On Dec 1, 2012, at 6:18 AM, Daniel J. Matyola wrote: > I want a versatile macro lens for my K-r, that would be suitable when > eventually I upgrade to a K-5 series or whatever comes along. Without > getting too exotic or pricey, I would like fairly wide max aperture > and good bokeh. I would use it mostly to shoot flowers, butterflies > and the like. If it could take decent images outside the macro range > as well, that would be a plus. > > What are others using? What moderately price lens would you recommend>
I have run into the uncomfortable realization that focal length on a macro lens is as important in different situations as it is in a standard lens, and for the same reasons. Sometimes you want to include more of the background, sometimes you want to restrict the background. Sometimes you want maximum magnification from a distance, sometimes you want to include more of the subject, but don't have room to move the camera back. I have three lenses that I regularly use for macro and closeup work, my Sigma 20/1.8, Pentax DFA 50/2.8 and a Tamron 90/2.8. I choose which one to use based on focal length for that particular shot, rather than any other qualities of the lens. It generally works out to using the 90 for insects, and often the 20 or the 50 for flowers or mushrooms. If I were going out to buy a macro lens today, I'd probably pick up a Pentax 100/2.8 WR macro. If I were tight on money, I'd get a Raynox 150. I briefly had a Raynox 250, and it was too powerful for many of my shots. LRC -- Larry Colen [email protected] sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
