This weekend I tested out the D-FA 100mm macro combined with a Kiron MC-7 2x teleconverter and also combined with a Pentax 1.7x AF adapter as alternatives to a 200mm macro lens. The combo with the Kiron was OK, but not great. However, I was really impressed with the results with the 1.7x converter. Here's one test shot of a dragonfly who was pawing around on a sandy hill a pine barrens:
http://www.markcassino.com/temp/pdml/IMGP2671.jpg Cropped to actual pixels to see the detail in the eyes - and the injury to its right eye: http://www.markcassino.com/temp/pdml/IMGP2671_cr.jpg A Bee Hunter: http://www.markcassino.com/temp/pdml/IMGP2745.jpg Actual pixel crop of its compound eyes: http://www.markcassino.com/temp/pdml/IMGP2745_cr.jpg I used the 1.7x adapter only as a teleconverter, with AF turned off. Having a modest degree of af functionality might be useful also. Shots with the Kiron really lacked in sharp edge definition, though were not as bad as I was expecting. Some samples can be seen in a blog post here: http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ or here: http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/index.php/the-blackthorn-wand I'm pretty satisfied with the 1.7x telelconverter - though I still hope to hear from Pentax that they can fixed the lens! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
