Buying a macro (WIP)

lcbannon, chances are that it's not a "true macro" i.e. 1:1 .

brettania, you can add that Sigma also made 90mm Macros.

Have you tested it out yet?
And perhaps some pictures of the lens itself would help our dyxum crew identify it.

lcbannon wrote: Interesting thread, I today just picked up a macro lens and cannot find any info about it. (checked database already)   No name on lens, but perhaps a minolta, saw a pic of one very like it on ebay. Focal AF MC Zoom Macro 1:4.5 75-200mm is on lens front itself. Has a rubber grip adjustment for distance and front lens turns back and forth. I have been wanting a macro lens and when I ran across this I picked it up without first testing but price was right. Anyone have idea of what I have?? Thanks in advance.

I believe that Focal is a brand of lenses that Kmart used to sell.

Hello,

I am new here, but love close-up and macro photography. I use either bellows or extension tubes depending on the subject. This allows me to use almost any good lens to get my subject on the film.

Seems like most of you are using digital systems. For anyone using Minolta/Konica film cameras, and wanting to use manual lenses, bellows, extension tube, look at http://www.mhohner.de/index.php. There is a table there that explains how to defeat the shutter lock om most of the AF bodies. Lots more useful info also.

I use a 7000 body, (not 7000i) because when a manual lens or attachment is installed, it automatically switches the camera to manual mode, and has no shutter lock.   

Have fun, I will have photos scanned and posted soon.

Phil

Hi all - been a while since I have been posting. Life happens.
That being said IMO I love my Minolta 50mm more than my Tamron 90mm. I was in the same boat as brettania as I once had the Tamron 90mm sold it and within 2 weeks I was regretting. So I sold off my Minolta 100mm (soft) to fund for another Tamron 90mm and a flash.

The 50mm proves to be a lightweight and provide good handheld shots as you can hold it steadier and at short focal length. This is great if you are wander-shooter and dont walk around with a tripod. On an APS-C the lens was a wonderful portrait lens however a bit of care had to be used in PP to not show "true" signs of age :) The lens is incredibly sharp!

The Tammy is awesome for the bug insects or those lovely inner flower shots (though I still prefer to use the 50mm) and renders great bokeh and color! As mentioned by many users this is a fantastic lens ... loads of reviews.

But as you can see I favor the 50mm. Pocket size, lightweight, standard lens able to use in low-light better than Tammy should a tripod not be available ... it is just more versatile.

When looking for a macro you need to know what you want it for and where most of your shots are to find the right one.
For me I like to walk around and snap anything of interest and I like to take product shots I find the 50mm (and my 135mm :p) does this very well. Where when I want to do micro macro or I know I am chasing some bugs the Tammy comes out and with some tubes :)

I shoot with 5D/7D/a900

Excellent advice on this thread Im leaning towards the Sigma 70 mm -as a compromise between the 50's and 100's -as I shall probably only buy one macro lens for all subjects.( maybe )

The Tamron 90mm is probably the best choice when comparing between the Tamron and the Sony 100 merely on price. Both lenses are excellent and optically of almost identical quality (IMHO).

In fact, I think I could safely say that I don't know of a bad macro lens on the market today, although, I'm sure there will be individuals who will have their tales of woe about just about any lens!