Macro lens and adaptor for m4/3?

I was out hiking this weekend, and ran across some neat bugs and realized I didn't have a lens that could pop out a few macros.  I could get the 30mm macro for $400, but would like to go around $100 if I can - old manual focus lens and adaptor.

I know the adaptors are really hit-or-miss, so is there a good/cheap brand folks here recommend these days?  Getting the lens off at some point is a good thing.

what about lenses?  How's the Nikon 60mm 2.8?  Any others worth checking out?

Thanks!

-Dan

Dan Richardson wrote:

I was out hiking this weekend, and ran across some neat bugs and realized I didn't have a lens that could pop out a few macros. I could get the 30mm macro for $400, but would like to go around $100 if I can - old manual focus lens and adaptor.

I know the adaptors are really hit-or-miss, so is there a good/cheap brand folks here recommend these days? Getting the lens off at some point is a good thing.

what about lenses? How's the Nikon 60mm 2.8? Any others worth checking out?

Thanks!

-Dan

The Konica Hexanon AR 55mm Macro is typically available for less than $100, the Fotga AR to M43 adapter about $12. Hexanon lenses had a good reputation for sharpness. Mine is excellent.

macro tubes for $35

most of the legacy macros are pretty good -- if you want to stay under $100, consider a Fotodiox adaptor and a Minolta 50mm 3.5 macro.  That goes to 2 to 1 and with the adaptor tube you can get to one to one.  if you want AF, consider a 4/3 macro (the 35mm 3.5 and the 50mm Oly 4/3 macros are both superb lenses) and the proper adapter (the Panny 4/3 to m4/3 adaptor tends to sell for a bit less than the Oly one).  This will likely push you over $100 and AF is not strictly necessary or even desirable for macro work.  I started with the legacy macro, moved up the 4/3 and found myself doing so much close up work I splurged for the Oly 60mm, which is one of my most used lenses.  For insect work, you might want more working distance, look at the legacy macros available at 90, 100, 105 and 150mm.  Not sure you can stay under $100 at that focal length.  KEH usually has a nice selection of legacy macros -- the prices are reasonable and I have find KEH to be fair on price and rating of lenses.