Every now and then I encounter a sale post or internet deal that reels me in and holds on tightly. The old habit is silly from both practical and financial points of view, as my current gear will give me 18-200mm coverage in both Pentax and Samsung native lenses (weather resistant on Pentax), up to 300 with the 100-300 K lenses and nx adapter. I can add the 17mm fish-eye and 400mm megatele to either kit as well. This is more than sufficient coverage .. yet still I walk the virtual streets seeking something else. Why is that?
The most common reason I give myself is a better level of closeup ability. I have no true macro lens, not even 1:2 types and I like being able to take closeups! Well yes, I do have a TC/extension combo that turns my 55mm f/1.8 into a nice 110/3.5 as well as several closeup diopter filters in different diameters. I have also owned at least six macro primes capable of 1:1 or 1:2 scale - and sold them all. Obviously that's not relevant or I would not keep stepping out into Internet traffic, waiting for a deal to strike me...
The latest temptation is a Sigma 70-300mm with apochromatic lens element and 1:2 macro built within. Hooray: a decent telezoom with faster f/5.6 optics at 300mm and good closeups! Yes it is probably double the weight of my 100-300 f/4.5-6.7 and will cost at least five times what I paid for that lens. But look at the closeups - who could say no to that??
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| Both images taken with Quantaray (Sigma) 100-300mm f/4.5-6.7 .. cropped |
