Macro lens advice needed

Hello!

Been thinking about adding another macro lens to my kit. Currently I have ZD35 f3.5, but would like to have some more reach. At first I thought that it's a simple thing – I'll get the Sigma 105 f2.8 – but now I'm not so sure anymore.

I could go with a ZD50 f2.0 because it's a stellar performer in any way. But It's not a true 1:1 macro lens. And maybe does still not have enough reach. The good side would be that then I would have a fast sharp lens that can be used as a general and portrait lens too. And I could add a Ex-25 to get a true 1:1 magnification.

But then the price would be almost equal to Sigma 150 f2.8, Sigma would be even cheaper. Then again I have heard several complaints about focus with that lens. So that sucks.

Why I'm just not going with Sigma's 105 f2.8? Quality wise it seems to be a good performer. Because I think about Olympus's future ZD100 f2.0 macro. It sure will be better performer in the similar focal length.

So I have couple questions. How does the EX-25+ZD50 work? How's the Sigma 150? And what would you do in a similar situation? If anyone cares to think with me on this, I would be grateful. Thanks.

--

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ZD50/ex25 is a small focus field and close focus arrangement. It produces great results, as you would expect, but is not well suited to all types of close up photography. Best on tripod and focus stage.

can't comment on the Sigma's other than anectdotally they appear to be the best insect shooting solution due to the combination of working distance and magnification - results posted here have been stunning.

I tend to grab the 50/2 + ec20 rather than the ex25 for pretty much the obvious reasons associated with above comments.

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• enjoy your camera equipment -

could you elaborate on the 'small focus field' part?

photo_owl said:

ZD50/ex25 is a small focus field and close focus arrangement. It
produces great results, as you would expect, but is not well suited
to all types of close up photography. Best on tripod and focus stage.

can't comment on the Sigma's other than anectdotally they appear to
be the best insect shooting solution due to the combination of
working distance and magnification - results posted here have been
stunning.

I tend to grab the 50/2 + ec20 rather than the ex25 for pretty much
the obvious reasons associated with above comments.

--

• enjoy your camera equipment -

Click to expand...

Markus,

I have used the 50/2 with the EC1.4 and 2.0 for brochures and catalogue work and it really is a good lens. The results are very sharp. I was hoping to see the appearance of the mythical 100mm macro at Fotokina, but no-show.

Have not used the sigmas, so can't comment, but the images I've seen online look very good.

best,
dab1

should have said focus range rather than field but I am sure you realise what I meant.

with the EX25 on the ZD50/2 you have 1.8cm of focus range between 21.3 and 23.1cm from the sensor

OK?

--

• enjoy your camera equipment -

you might consider the ZD 70-300mm



for getting closer, add the EX-25



Of course, it's not a fast lens, or an ideal portrait lens, so if you need those features as well, you'll have to look elsewhere.

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Art P



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