Buying a macro (WIP)

what is the difference between the RS version of the minolta and the older version... it is stated in the guide that the circular blades are not incorporated... what effect does that have on the pictures??

Great summary!

If this gets fleshed out more, then it is worth mentioning manual focus macro lenses as an option for those looking to get into macro on a tight budget. Lacking AF is no big deal for macro work, though sacrificing SSS and having to stop down manually are more significant constraints.

Nevertheless, if you're willing to work around that you can find excellent MF macro lenses with appropriate adapter for a total expenditure of only $100-$150. One of my own favorites is an old Vivitar 90mm f2.8 macro in Canon FD mount that cost me all of $65 (plus $45 for the FD to alpha adapter). I find myself using that more often than my AF Sigma 50mm f2.8 macro and it has kept me more than happy enough that I've not felt the need to save up for an AF macro in the 90-105mm range.

Here are two example shots with it:





Edited by pdeley - 16 May 2009 at 11:53

Great info!

my old Sigma 50/2.8 Macro (without an letters) is making troubles. Sometimes AF gets stuck. So i am thinking of a replacment.

I would pick between Sigma 70, Tamron 90 or Sigma 105. A german magazine recommends Sigma 70, Sigma 105 both better than the Tamron 90. But most people in forums recommend the Tamron 90.

so.... hard decision. I tend the Sigma 70. Any advise welcome!
TIA Bernie

A word of warning about Sigma macro lenses on the A700. The AF motor on the A700 is known to be high torque and it can eat ring gears that are not up to it. I had a pre-digital version Sigma EX 105mm that stripped its ring gear within nine months of me owning it. To be fair, it was second hand when I bought it so I don't know how much use it had had before I got it. But I ordered a replacement ring gear and fitted it myself, and I didn't think much of the quality of the plastic used, either in the one I took out, or the one I replaced it with. I assume that because I was able to purchase a new ring gear then the part is identical to that in the current version.
I now have a series 1 Minolta 100mm and it's a superb lens.

Wel, i got my Sigma 70, and i'm verry pleased with it. That thing is amazing. Used for macro on small bugs, used on kids faces, indoor sports, thing is verry nice, and i paid €350 for it incl. shipping! Doesn't get anny better than that...

I did a froogle.com search for the sigma 70mm macro (http://www.google.com/products?q=sigma+70mm+macro+sony&aq=f)
And the second option when I searched was $299.99 from a site called Abe's of Maine (http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=SG70DGAFSN&id=SG70DGAFSN&l=FROOGLE)
Anyways, Froogle has pretty solid user reviews of that website apparently, but I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this site?

Thanks!
Justin

I have a Minolta 50RS that I bought used here on Dyxum. It's awesome as a walk around macro, very portable. I agree that it is well suited to hand-held shooting. I haven't gotten into tripod work, probably because I have a lousy tripod. But the only negative of the 50 is that you have to get really, really close. Otherwise it is a gem. The clarity of the images is astounding. Colour is great.