John Whittingham wrote: > On Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:44:27 -0400, J. C. O'Connell wrote >> I have used macros from 50mm to 180mm on 35mm format, >> (33mm to 120 on APS equiv.) and I find that its good >> to have multiple focal lengths just like normal photography, >> but just like normal photography, if you only have one lens, you >> dont want only the long end of the scale and a 90-105mm >> on APS is the long end of the scale. 50mm on APS is >> nearly IDEAL single macro lens (75mm 35mm format equiv which >> was never or rarely made). To each his own, but if 50-60 and 90-105mm >> were so popular for MACRO in 35mm format, then 33.3mm and 60-70mm is >> what >> would be equiv on APS and a 50mm lens like the 50mm SMC-A F2.8 >> puts you firmly in that popular range, leaning towards the >> longer end, whilst a 90-105mm lens puts you way out there >> at 135-150mm equiv which is too long imho for a general purpose, >> one lens Macro lens kit. I would recommend a 50mm to start with and >> go with a longer lens only as a two lens macro kit, and if you >> go with three lenses, find a 35mm macro lens if you can. >> jco > > Depends more on the subject matter IMHO, for repro work or working in a > controlled environment the 50mm on film or 35mm on digital is fine. I find > for living subjects, insects, plants and the like the longer lenses have a > distinct advantage, allowing more distance betwen the photog and subject. I > have the M 50/4 and used it for copy work and slide copying with bellows, but > I use the Sigma EX 105/2.8 for all other subject with film or digital and > much prefer it.
I forgot to mention too that the longer focal lengths allow better control of the background due to the narrow angle of view which is a benefit for insect macros to avoid distracting background elements. -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
