55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8?

dreamzcape · 19th November 2007

hi fellow CSers!

thinking of getting the 55 f/2.8 ais micro with the pk13 extension as it offers me a chance to shoot macro plus the 55 mm focal length i feel is still manageable for portraits and general use.

but i'm wondering if i should sell my 50 f/1.8 once i get it. it won't make a difference to me since I am a d40x user and MF with the 50mm. and i don't mind shooting manual mode.

also, anyone who have used the micro lens can give me some personal feedback on it? i've googled and apparently it is a sharp lens(some say too sharp for portraits) and the main problem is the aperture can get stuck. the supposed magnification for the lens with the pk13 is 1:1.

Thanks in advance!

dreamzcape

lynxiger · 19th November 2007

The main reason I think is AI lens so no metering with D40x. I think with 50mm 1.8 and D40x, there is metering done AUTO by camera right? Just need to manual focus. For 55mm, everything is manual right? For 50mm, there is balanced fill-in flash whereas 55mm cannot, which could be important for portrait under low light.

But if you don't mind with a bit of try-and-error when shooting, for a good exposure, then go ahead. 55mm 2.8 is old lens, so I guess make sure it's not foggy, too much dust and haze could be a pain for old lenses, cannot really clean off. I've had bad experiences with old lenses.

dreamzcape · 19th November 2007

frankly i'm fine with no metering. it's just that i'm wondering whether

1)i won't really need the 50mm f/1.8 anymore.
2)whether it is a good option, since it allows me to macro also.

also, just wondering whether any of the seasoned old lens users have used this before and their views on the setup. as said before, the only problem i googled is lubricant very prone to getting on the aperture.

abit OT but lynixger, maybe can just share abit about your bad experiences?

lsisaxon · 19th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

hi fellow CSers!

thinking of getting the 55 f/2.8 ais micro with the pk13 extension as it offers me a chance to shoot macro plus the 55 mm focal length i feel is still manageable for portraits and general use.

but i'm wondering if i should sell my 50 f/1.8 once i get it. it won't make a difference to me since I am a d40x user and MF with the 50mm. and i don't mind shooting manual mode.

also, anyone who have used the micro lens can give me some personal feedback on it? i've googled and apparently it is a sharp lens(some say too sharp for portraits) and the main problem is the aperture can get stuck. the supposed magnification for the lens with the pk13 is 1:1.

Thanks in advance!

dreamzcape

Just curious, why not the AF-Micro60/2.8? It gives 1:1 without the need of extension tube. Keep your 50/1.8 for other things which may require a 1.5 stop faster aperture.

dreamzcape · 19th November 2007

Thanks for the suggestion Isisaxon, I will go check it out. From what I've read so far, it seems to be a good alternative, since I may change body to suit AF lenses in the future. Also, from what I've read, I think you mean it does 1:1 without the extension ring, am I right? The distortion also seems to be non existent. So I guess price point is the deciding factor for now. Thanks again!

lsisaxon · 19th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

Thanks for the suggestion Isisaxon, I will go check it out. From what I've read so far, it seems to be a good alternative, since I may change body to suit AF lenses in the future. Also, from what I've read, I think you mean it does 1:1 without the extension ring, am I right? The distortion also seems to be non existent. So I guess price point is the deciding factor for now. Thanks again!

Yes, it can focus down to 1:1 without the need of an extension tube.

Sorry for the typo.

lynxiger · 19th November 2007

For your setup to add a macro lens, I agree with lsisaxon that 60mm Micro is better option as it got AF-D, which is very useful if you get a body later that can do wireless flash, CLS with SB-600/SB-800. Also 60mm is very sharp for portraits, can do TTL matrix fill-in flash very well with the "D". The only thing you might miss of 50mm is 1.8 low-light ability. But if you normally shoot the 50mm at f2.2 and above, no point keeping the 50mm.

Also 60mm with 1.4x TC, or ext. tubes will give you macros beyond 1:1 for very close-up shots with amazing details. The 55mm 2.8 + PK13 will cost you about $300. Buying a good cond. 60mm 2nd hand is about $470. And you may get back $160 for selling away 50mm. I guess you know the price range, so up to you.

giantcanopy · 19th November 2007

Getting the 60mm is a better option

I do not bring my 55mm for outfield macro because not only i lose metering, i also have to input settings manually for my flashes. Takes too much time for a shot that cannot wait

Peace
Ryan

dreamzcape · 20th November 2007

i'm glad to have received so many words of advice

Thanks Isisaxon, lynixger and giantcanopy for your kind contributions.

Well as it stands now, I think I am probably over the 55mm and looking at the 60mm or even the 105mm (kena poison by the af-s and vr + hoping it will be good for stealthy street photography).

But I think after I give myself this christmas present, I will need to eat grass and live on air for a long while

lsisaxon · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

i'm glad to have received so many words of advice Thanks Isisaxon, lynixger and giantcanopy for your kind contributions.

Well as it stands now, I think I am probably over the 55mm and looking at the 60mm or even the 105mm (kena poison by the af-s and vr + hoping it will be good for stealthy street photography).

But I think after I give myself this christmas present, I will need to eat grass and live on air for a long while

Hahaha... Once you get it be sure to post images for us to see..

dreamzcape · 20th November 2007

haha see how things go lah....after reading Yapster's thread on the 105, then in bedrock's thread I saw ortega's suggestions on the tamron 90mm, decisions decisions...

mabbe just be cheapo and stack closeup filters..haiz...then lens squash the bug while attempting macro.

calebk · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

frankly i'm fine with no metering...

Just wondering how you will find the correct exposure setting for the photo. You have a lightmeter?

dreamzcape · 20th November 2007

for one, shoot until i get it right? sure i may have missed the moment but since i don't cover monumental events, i feel all is not lost. hopefully, over time i'd be able to pick up to feel of the lighting around me. i've tried a relative's old lenses and the experience was quite intriguing.

calebk · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

for one, shoot until i get it right? sure i may have missed the moment but since i don't cover monumental events, i feel all is not lost. hopefully, over time i'd be able to pick up to feel of the lighting around me. i've tried a relative's old lenses and the experience was quite intriguing.

How do you know you 'got it right'? The screen isn't an accurate gauge, btw.

Seriously, keep the 50m f/1.8. Next time (if and) when you upgrade camera body, you can still perform AF with it.

dreamzcape · 20th November 2007

well...even now with lens that meter and auto focus we won't know for sure whether we've got it right from the screen, yes? so I guess it comes with experience and knowing your equipment and what you're personally comfortable with?

anyway, moving along. may not get the lens after all

.

calebk · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

well...even now with lens that meter and auto focus we won't know for sure whether we've got it right from the screen, yes? so I guess it comes with experience and knowing your equipment and what you're personally comfortable with?

anyway, moving along. may not get the lens after all .

Would have been a really classic piece of equipment to own though.

Heh.

Lenses that meter allow you to check exposure on your in-camera reflective light meter. The same cannot be said for an AI/AIS lens on a D40.

dreamzcape · 20th November 2007

yea

there was a bit of me that felt like owning a few classic lenses also I admit. I'm aware about the in camera metering and all that haha...i'm green but not that bad haha some credit please bro? I guess, what I was prepared to do was go through a period of getting to know the lens and seeing the output on the screen, then learning to compensate? So it starts with a feeling, then slowly get the hang of it.

btw, you have some awesome shots in ur deviantart!

calebk · 21st November 2007

Originally Posted by dreamzcape

yea there was a bit of me that felt like owning a few classic lenses also I admit. I'm aware about the in camera metering and all that haha...i'm green but not that bad haha some credit please bro? I guess, what I was prepared to do was go through a period of getting to know the lens and seeing the output on the screen, then learning to compensate? So it starts with a feeling, then slowly get the hang of it.

btw, you have some awesome shots in ur deviantart!

Thanks for your kind words.

To be honest with you, after shooting quite a few (unpaid) events, it is hard to gauge exposure settings in a given situation, because no two places are really alike. Even ballrooms in different hotels differ greatly in terms of light levels. Thankfully in-camera metering makes our lives a lot easier.

What I usually do is get to a rough setting. For instance, bright indoors would usually give me a ISO400, f/4, 1/60. From there it's easier to make minute adjustments to my exposure level until I more or less get it right (I shoot M almost exclusively).

dreamzcape · 21st November 2007

Originally Posted by calebk

What I usually do is get to a rough setting. For instance, bright indoors would usually give me a ISO400, f/4, 1/60. From there it's easier to make minute adjustments to my exposure level until I more or less get it right (I shoot M almost exclusively).

tada! this is what exactly i meant

by no means i hope to get it right the first time every time. You have done unpaid events to the point you know when you can use roughly what iso, shutter speed and aperture. and if i do use ais lenses, i intend to follow the same path, shoot so much with the lens until i know roughly what settings i can use for the situation at hand.

cherieamour · 5th December 2007

a very late reply, but i do recommend getting the 55mm f2.8 w PK13 (if you're lucky enough, there's currently one going for sale in the threads) and i think it was certainly replace your 50mm f1.8 good enough (:

you can read many reviews out there about the 55mm, its an excellent macro lens just that the focal distance is very small (e.g. shooting bugs not very good but flowers fine).

i own the 55mm micro which is great for everything from food to normal to macro, you can see pictures here: http://flickr.com/photos/dressedfors.../tags/55mmf28/

if you are fine doing manual metering (its not that hard, a bit of effort will do), you'll derive great satisfaction from using this a gem of a lens.

otherwise if you are unwilling to part with the 50mm, get a reversal ring and try the poor man's macro, should be fun (: you can check out this group http://flickr.com/groups/poor_mans_macro/

19th November 2007	#1
dreamzcape Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 257	55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? hi fellow CSers! thinking of getting the 55 f/2.8 ais micro with the pk13 extension as it offers me a chance to shoot macro plus the 55 mm focal length i feel is still manageable for portraits and general use. but i'm wondering if i should sell my 50 f/1.8 once i get it. it won't make a difference to me since I am a d40x user and MF with the 50mm. and i don't mind shooting manual mode. also, anyone who have used the micro lens can give me some personal feedback on it? i've googled and apparently it is a sharp lens(some say too sharp for portraits) and the main problem is the aperture can get stuck. the supposed magnification for the lens with the pk13 is 1:1. Thanks in advance! dreamzcape

19th November 2007	#2
lynxiger Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 595	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? The main reason I think is AI lens so no metering with D40x. I think with 50mm 1.8 and D40x, there is metering done AUTO by camera right? Just need to manual focus. For 55mm, everything is manual right? For 50mm, there is balanced fill-in flash whereas 55mm cannot, which could be important for portrait under low light. But if you don't mind with a bit of try-and-error when shooting, for a good exposure, then go ahead. 55mm 2.8 is old lens, so I guess make sure it's not foggy, too much dust and haze could be a pain for old lenses, cannot really clean off. I've had bad experiences with old lenses. __________________ my flickr

19th November 2007	#3
dreamzcape Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 257	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? frankly i'm fine with no metering. it's just that i'm wondering whether 1)i won't really need the 50mm f/1.8 anymore. 2)whether it is a good option, since it allows me to macro also. also, just wondering whether any of the seasoned old lens users have used this before and their views on the setup. as said before, the only problem i googled is lubricant very prone to getting on the aperture. abit OT but lynixger, maybe can just share abit about your bad experiences?

19th November 2007	#5
dreamzcape Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 257	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? Thanks for the suggestion Isisaxon, I will go check it out. From what I've read so far, it seems to be a good alternative, since I may change body to suit AF lenses in the future. Also, from what I've read, I think you mean it does 1:1 without the extension ring, am I right? The distortion also seems to be non existent. So I guess price point is the deciding factor for now. Thanks again!

19th November 2007	#7
lynxiger Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 595	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? For your setup to add a macro lens, I agree with lsisaxon that 60mm Micro is better option as it got AF-D, which is very useful if you get a body later that can do wireless flash, CLS with SB-600/SB-800. Also 60mm is very sharp for portraits, can do TTL matrix fill-in flash very well with the "D". The only thing you might miss of 50mm is 1.8 low-light ability. But if you normally shoot the 50mm at f2.2 and above, no point keeping the 50mm. Also 60mm with 1.4x TC, or ext. tubes will give you macros beyond 1:1 for very close-up shots with amazing details. The 55mm 2.8 + PK13 will cost you about $300. Buying a good cond. 60mm 2nd hand is about $470. And you may get back $160 for selling away 50mm. I guess you know the price range, so up to you. __________________ my flickr Last edited by lynxiger; 20th November 2007 at 05:22 AM.

19th November 2007	#8
giantcanopy Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Northerner Posts: 3,957	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? Getting the 60mm is a better option I do not bring my 55mm for outfield macro because not only i lose metering, i also have to input settings manually for my flashes. Takes too much time for a shot that cannot wait Peace Ryan __________________ Kaleidoscopy & Singapore Shave! Shaving Jedi

20th November 2007	#9
dreamzcape Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 257	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? i'm glad to have received so many words of advice Thanks Isisaxon, lynixger and giantcanopy for your kind contributions. Well as it stands now, I think I am probably over the 55mm and looking at the 60mm or even the 105mm (kena poison by the af-s and vr + hoping it will be good for stealthy street photography). But I think after I give myself this christmas present, I will need to eat grass and live on air for a long while

5th December 2007	#20
cherieamour Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Westside Posts: 69	Re: 55mm f/2.8 ais micro + pk13=sell 50mm f/1.8? a very late reply, but i do recommend getting the 55mm f2.8 w PK13 (if you're lucky enough, there's currently one going for sale in the threads) and i think it was certainly replace your 50mm f1.8 good enough (: you can read many reviews out there about the 55mm, its an excellent macro lens just that the focal distance is very small (e.g. shooting bugs not very good but flowers fine). i own the 55mm micro which is great for everything from food to normal to macro, you can see pictures here: http://flickr.com/photos/dressedfors.../tags/55mmf28/ if you are fine doing manual metering (its not that hard, a bit of effort will do), you'll derive great satisfaction from using this a gem of a lens. otherwise if you are unwilling to part with the 50mm, get a reversal ring and try the poor man's macro, should be fun (: you can check out this group http://flickr.com/groups/poor_mans_macro/