I have never heard it was crap. In fact, I have done a few shots with it and it is not bad at all. The real issue is that the build quality is that of a $100 lens (ballpark cost). It is also 1:2 unless used with a matched closeup filter. If one is looking for a cheap, decent macro, it is a good way to start. It is made by Cosina and there are Vivitar and Phoenix versions which include the closeup filter in the price. Just got my daughter one for Christmas.
The shop I work at sells that lens under the Promaster brand and includes the closeup adapter as well. The lens itself is pretty dang sharp. I've seen some very nice 12x18 prints from it. The 1:1 adapter really softens things up, though. The very center is alright, but the rest drops off pretty badly, sharpness-wise.
Still, it's a good value.
John Celio
-- http://www.neovenator.com http://www.newpixel.net
AIM: Neopifex
"Hey, I'm an artist. I can do whatever I want and pretend I'm making a statement."
