sigma is nearly 20 % cheaper. Price is not everything, but as I said I have a Sigma for sale if you are interested. (I have yet to work out what I want to ask for it or the other equipment. Can I interest you in a package deal on a Z1p, Sigma 105 f2.8 EX macro and a Pentax AF080c ring flash?) >Design: absolutely not important, however this particular Pentax lens >does not look much "spectacularly". The "Zen" finish is wearing slightly on my lens on the edge of the focus ring from being taken in and out of a camera bag, the Pentax is built like a tank! >Did I forgot something important ? The main reasons for the Pentax over the Sigma are: The Pentax is slightly sharper (The Sigma is a very sharp lens). The Bokeh on the Sigma is dreadful, especially compared to the Pentax. I found that the harsh out of focus areas on my macro pictures were annoying me too much. >There are some things I know nothing about, so I can't compare them directly >- picture quality (which is the most important) > I usually do 20*30 or 30*40 cm (8*12 or 12*16 inch). Both should be good for this, I do mainly slides and project them to a 6 foot wide screen. >- direction of rotation of focusing ring. > Does Sigma use the correct Pentax style ? The Sigma will read wrong on cameras like the Super A - it gives a maximum aperture of f1.2. >- mechanical construction/quality/durability. > >I asked in several shops, and the Sigma was always praised >as top quality (even by some nearby customers). It is nice, but as stated I hate the Bokeh. If you don't believe in Bokeh, and I know some people don't, then the Sigma is great. >Should I remain "loyal" to Pentax ? Despite all notes above ? >Help !! And thanks for all your comments/advices !! I'll go off and see what everyone else has written now. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon
