p.1 #1 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
Hello all,
I have the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 macro, which IMO is an awesome lens, but at the same time I'm looking for something that could give me a longer working distance. Since nothing native to m4/3 exists, I'd have to go for a conversion (not a problem).
I'd be looking for something in the 105mm-150mm range. I've considered one of a number of 105mms, in particular either the Nikon AI-S or Nikon AF-D (AI_S is manual focus, AF-D is autofocus without an internal motor. I have a non-G NIkon lens adapter which works well and am fine working MF+no exif with my OM-D) since I also have a Nikon D7000. Pros for the AI-S include lower used price, the fact that I like the build quality better on the Nikon mf lenses, and allegedly finer MF adjustments. Pros for the AF-D are the fact that it goes to 1:1 on a 35mm frame whereas the other only to 1:2. Both optics are reportedly stellar.
I've also considered a Sigma 150mm, probably in Nikon mount, since it would give me an effective 300mm macro lens. But that starts to become a very big lens.
Are there other lenses out there I should be considering? I know with adaptors there's worlds of usable lenses out there. Another one that tempts me is the zuiko 135mm macro, but there's not a huge amount of data I was able to quickly find on it, it seems to be somewhat rare, and (least important) Zuiko OM lenses are presently impossible to mount on Nikon bodies.
p.1 #2 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
The Tamron Adaptall SP 90mm f2.8 and the earlier f2.5 macro lenses are well regarded. The Mamiya Macro A 120/4 is also a nice lens....almost APO and being a 645 format can be adapted to almost anything.
p.1 #3 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
Thanks, CVickery. The Mamiya is interesting, albeit a bit large for m4/3.......
I've looked and fotodiox seems to make adapters for both. Any guesses as to whether or not doing this is worthwhile? ... (it may also be the spark I need to dabble in medium format film......)
p.1 #4 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
I understand what you are saying with the size, but it seems that once you get to ~100mm and above most macros are large. I've owned the Tamron 90/2.8 and still own the Mamiya 120/4. The lenses are both on the large size, but the Tamron is lighter. Here's a thread with the Tamron on m43: http://www.mu-43.com/f40/tamron-sp-90mm-f-2-8-1-1-adaptall-ii-33192/
I don't think I've even mounted my Mamiya on m43, but here's some of my shots on Canon: http://www.pbase.com/vickery/mamiya_120f4
p.1 #7 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
the Sigma 150 can be had pretty cheap used. it has a tripod ring to take the weight of the cam. it's really nice. also the Nikon 200 AIS is very good too. i think KEH has both lenses for around $500. if you want longer working distance, your gonna have to pay the weight price. on the other hand, what about some extension tubes on an existing M3/4 lens?
p.1 #8 · m4/3 Macro: more working distance suggestions
By the way, the Leica 90 Macro-Elmarit-M has exquisite rendering, but the f/4 was really hard to work with on an M8, which doesn't have much in the way of ISO reserves, so in the end I traded it for a 90AA.
(it may also be the spark I need to dabble in medium format film......)