Macro lens dilemma

[henniebez]

Hi there

I know this is a well debated topic. Which macro lens to buy! Sony 100mm or the Sigma 105mm. I would prefer the best. Seeing that there is a slight chance of a 200mm macro comming from Sony-Is it better to wait?

I have read Dyxum reviews, but still I am confused. Strange how I trust opinions of people I don't even know. But please help me with this one

[David Kilpatrick]

I sold my 200mm f/4 Minolta macro - the distance advantages are eroded by its shortened true focal length due to internal focusing, and the extra weight really didn't appeal either when trying to aim up accurate on a tripod, or hand-holding. The Minolta/Sony 100mm macro design is not as bad as the Sigma for losing its working distance when focusing (it's sort of semi-internal focusing, half way to being a traditional macro). The ideal setup for real quality macro work is the 100mm Sony on a good quality (I use Kenko DG 8-contact D compatible) extension tube combo. AF is flaky as ever, but generally I am using 'rock the camera' focusing with AF confirmation. With the full set of extension tubes fitted (67mm of extension) the lens is well short of 1:1 focus (would need 100mm of tubes) but has extra working distance, plus the scope to focus even closer than 1:1.Some theoretical corrections introduced by the internal focus action are lost.

Also, I use the 100mm on a Teleplus MC DG type 2X converter. The results are by no means poor and it becomes a 200mm focusing to 2:1 magnification.

On a shorter budget, then the Sigma 105mm macro plus some tubes and a converter would be an awesomely versatile, moderate cost field macro rig.

David

[bakubo]

In 1991 in Tokyo I bought a pretty nice focusing rail (adjusts in 2 directions) for macro work. It is good for when you are on a tripod and get the focus just about right using the lens focusing and then you can fine tune the focusing and also shift the camera left to right by very small amounts to get just the right framing. I bought it and only used it a few times. I still have it, but generally macro is not my thing. You might look into these devices though because I found it to be a tremendous help.

[henniebez]

Thanks

I think I will go for the Sony 100mm macro.