macro for pentax k20d

[nanadoo]

My point-and-shoot was all I thought I needed, but.............. I find myself with a new pentax k20d. WOW!!!!! Am I overwhelmed! Now I am head over heels in love with the idea of learning to use this camera but, the challenge is daunting. I have downloaded the eBook by Yvon Bourque for my K20D and am now a member of DPS. I am on the Facebook section for Pentax camera owners and have devoured the manual that came with the camera.

Anyone willing to give advice to a wannna be photographer? (I have 2 lenses for my new camera............DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED and the18-55.) I would like to have a macro lens but am not really sure what I need. I love close ups of nature and really want to get the best lens for my new hobby without breaking the already broken bank.

Thank you to all who will share your experiences and advice.
















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[acedrew]

The Sigma 70mm Macro is one of the sharpest DSLR lenses ever made, here's the review from slrgear.com Sigma Lens: Primes - Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro (Tested) - SLRgear.com!
Check it out, if you really want to get into macro nature, you need a pretty fast prime, the 70mm 2.8 is a great buy, and you won't find a sharper lens. I'm probably going to buy one as soon as I save the money.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | http://twitter.com/acedrew | Login | Facebook

[MattG]

I bought the Sigma 105mm EX DG Macro for my K10d and love it. It is solidly made, performs as expected (i.e. very, very well) and is a great medium telephoto lens to boot as well. The bonus is it really isn't that expensive compared to the performance it gives. Example of shots below:

Macro example


Telephoto Example

[Niresangwa]

In between now and the time you can afford a sparkling new macro lens, you may want to consider getting a set of close-up filters.

I picked up a set on Adorama, Hoya brand, and it cost me about $40 shipped. I had intended it to be a stop gap before I invested in a true Macro-dedicated lens...well, long story short, I won't be getting that new glass any time soon, as the close up filters made me fall very hard in love with them...

They're cheap, easy to use and produce a beautifully shallow DoF...

While my flickr page linked in my sig is a serious work in progress, you can see most of the stuff I have up there right now was done with those filters on the k100's kit lens...

...I have yet to run them out on the k20, but am excited to do so!

[Wolfhound]

Hi. Just joined tonight I have the Pentax K200D and DA18-55mm F3.5-5.8 ALII. I was able to take the First two attempts at Macro the other night. I'll now be taking alot more.

[Wolfhound]

My second shot

[i speak in math]

I picked up some used vivitar extension tubes to go with my smc 50mm f/1.4 on my K20D. So for a total of $120 for the lens and extension tubes, you can go 1:1 macro. Plus you will have a beautiful 50mm for many other situations. No need for a dedicated macro lens. I usually use my lp120 to light the shots since stopping down to f/16 and using the tubes has quite a bit of light loss.

[lowbone]

Pentax used to make a 200mm Macro lens that was arguably one of the best Macro lenses ever made. If you can find one on ebay or someplace you have found photographic gold. If not, there are no bad macro lenses. The rule of thumb is that if you want to shoot skitish insects you will probably want a focal length in the 180-200mm area, With flowers 75-100 works fine and for static product type shots even 50-60mm will work well. The longer the focal length ususally means more weight and more money. This is not set in stone but generally suggested focal lengths.