What's your favorite walk-around macro?

[pdccameras]

I was wondering what folks favorite walk-around macro lens was. By walk-around I mean one that you slap on the camera and don't worry about bellows or stacking software or ring lights. I left out tripod because even when I am out on a casual walk, i usually have a small lightweight tripod with me (like a Manfroto 290). Also small extension tubes or helical tubes are ok.

At this moment I am very partial to the Super-Multi-Coated 100mm f/4 Macro Takumar with an M42 -> e-mount helical adapter.

Here are some images of some common wildflowers and one infinity shot.


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[Lightshow]

I really like the Leica R 60, it's sharp at any distance you focus at, so it's great for landscapes, portraits, and macros.

[Mir]

My TOKINA AT-X 2.5/90 I like...

http://forum.mflenses.com/tokina-at-x-2-5-90-for-marek-t74511,highlight,%2Btokina.html

Never did try it at infinity though...

[fwcetus]

[kds315*]

Well, I use a custom adapted and modified (by me) Zeiss Lamegon reproduction lens...(ultra rare ...)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kds315/albums/72157638785464625

[cooltouch]

[visualopsins]

[kansalliskalaCafe]

Sigma 50/2.8 AF, I use it all the time and everywhere.

(I'd buy another one if it was manufactured any more)

[quidam]

Definitely my Tokina AT-X 90mm f2.5 Macro, although I like the Kiron 105mm f2.8 Macro a lot too.

[Himself]

Mamiya 120/4 macro

[kryss]

Hi Sorin,are we in danger of seeing some shots with the 50 f4 Preset??

[Himself]

Hey kryss,
Once the rain stops and I have some time off of work I'll be all over it.
Too much work man, too much work.

[kryss]

I loved Montreal '72-80 most fun and the rain and snow never seemed a problem, rather an excuse for a party.....

[kryss]

pdccameras.....Very nice shots all of them.I have 2 nice 100mm f4 ones for sale.....anyone?

[pdccameras]

Interesting responses! A lot of Tokina AT-X 90 fans (really nice lens, BTW). Klaus' Lamegon and Lightshow's Leica R60 are certainly a little more esoteric, and decidedly high end! Also, not as much variation in response as I would assume, based on the fact every major marque has at least one decent Macro (Minolta, Topcon, Nikon, Konica, Canon) plus Vivitar and Sigma on the third party side. Also no one mentioned a Macro-Kilar, thought we'd get at least one!


Paul

[Lloydy]

Tamron SP 52BB 90 / 2.5 ....with a good lens hood and the 01F Teleconverter in my pocket is my usual option, then the old Macro Takumar 50 / 4 which is a joy to use, who cares if it's slow - learn to live with it.

Then I go for zooms, firstly the Rokkor bMacro 35-70 / 3.5. The Tamron equivalent is nearly as good as well, as indeed are a bunch of other Tamrons and Vivitars even if they don't go to 1:1.

[jamaeolus]

I switch it up a lot, having a soft spot for macro lenses. I had a fortuitous opportunity last winter during an ice storm with the SMC 100/4 that Lloydy mentions. I also use the super tak 50mm f4,Oly 50mm, canon fd 100 /3.5, and 200/4, vivitar series 1 90mm/2.5 bokina, vs1 105/2.8 kiron, yashica ml 50mm f4 and (gasp) the minolta af 100mm 2.8. I really like the m42-nex helical and use it for impromptu macro, was out with the S-M-C pentax 120mm 2.8 today. If I get a chance I will post some pics.

[tb_a]

1st choice: Tamron 272E SP Di AF 90mm/F2.8 Macro 1:1. Although this lens is designed as AF lens I also use it MF on my Ricoh GXR-M. It's my most versatile macro lens which is really excellent from 1:1 to infinity without any adapter. Optical quality is stunning even when used wide open. Because of the very nice and smooth bokeh it's also a very capable portrait lens.

2nd choice is the lens head from my Leitz Elmar 135mm/F4 mounted on a Visoflex close focus helicoid where it works from macro to infinity.

Just in case I am always equipped with a set of distance rings which convert any lens into a close focus one.

[WolverineX]

canon fd 200mm/4 macro is always with me

[cooltouch]

In response to Paul's comments, I agree. I would have expected to see more of a variety as well. Although I see that, from the time I began to write this post, and the time I actually submitted it, a few more have been added. The Tokina surely is heavily liked. One thing I've realized about macro lenses is there probably aren't very many poor ones. I would go so far as to say that most provide excellent results.

I have managed to acquire a decent sampling of macro lenses over the past few years. I own three (yes three!) 55mm f/3.5 Micro Nikkors -- all pre-AI, although one was AI'd by Nikon, one 55mm f/2.8 AIs Micro Nikkor, one 200mm f/4 AIs Micro Nikkor, one Canon 100mm f/4 macro, one SMC Tak M42 100mm f/4 macro, one Vivitar (Kiron) 105mm f/2.5 macro, one Vivitar CF 135mm f/2.8, and one Tamron 90mm f/2.5 macro. It wasn't my intention really to collect this many macro lenses -- it just sorta happened. Almost all of them I acquired because I fell into really good deals on them, and couldn't say "no."And so now I have all these macros and one thing I've realized about them is they all are outstanding performers.

So, yeah, I guess I'm puzzled as to why more different macros haven't been mentioned. Unless the Tokina has achieved such a hegemony over other lenses that there is no longer much competition. It's a fine lens, to be sure, but when it comes to macros, there just isn't that big of a difference between any of them.

[Ray Parkhurst]

The Laowa 60mm Super Macro has been my go-to walkaround macro lens for over 2 years now. I've used many of my other lenses from time to time, but the Laowa always ends up back on the camera for "critical" shooting, and then stays there until the next time I perceive the need for a longer lens.

[visualopsins]

Know your tools!

Focal length -- longer gives greater working distance.

F/# -- lower minimum number gives easier focusing and faster shutter speed @ lower iso.

Minimum focus distance -- in conjunction with focal length, determine maximum magnification, usually 1:2, sometimes to 1:1.

[Ray Parkhurst]

[kds315*]

Hmm, so no-one uses the (famous) ZEISS S-Planar 60mm or 100mm?
Or the even more famous CV Apo Lanthar 2.5/125mm ???

I (also) have the Yashica ML 3.5/100mm Macro but haven't used it much,
nearly on par with the Zeiss S-Planar 100mm me thinks.

[AndreaEOS]

Tamron 90 sp 2,5 b52 old stile version.
Lovely lens.....!
Compact and sharp, nice focal useful also for portrait .
in my opinion it is a must!
Never go out without.

Best regards