nearly all zooms will have some geometry problems that true prime macros dont, and with a zoom its even HARDER to remove the geometry distortion in digital post processing than a prime non-macro lens discussed earlier. I would never recommend zooms for macro unless you dont want the best quality. The extra lens elements in a zoom increase flare too. Its not just about sharpness, the flare and geometry issues matter too. jco
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mark Roberts Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 1:13 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Macro Lenses Walter Hamler wrote: >Thanks for all the various inputs on the Macro question. You all gave me a >lot to think about. >I just talked to the folks at B&H, and they would have had to order the AF >version of the Phoenix 100mm f/3.5 macro (same lens as the Pentax 100 f/3.5 >that is discontinued), BUT, they have the MF version in stock. So, for >125.00 shipped, it is on its way. If for some reason I am unhappy with it, I >can probably sell for pretty close to that price and continue the quest. >However, having seen results on the lens posted on the web I think I will >like it. >So, the flowers and bugs on GFM are on my list!! For shooting macro at GFM you don't really need to bring any lens at all: You can usually borrow whatever you need :) Personally, since I do the majority of my macro shooting in the field, I love using a zoom because it lets me, well, zoom; no futzing around with moving the tripod forward an inch or two or three, etc. (Yes, I know about macro focusing rails, but I'm trying to carry *less* gear, not more.) My old Vivitar 70-210 Series 1 goes to 1:2.5 by itself and around 1:1 with a 2-element achromatic diopter lens. Not as sharp as my Pentax F100/2.8 macro, but I usually end up shooting at small apertures where diffraction is the main limit on sharpness. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
