Home

Please support mflenses.com if you need any graphic related work order it from us, click on above banner to order!
SearchSearch MemberlistMemberlist RegisterRegister ProfileProfile Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages Log inLog in

Contemplating 100mm-ish Macro Lenses- Advice Sought
Post new topic   Reply to topic
Home   Manual Focus Lenses
View previous topic :: View next topic  


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:23 pm    Post subject: Contemplating 100mm-ish Macro Lenses- Advice Sought Reply with quote
I've been considering replacing my 105/2.8 Micro-Nikkor for some time. It is a very good lens and I would only want to replace it with something that would give me something extra, sharper, better-bokeh, unique rendering.

The only thing wrong with my 105/2.8 Micro-Nikkor is that it's gotten stiff to focus which I could get re-lubed.

The tricky bit- my budget. I would need to keep things around $700.

I've been contemplating a CY Zeiss Planar 100/2.8 (wondering if it's too large for easy hand-holding which is another benefit of the Nikkor 105mm), the Olympus 90/2, the Voigtlander 90/3.5 close focus.

I would want it to be sharp wide open, easy to hand-hold (not too wide in diameter/long).

Any opinions, suggestions? Maybe I should just get the Nikkor 105mm re-lubed?

Will be using it on a Canon 60D.

Last edited by Kram on Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:30 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Contemplating 100mm-ish Macro Lenses- Advice Sought Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
I've been considering replacing my 105/2.8 Micro-Nikkor for some time. It is a very good lens and I would only want to replace it with something that would give me something extra, sharper, better-bokeh, unique rendering.

The only thing wrong with my 105/2.8 Micro-Nikkor is that it's gotten stiff to focus which I could get re-lubed.

The tricky bit- my budget. I would need to keep things around $700.

I've been contemplating a CY Zeiss Planar 100/2.8 (wondering if it's too large for easy hand-holding which is another benefit of the Nikkor 105mm), the Olympus 90/2, the Voigtlander 90/3.5 close focus.

I would want it to be sharp wide open, easy to hand-hold (not too wide in diameter/long).

Any opinions, suggestions? Maybe I should just get the Nikkor 105mm re-lubed?


The APO-Elmarit should smoke anything else.


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Fluffpuppy, will the APO-Elmarit adapt to Canon EOS, be around $700? I've never owned Leica glass. What's the FL?


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
Fluffpuppy, will the APO-Elmarit adapt to Canon EOS, be around $700? I've never owned Leica glass. What's the FL?


100mm f/2.8. All Elmarits are f/2.8. You can get one from about $1400 on up. Yes you can adapt it, though I would recommend a Leica R body and film.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5841&rt=nc&_nkw=apo+macro+elmarit&_dmpt=Camera_Lenses&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=15&_sc=1


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Try first if you can an expensive lens and an enlarger lens parallel , I doubt you need after $$$ lens.


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 10:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
well, that's the prices from e-bay of course....it can be found for a little cheaper (about 900/1000 euro), I paid 700€ for mine but I was lucky I guess!.........anyway, that's for sure a great lens.....


PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 10:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
The Makro-Planar 100/2.8 is stunning. The rendering is different, in that the classic Zeiss look is employed i.e. pop.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
pich900 wrote:
well, that's the prices from e-bay of course....it can be found for a little cheaper (about 900/1000 euro), I paid 700€ for mine but I was lucky I guess!.........anyway, that's for sure a great lens.....


The Nikkor is of course a very fine lens. You're going to better it without spending $$$$$.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 1:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
bob955i wrote:
Kram wrote:
....Maybe I should just get the Nikkor 105mm re-lubed?


This.

Even if you replaced it with something else, the Nikkor would still have stiff focusing which might affect it's resale value if you decided to sell it and you'd likely end up having to have it sorted out anyway so you could sell it.

Just my 2p.


Bob, I'm feeling like that this would be the smart thing to do.

Not the sexy thing to do.

But, I could use it more comfortably and then if I went nuts and upgraded I could sell it at a decent price.

There is a place here in Portland that does this re-lubing but they have some pretty bad reviews on Yelp. Anyone know of a good reliable Nikon lens repair person?


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
bob955i wrote:
Kram wrote:
....Maybe I should just get the Nikkor 105mm re-lubed?


This.

Even if you replaced it with something else, the Nikkor would still have stiff focusing which might affect it's resale value if you decided to sell it and you'd likely end up having to have it sorted out anyway so you could sell it.

Just my 2p.


Bob, I'm feeling like that this would be the smart thing to do.

Not the sexy thing to do.

But, I could use it more comfortably and then if I went nuts and upgraded I could sell it at a decent price.

There is a place here in Portland that does this re-lubing but they have some pretty bad reviews on Yelp. Anyone know of a good reliable Nikon lens repair person?


Right. Repair it and get the 100mm APO-Macro-Elmarit. In its impaired state it is greatly reduced in value. If you don't sell it, keep it and shoot it alongside the APO-Macro-Elmarit, so that you are constantly comforted that the expenditure for the latter was worthwhile.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
FluffPuppy, you are the devil! But I like what you are saying! On the hunt for one I can afford now.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
FluffPuppy, you are the devil! But I like what you are saying! On the hunt for one I can afford now.


Review says it all:

http://slrlensreview.com/web/leica-slr-lenses-133/macro-slr-lenses-141/418-leica-apo-macro-elmarit-r-100mm-f28-leica-apo-macro-elmarit-r-100mm-f28-e60-lens-review.html

KEH:

http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35mm/system-Leica-R/category-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses?s=1&bcode=LR&ccode=6&cc=55944&r=WG&f

You should try to find the 3-cam version rather than the ROM version, as the former will usually be less expensive.

There is an f/4 non-APO version too that is much cheaper. See:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-100mm-Macro-Elmar-R-f4-3-Cam-Leitz-Wetzlar-Lens-/310367097968

http://www.skinnerinc.com/asp/fullCataloguese.asp?salelot=2383+++++379+&refno=++723923

Last edited by FluffPuppy on Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:56 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
FluffPuppy, thanks for that!

I have zero experience with Leica. So the "100 F4 MACRO ELMAR 3 CAM LATE (GERMANY)(55)" is essentially the same lens as the 100/2.8 except a stop slower?

I will be using a Canon 60D so 3 CAM will adapt to it?


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
FluffPuppy, thanks for that!

I have zero experience with Leica. So the "100 F4 MACRO ELMAR 3 CAM LATE (GERMANY)(55)" is essentially the same lens as the 100/2.8 except a stop slower?

I will be using a Canon 60D so 3 CAM will adapt to it?


It's not an APO lens but it is still quite good.

http://www.skinnerinc.com/asp/fullCataloguese.asp?salelot=2383+++++379+&refno=++723923

Beware there was an earlier version that has no focussing capabilities and is meant for use with bellows:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=100mm+macro+elmar+review&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1360&bih=753&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=Ph6qO9FqfFY4GM:&imgrefurl=http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1424671&docid=TqKJ-0TQrF8u1M&itg=1&imgurl=http://p2.la-img.com/427/8238/1424671_1_l.jpg&w=550&h=550&ei=iJETT9XENe-60QG4pJSiAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1103&vpy=311&dur=267&hovh=160&hovw=195&tx=64&ty=94&sig=100642173723253566996&page=4&tbnh=160&tbnw=195&start=58&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:58

Optically these are the same lens, but this one must be used with the bellows.

It is an older design from about 1968 or so, but since it is a slow lens, that hardly means anything. This page shows the history:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/100mm_f/4_Macro-Elmar-R

Last edited by FluffPuppy on Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:04 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Fluffpupy, you mentioned all elmarit is f2,8, then you show there's elmarit 100/f4 Very Happy

Anyway, there's Kiron 105/2,8 which is legendary macro lens. I have this lens. and I made short comparison with my friend's elmarit 100/4 here Kiron & Elmait


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
IAZA wrote:
Fluffpupy, you mentioned all elmarit is f2,8, then you show there's elmarit 100/f4 Very Happy

Anyway, there's Kiron 105/2,8 which is legendary macro lens. I have this lens. and I made short comparison with my friend's elmarit 100/4 here Kiron & Elmait


Leica nomenclature:

Elmarit is f/2.8

Elmar is f/3.5 or f/4.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
IAZA wrote:
Fluffpupy, you mentioned all elmarit is f2,8, then you show there's elmarit 100/f4 Very Happy

Anyway, there's Kiron 105/2,8 which is legendary macro lens. I have this lens. and I made short comparison with my friend's elmarit 100/4 here Kiron & Elmait


There is an extension tube for the Elmar.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/MACRO-ADAPTER-R


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
my 2cts on that Mark:

- get your Nikon fixed so you'll be able to sell it
- $700 is a budget that lies in some "dead zone", not enough to afford outstanding glass like the Macro Apo Lanthar 2.5/125mm or the Apo Macro Elmarit 2.8/100mm (BUT that one does not allow you to focus with open aperture, only stopped down! Needs to have the mount LEITAXed anyway which adds cost), but too much for some other really good glass like the already mentioned Kiron 2.8/105mm (also sold cheaper as the medical version, brand name "Lester Dine")
- don't waste your money on a Zeiss ZF Macro Planar 2/100mm, I find its CA awful (unless you stop down to at least f4); had it, sold it.
- if you don't need the high speed or open aperture (but I guess you like that bokeh from teh work I've seen), the Apo Lanthar 3.5/90mm series II (Nikon version) + Nikon extension tube works really well and is much cheaper then then 125mm version. And you have the full electronic metering as it is a Nikon version. That matches your budget.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Fluffpuppy, thanks very much for all the great info!

The Elmar is much more affordable but I would need the extension tube as the close focus distance is 3.6 feet.

I like the idea of the 2.8 APO Elmarit which has a closer MFD of 2.3 feet.

Much to consider! Over my budget but I could sell things...

Which would also put me in the neighborhood of the 100/2.8 Makro-Planar.

I have the 60/2.8 C Makro-Planar and love it. Totally outperformed my 55/2.8 Micro-Nikkor.

Hmm...


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
ManualFocus-G wrote:
The Makro-Planar 100/2.8 is stunning. The rendering is different, in that the classic Zeiss look is employed i.e. pop.

Agreed. Excellent lens for landscape (infinity focus) as well. It has the same pop at all distances. I love the colors that this lens produces.

Two shots with it on 5D (ope you don't mind the big size):





I'd say that the bokeh of this lens isn't the absolute best though. The Tokina 90/2.5 seems a bit better, but it's less contrasty, especially at longer focus distances. The Tokina (nicknamed "Bokina") is very good value for money.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kram wrote:
I like the idea of the 2.8 APO Elmarit which has a closer MFD of 2.3 feet.

Much to consider! Over my budget but I could sell things...
I have the 60/2.8 C Makro-Planar and love it. Totally outperformed my 55/2.8 Micro-Nikkor.

Hmm...

well, if you already have the 60/2.8, why looking for an other one Rolling Eyes ?
anyway, here some samples wide open with the apo elmarit:
http://forum.mflenses.com/spring-colors-leica-apo-macro-2-8-100mm-nikon-mount-t38693,highlight,%2Bleica.html


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
With your budget you'd easily afford the new Voigtlander 90. I have a copy and it provides very decent result. It uses an add on lens for macro, not sure of the ratio though for macro.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
pich900 wrote:
well, if you already have the 60/2.8, why looking for an other one Rolling Eyes ?

Because there is quite a difference between 60 and 100mm?? Both in perspective distortion and handling (working distance).


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
AhamB wrote:
pich900 wrote:
well, if you already have the 60/2.8, why looking for an other one Rolling Eyes ?

Because there is quite a difference between 60 and 100mm?? Both in perspective distortion and handling (working distance).

Ja, that's true Embarassed ....


PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
hmmm.. nobody mentioned the "Bokina" (Vivitar Series 1 2.5/90 / Tokina ATX 2.5/90)?


http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=30894
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=44984
Post new topic   Reply to topic
Home   Manual Focus Lenses
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3