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100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens ?
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 1:52 pm    Post subject: 100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens ? Reply with quote

Probably know them under many names such Cosina,Soligor,Vivitar. What do you think about this glass? I want to use it for macro and portraits. It is worth buying, or may consider another option?


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 2:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Optically it's not a bad performer, build quality wise, don't ever drop it !


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 2:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had one in the Cosina flavor, with AF and the matching 1:1 adapter. Very plasticky, but optically very good. Around 50 to 100 euros is a great price IMHO.


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 2:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Consider the version of the mf, there are rumors that has a little better construction. Can anyone have any comparison with the example, Tamron 90 2.5 or other glasses of similar focal length?


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have the Cosina in MF and it yes plasticky but pretty good IQ wise.
If I remember correctly, the Tamron 90mm Adaptall is a bit sharper but the Cosina has better contrast.

I'll see if I can find any samples.


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

I have the Phoenix-branded one, which is the copy (or maybe the original, since Phoenix seems to be a lens manufacturer, too). The build quality is very ... "plastic", so it is better to avoid dropping it.

For the image quality, judge by yourself (all the pics are straight from the raw files without PP):







More samples available here.

Unluckily, i don't have the matched 1:1 adapter, but it seems that Promaster is still selling it at 20US$ ...

Hope this helps.

Cheers


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Guess brand is the same lens?


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

indianadinos,
The matched adapter is a diopter unit that screws on the front of the lens. IMHO, using a small extension tube would give better results, although you will have some light loss...


PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

estudleon wrote:
Guess brand is the same lens?


Yes, it has been sold under the Phoenix/Promaster/Cosina/Vivitar and other brand names ...

Screamin Scott wrote:
The matched adapter is a diopter unit that screws on the front of the lens. IMHO, using a small extension tube would give better results, although you will have some light loss...


You are probably right about the tube, but this matched adapter seems to be really a good performer (look at http://www.techtheman.com/2008/06/cosinapentaxphoenixpromaster-11-matched.html) ...

Cheers


PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

indianadinos wrote:
Hi,

estudleon wrote:
Guess brand is the same lens?


Yes, it has been sold under the Phoenix/Promaster/Cosina/Vivitar and other brand names ...

Cheers


Thanks Indianadinos, very much.

Rino.


PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 3:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had the Phoenix lens in Nikon mount for my D50 back when I was taking
lots of fish pics in aquariums. I found it to be a decent performer but
agree with above, build quality was cheap.


PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:18 pm    Post subject: Re: 100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens ? Reply with quote

I have two with 1:1 macro adapter. One in M42 mount second in Minolta AF
both were new when I bought them. Prices were both in 100 €. Suprisingly good lenses: contrastry pictures at least and sharpness was guite good too.
I think value for the money is guite good dispite the plastic feeling of the structure.

karabud wrote:
Probably know them under many names such Cosina,Soligor,Vivitar. What do you think about this glass? I want to use it for macro and portraits. It is worth buying, or may consider another option?


PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheap build quality, pretty damn good image quality. Excellent value for th emoney.

Kiron Kid