RE: Sigma 150mm macro lens
A shame, Mark, the A 200 was your money lens. I hope they can restore it. I agree with Mark Roberts, the Sigma 180 is a very good lens, sharp and an interesting bokeh. Mine did break after about a year and a half, the aperture quit working. Sigma was able to repair it, and it works fine still. If their 150 is comparable, it would be a worthy replacement. But let's hope you wont need to. Bill Sawyer -Original Message- From: pdml-boun...@pdml.net [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Mark Roberts Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 8:02 AM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? If the new Sigma 150 macro is comparable to the old 180 I wouldn't hesitate. I have the Sigma 180/3.5 macro and it's is simply amazing. Probably the second sharpest lens I own (behind the 77 Ltd). You'll probably never see a used example because those who own one are unlikely to sell. Ever. Check the online reviews of the 150. I seem to recall it being very good. -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Yeah - I hope the verdict from Pentax is positive. Otherwise, I might hav eto learn how to take another kind of photo. Still waiting to test the D-FA an dTeleconverter. The cold, wet, and cloudy weather is not helping. - Original Message From: Bill Sawyer wsaw...@twmi.rr.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Sat, June 11, 2011 7:34:15 AM Subject: RE: Sigma 150mm macro lens A shame, Mark, the A 200 was your money lens. I hope they can restore it. I agree with Mark Roberts, the Sigma 180 is a very good lens, sharp and an interesting bokeh. Mine did break after about a year and a half, the aperture quit working. Sigma was able to repair it, and it works fine still. If their 150 is comparable, it would be a worthy replacement. But let's hope you wont need to. Bill Sawyer -Original Message- From: pdml-boun...@pdml.net [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Mark Roberts Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 8:02 AM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? If the new Sigma 150 macro is comparable to the old 180 I wouldn't hesitate. I have the Sigma 180/3.5 macro and it's is simply amazing. Probably the second sharpest lens I own (behind the 77 Ltd). You'll probably never see a used example because those who own one are unlikely to sell. Ever. Check the online reviews of the 150. I seem to recall it being very good. -- 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. -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
And maybe the Sigma 180 as well... - Original Message From: John Sessoms jsessoms...@nc.rr.com To: pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 4:14:01 PM Subject: RE: Sigma 150mm macro lens I don't have any suggestions as far as alternatives go, but were I in your situation I think I would contact KEH and have them put the A* FA* 200 macro on a wish list for me, so that if they got one in they'd let me know about it first thing. Might not help, but it couldn't hurt. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Well, I won't hold my breath looking for the 180, but you never know... A while back some guy called my cell phone out of the blue (no idea who he was) - he was looking at my website and was wondering about the very rare FA* 400 f5.6, I never heard back from him, but he thought he saw one for sale in a US Customs auction for only a couple hundred dollars... The guy who called was questioning if the listing was even accurate, since he could not find evidence that this lens ever existed. I pointed him to Bodz's site - don't know if he got the lens or not, but it gives hope! - Original Message From: Mark Roberts m...@robertstech.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 8:01:48 AM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? If the new Sigma 150 macro is comparable to the old 180 I wouldn't hesitate. I have the Sigma 180/3.5 macro and it's is simply amazing. Probably the second sharpest lens I own (behind the 77 Ltd). You'll probably never see a used example because those who own one are unlikely to sell. Ever. Check the online reviews of the 150. I seem to recall it being very good. -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
I use Sigma's 70mm and I am very happy with it. I also have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm but tend to use Sigma a lot more... Working distance considerations do not usually apply for my type of casual shooting and I believe I will not need a longer macro. You may also consider using software tools for stacking multiple images and a higher resolution camera. These may allow you use any macro lens available (of shorter focal length). Are you sure the promised Sigma 150mm macro is available for Pentax yet? Bulent - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bc_the_path/ http://photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2226822 http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/bulentcelasun 2011/6/10 Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
On 2011-06-09 20:28 , Mark Cassino wrote: The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. fwiw, my Sigma EX 105/2.8 macro (pre DG version) has working room of about 4 inches from the lens front (from physical lens front -- the glass is recessed at least an inch); however i often work at less than magnification than 1:1; at 1:2 it's got about 9 inches working room still i like it very much, but i don't have much basis for comparison; it's light enough that i carry it often; my only niggle is that the focus ring turns only about 135 degrees -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Not sure the 150/2.8 has ever been available for Pentax, not even the recent HSM version (at least according to Sigmaphoto.com) The 180/3.5 was, but of course the 150 is f/2.8 :) Note that the 150/2.8 has been discontinued and replaced by an OS version. It isn't available (yet?) in Pentax mount. 2011/6/10 Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ KX, MX, SuperA+Motor, Z1, P30 Mamiya C330+80/2.8 Sekonic L-208 FalconEyes TE300D x2 Studio flashes Laptop: Macbook 13 Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- 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.
RE: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? MCC I used to be very satisfied with Sigma 180/3.5 EX. For me working distance is rarely critical so I am currently even more impressed with the Pentax DFA 100/2.8 WR. The size difference alone was very pleasant not to mention overall better usability especially in low light. That said, if you can get your hands on the Sigma 180/3.5 EX, it is a very nice lens for the price, I had loads of fun with it. kris -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Thanks - I saw the SIgma lens listed on BH's website, but missed the fine print that it was not available yet... Well, better to see New item - availability unknown than Discontinued item. - Original Message From: Thibouille pentaxl...@gmail.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 3:19:13 AM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens Not sure the 150/2.8 has ever been available for Pentax, not even the recent HSM version (at least according to Sigmaphoto.com) The 180/3.5 was, but of course the 150 is f/2.8 :) Note that the 150/2.8 has been discontinued and replaced by an OS version. It isn't available (yet?) in Pentax mount. 2011/6/10 Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- Thibault Massart aka Thibouille/Thibs -- Photo: K-7, Sigma 28/1.8 macro, FA50/1.4, DA40Ltd, K30/2.8, DA16-45, DA50-135, DA50-200, 360FGZ KX, MX, SuperA+Motor, Z1, P30 Mamiya C330+80/2.8 Sekonic L-208 FalconEyes TE300D x2 Studio flashes Laptop: Macbook 13 Unibody SnowLeo/Win7 Programing: Delphi 2009 -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
The Sigma 105 sounds on par with the DFA 100 wrt working room. I haven't use the DFA much, it was my backup for the A* 200. Looks like I have the chance to test it some more. - Original Message From: steve harley p...@paper-ape.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 2:42:59 AM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens On 2011-06-09 20:28 , Mark Cassino wrote: The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. fwiw, my Sigma EX 105/2.8 macro (pre DG version) has working room of about 4 inches from the lens front (from physical lens front -- the glass is recessed at least an inch); however i often work at less than magnification than 1:1; at 1:2 it's got about 9 inches working room still i like it very much, but i don't have much basis for comparison; it's light enough that i carry it often; my only niggle is that the focus ring turns only about 135 degrees -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
I'm sure 70mm won't work for what I am trying to do... I also have the Krion 100mm macro (same lens as the Vivitar Series 1). It is a sweet lens. I was wrong about the availability of the 150 - it may be coming soon... - Original Message From: Bulent Celasun bulent.cela...@gmail.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 2:37:10 AM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens I use Sigma's 70mm and I am very happy with it. I also have the Vivitar Series 1 105mm but tend to use Sigma a lot more... Working distance considerations do not usually apply for my type of casual shooting and I believe I will not need a longer macro. You may also consider using software tools for stacking multiple images and a higher resolution camera. These may allow you use any macro lens available (of shorter focal length). Are you sure the promised Sigma 150mm macro is available for Pentax yet? Bulent - http://www.flickr.com/photos/bc_the_path/ http://photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2226822 http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/bulentcelasun 2011/6/10 Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Interresting about the color shift. I inevitably tweak the WB when processing raw files, bu thaven't noticed any lenses with consistent color shifts. The only other Sigma glass tha ti use much is the 70-200 f2.8, and I haven't noticed any color shifts with it... - Original Message From: Boris Liberman bori...@gmail.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Fri, June 10, 2011 12:00:20 AM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens On 6/10/2011 05:28, Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Mark, if you get to buy a Sigma, I will be most curious to know how you'd compare the color rendering of both lenses. Initially I did not notice it, but Tamron 28-75 and Sigma 24-60 yield different colors - Tamron being the warmer and Sigma being a bit odd for I lack words to describe it in a way that would make sense. The best I can do is say that it seems to eat up a bit of yellow and that general aspect of rendering is a bit lifeless. Not terribly so, but still... May be since introduction of Sigma 24-60 they did improve on their coatings a fair bit, I don't know but I'd certain want to hear your opinion on the matter if and when you get a Sigma. Boris -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Thanks - I already have the 100. I'll be testing it with a 2x converter (Kiron MC-7) this weekend, but I don't have high hopes for sharpness with the TC. The lens alone is wonderfully sharp. - Original Message From: Tim Bray tb...@textuality.com To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net Sent: Thu, June 9, 2011 10:37:39 PM Subject: Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens Well, I recently got a good deal on a Pentax DFA-100 macro because there's the new WR variant. I bet if you hit a few Pentax dealers there'll be a few more of them out there. Mind you, it sounds like you're looking for more than 100mm. -T On Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 7:28 PM, Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com wrote: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? If the new Sigma 150 macro is comparable to the old 180 I wouldn't hesitate. I have the Sigma 180/3.5 macro and it's is simply amazing. Probably the second sharpest lens I own (behind the 77 Ltd). You'll probably never see a used example because those who own one are unlikely to sell. Ever. Check the online reviews of the 150. I seem to recall it being very good. -- 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.
RE: Sigma 150mm macro lens
From: Mark Cassino Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus?the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options??The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with? a ?teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ I don't have any suggestions as far as alternatives go, but were I in your situation I think I would contact KEH and have them put the A* FA* 200 macro on a wish list for me, so that if they got one in they'd let me know about it first thing. Might not help, but it couldn't hurt. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
Well, I recently got a good deal on a Pentax DFA-100 macro because there's the new WR variant. I bet if you hit a few Pentax dealers there'll be a few more of them out there. Mind you, it sounds like you're looking for more than 100mm. -T On Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 7:28 PM, Mark Cassino markcass...@ymail.com wrote: Hi Everyone - It finally happened - my trusty old SMC A* 200mm macro developed a problem this past weekend, and there is clearly an issue in the linkage between the arm that controls the aperture and the aperture mechanism itself. I sent it off to Pentax in hopes that they can get it fixed up, and hopefully they can. But I may as well do some contingency planning as I await to hear form them... The only viable option I see out there now is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro. Has anyone tried this lens? They state that it has a minimum focusing distance of 15 inches which is 1:1 magnification. So, minus the length of the lens (5 inches) it looks like there would be about 10 inches of working room. That's not bad - the 200mm macro hit about 12 inches of working room at 1:1. The D-FA 100 only has about 6 inches. Any thoughts about other options? The Sigma 180mm macro is long gone and the A* and FA* 200 macros are impossible to find. I just started playing around with my A* 300 f4 and a Canon 500D multi element close up lens - the first test were surprisingly sharp, but the range you can focus in is very small and the maximum magnification is only about .65 life-size. I plan on trying the D-FA 100 with a teleconverter this weekend, but am not optimistic. Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Thanks - MCC www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/ -- 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. -- 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.
Re: Sigma 150mm macro lens
On 6/10/2011 05:28, Mark Cassino wrote: Any thoughts on the Sigma 150 or other options that might be out there? Mark, if you get to buy a Sigma, I will be most curious to know how you'd compare the color rendering of both lenses. Initially I did not notice it, but Tamron 28-75 and Sigma 24-60 yield different colors - Tamron being the warmer and Sigma being a bit odd for I lack words to describe it in a way that would make sense. The best I can do is say that it seems to eat up a bit of yellow and that general aspect of rendering is a bit lifeless. Not terribly so, but still... May be since introduction of Sigma 24-60 they did improve on their coatings a fair bit, I don't know but I'd certain want to hear your opinion on the matter if and when you get a Sigma. Boris -- 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.
