When someone says "without getting too pricey" it is hard to know what the means to them. Later in this thread the OP says that the DFA 100mm f2.8 would be good, so assuming that is not too pricey. If that's not too pricey, then I think that is your lens.
For any Pentax lens, you can do some comparisons on the Pentax Photo Gallery. Just click the "camera and lenses" link in the upper right. You can select a lens without selecting a body. This will allow you to check the various perspective, bokeh, etc. Obviously, this will only work for Pentax lenses, but you can go way back to Takumars there, if you like. The DFA 100mm macro: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=130 One option I'll throw out there for you, if you are considering popping for a DFA100 macro. You might want to also consider the Pentax-F 100mm f2.8 macro. It will cover full frame (obviously) if you hope for a future Pentax FF model or still shoot film on occasion. One reviewer who previously owned the DFA says the F is faster on the autofocus. ( http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-F-100mm-F2.8-Macro-Lens.html ) It also has a focus range limiter, which the DFA lacks (and some have missed). Best of all, when the are offered they usually go in the $400-500 range, which represents a significant savings over the DFA. (They aren't offered often, but one sold on that infernal auction site within the past 30 days for a $430 BIN.) I got mine for effectively free when I found a P-Z1 kit with multiple lenses, flash and accessories and sold off the other stuff to keep the F100. Due to life going to hell in a handbasket, I haven't gotten to use it much yet, but I'm glad to have it in my arsenal. -- 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.
