If you could choose...macro lenses?

[Vois]

If you had the choice between these prime macros...

new 90mm Tamron
mint used or new Minolta 100 D macro
or 105mm Sigma
new Sony 100mm

Which would you choose and why...I'm on the fence. We all know the IQ is nice in all of them and in the $400-$500 dollar US range except for the new Sony.

 

[moire]

SONY/Minolta 100 D macro or Tamron 90mm . In that order too
--

A700 owner

 

[WaltKnapp]

If you had the choice between these prime macros...

new 90mm Tamron
mint used or new Minolta 100 D macro
or 105mm Sigma
new Sony 100mm

Which would you choose and why...I'm on the fence. We all know the
IQ is nice in all of them and in the $400-$500 dollar US range except
for the new Sony.

The Minolta 100 D macro. I like the grip pattern better than the Sony version of the same lens. And definitely like it better than the Tamron or Sigma. It is the 100mm macro I use, along with the Minolta 50mm D and the Minolta 200mm G.

Walt

 

[tsg]

Minolta 100 Macro Af-D, new in box @ B&H for $499. It is the same as the Sony version, with a wider pattern on the focus grip. IMHO the wider pattern doesnt grab as much dust and grit (like many of the Sony line as well as old-style minoltas)

I don't know that I'd go for an older version unless it was a real bargain. I've had the Sigma 105 and for the price it is really great.

If I were asking the question - as others have said before in this forum - "What Does A. Arif use?"

http://www.pbase.com/aarif/macro

--
----------------------------------------
http://www.griffinshot.com/
http://www.superfly.org/

 

[mezman]

I'd take the Minolta or Sony 100mm first. I have the Minolta version and it's fantastic. Then the Tamron since it has a great rep. Lastly the Sigma since it's rep is not as good.
--
Good luck and good light.
http://www.kennedyphotography.net

 

[Barry Fitzgerald]

Tamron 90mm, best value for money and its right up there with the 100mm IQ wise.

100mm is overpriced imho ;-) (sorry but it is!)
--



Clint is on holiday! Soon to return! ;-)

 

[Dr Nemo]

Minolta / Sony

I own the Tamron, a fine lens but the Minolta/Sony has more blades giving out of focus point sources of light (e.g. sun reflecting on water) a circular effect as opposed to a nine sided polyhedron as with the Tamron and others.

If you haven't already checked Dyxum out here is the link. http://www.dyxum.com/lenses/index.asp

 

[Vois]

Thanks for the great replies and yes I had checked out dyxum...they are all good lenses...one I had left out is the 70mm Sigma...and it could do double duty as a potrait lens...seems the most feedback like the Minolta 100 D (new). And B&H is the store I have used in the past for all of my lenses and has worked out great.

Thanks for the feedback and any more would be appreciated as well.

One note as Barry has said...the Tamron is $449 at B&H with a $90 rebate which would put total cost at around $359 + shipping...but that Minolta...

 

[Jacqueaux]

I had that same choice, and ordered the Minolta 100mm D just this week.
--
Richard Lane
http://www.pbase.com \jacqueaux
See profile for equipment

 

[Barry Fitzgerald]

Thanks for the great replies and yes I had checked out dyxum...they
are all good lenses...one I had left out is the 70mm Sigma...and it
could do double duty as a potrait lens...seems the most feedback like
the Minolta 100 D (new). And B&H is the store I have used in the
past for all of my lenses and has worked out great.

Thanks for the feedback and any more would be appreciated as well.

One note as Barry has said...the Tamron is $449 at B&H with a $90
rebate which would put total cost at around $359 + shipping...but
that Minolta...

I am working off uk prices, and over here the tamron will set you back around £270 ish, and the sony is £510 on average..one place has it for over £600!

With that price difference, the tamron is by far the better choice. But I dont know what the prices are like in the USA, obviously better than here...its down to bang per buck, if you can get a good deal on a s/h minolta one or a decent price on the sony..fire away.

You wont go wrong with any of them..

--



Clint is on holiday! Soon to return! ;-)

 

[RolfGuenter]

... in Europe You pay about Euros 800 ($1150) vs. Euro 350 for the Tamron.
And I'm happy with it (bought at B&H).

 

[Vois]

Thanks for the info guys...ordered a new Minolta 100 D from B&H for $499...

 

[Staxis]

I bought the Sigma 70mm macro with the idea of also using it as a portrait lens. I do not regret my choice for a second. Great lens.
--
Greg

When you've got a moment, have a look at my newly updated site including my blog:
http://www.wrightphotos.co.uk
also http://www.wrightphotos.co.uk/FromeInFocus

Winner of the South West Rural section of the BBC's Picture of Britain Competition.

 

[daleyaaron]

I tried the Sigma, and then returned it for the Sony. Overfocus under focus, back and forth. Took 30 seconds to get perfect focus with the Sigma. Sony is fast and finds the range right away.

Don't know about the others.

 

[tomhongkong]

I got mine from them a couple of weeks ago. I wonder how many more they have? they have been offered for quite a while and 5-6 people have said on this forum that they have bought one.

Incidentally, it's as good as everyone says, the driver needs a bit of practice though!

Tom