Camera Labs

Hey Pentaxians,
I am planning (really soon) to get a decent macro lens, as I want to get a little more serious into outdoor photography. I have read many reviews and I have narrowed my choices to Pentax D-FA 100mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 105mm EX f/2.8. At first I was really looking toward the Pentax, but then I found the Sigma on Amazon for only $350 (Pentax is around $400 on one site). Anyone have any experience with either of the lenses? And yes, I have heard some bad things about the build quality of the D-FA 100mm compared to its predecessor. Your opinions are highly appreciated!

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Samsung GX-10, , SA 18-55mm
Canon 5D Mark II, 40D, EF 17-40mm f/4 L, EF 24-105mm L IS, EF 50mm f/1.4

www.flickr.com/glxlr

Hi GLXLR,

Both lenses have been reviewed over at PhotoZone. The Sigma was reviewed on both Canon and Nikon bodies (no Pentax review, I'm afraid) and it seems a solid performer. The dangers of comparing reviews are amply illustrated by the difference in the results between the two Sigma tests, however.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

The Sigma 70mm is better optically than the 105mm,in fact the best macro third party I know. It comes down to what range you want.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

Hullo

I recently bought the Sigma 50mm f2.8 ex having considered the other lenses you mention. (but discounted them fairly early as 50mm was the focal length I wanted)

The 70mm sigma seems to be the pick of the bunch in terms of sharpness but I wanted something for macro work that could double up for some portrait work as well which is why I chose the 50mm.

I haven't used the other two you mention but the 50mm get's extremeley close to produce 1:1 results so using it for insects (other then dead or very slow ones) it's pretty useless. (I knew this before I bought it)

That said the pictures so far from this have been excellent with the only failings being my own.

One thing I was interested in was that the Sigma would cover full frame as well (the pentax 50mm macro did not) so it may be worth checking this with your choices so that when Pentax/ Samsung hopfefully do offer a full frame body your lens can alossbe used on that should you choose to.

)

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K10D + optimistic idiocy

My pic's - http://www.flickr.com/photos/10126769@N05/

DFA lenses are FF compatible.

Bonjour,

I'm very happy with my Pentax DA* 50-135mm f2.8 ED (IF) SDM for macro photography.

Large aperture f/2.8 gives extra freedom for depth of field effects.

Check my review

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--- rei_vilo
Pentax K-5 + BG4 + DA* 16-50 + DA* 50-135 + DA* 60-250 + AF-540FGZ
reivilophotography.weebly.com

the Sigma 105mm and the Tamron 90mm are good options.. I would go for the Sigma because of the 105mm.. for animals the distance is better. The Pentax is too expensive and its not better.

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| Pentax K5 | Pentax K10D | DA* 300 F4 | M 50mm F1.7 | Sigma AF 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO | AF 360 FGZ |