I need to step away from the computer for a while and take some photos. I just perused the auction site in search of a 100mm± prime lens at a budget price. That would mean manual focus and exposure, at best an f/4 macro type but not likely. Hmmm, the notorious 'plastic fantastic' 100mm f/3.5 macro is up for a slight surcharge. Manufactured by Cosina but sold under many labels, it's known as a cheap-feeling loud-focusing lens that is optically incredible. Loud focusing but auto not manual - if it's too loud just go into MF mode! It also has electronic aperture (the 'A' setting in Pentax-speak), an unexpected touch. So it's on its way, and I really must stop now.
One of many reviews are at the Minolta/dyxum site - and here's one from photozone; scroll right to the bottom and see mechanical / optical / value ratings. Ugly to look at, a joy to look through. Enough said!
But hey, didn't I sell off a 90mm Tamron macro a few months ago in favor of the 50mm Sigma?
While on the surface (and maybe even deeper?) that makes little sense I think it's reasonable; the Tamron was dense and large, and at over 400g was the sort of bulk I often choose to leave behind. The Cosina (this one's a Promaster actually) may use ugly plastic but at 210g it's absurdly light - so light that I could take the SMC-M 50mm f/2 and this lens for less mass than the Sigma alone. We'll see in a while if another kit-busting move is in the making; I don't think so just yet, but I seldom see it in advance!
