What about the Tokina 90mm 2.5 AT-X? At about $190, it's less expensive than the
Tamron, or Series-1 versions, and many tests rate it higher (except the one
example Gary happened to try). Some comparisons rate it sharper/contrastier than
the Zuiko. (And yes, there will always be things to say to discredit those
comparisons to justify spending 3 times the amount). It will also reach down to
1:2, and has an available matched extender with optics to bring it down to 1:1.
With this level of quality, it really just depends on how easy money comes to
you. If you're after the photography aspect first, and want the 90mm focal
length, and working distance, rather than the fact that it says "Zuiko" on it,
the Tokina will fit the bill, and is less known than its Tamron or Vivitar
versions.
Larry
Tom Scales wrote:
> Mike,
>
> If you check out my flowers page:
>
> http://www.scales.tzo.com/35mm/flowers/Index.htm
>
> Every single one of them is taken with the 90/2 hand-held. I think you'll
> find that you want to use a nice open aperture, f/2 - f/4 to get a nice
> smooth out of focus background. I don't do tripods, for the most part, so I
> like a handheld shot.
>
> I do own all three lenses and wish I could give you a decent comparison, but
> I use the 90 the most. The fact that it also is a wonderful portrait lens
> is a nice bonus and compliments the 50's in your kit beautifully.
>
> I'd rank them:
>
> 1) 90/2
> 2) 50/3.5
> 3) 50/2
>
> The 50/3.5 is number 2, rather than 3, mostly because is has such a great
> 'bang for the buck'. $150 is easy, $125 is possible. You won't touch a 90/2
> for under $500. The 50/2 seems to be a compromise to me, although I own
> one. A little more and you have the 90, a lot less and you have the 50/3.5.
>
> So, now to the recommendations. If you're willing to spend $500+, then the
> 90/2 is the only answer. It expands your kit nicely. If you want to do macro
> on a budget with outstanding results, get the 50/3.5.
>
> Another option to consider is the 50/3.5 and a decent ringflash. I own the
> Sunpak and like it; it is OM-TTL compatible. The T10 is also a nice option.
>
> Hope this helps a bit.
>
> Tom
>
> > Over my photographic life, I've really enjoyed taking the occassional
> closeup
> > picture of flowers.
> <snip>
>
> > Mike W.
>
> < This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
> < For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
> < Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|