A closer look at macro

[augustwest100]

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I have been using the Sigma 105 macro for SL2S. I like that it can be a useful short tele autofocus in a pinch, but I have a hard time focusing by wire for macro. Just out of curiosity, was wondering about other macro options that might also add functionality to my M system.

Wondering how a “native” Sigma L mount stacks up against:

1. APO macro R 100 2.8 with adapter to L. (Question: can you combine R to M and M to L adapters in this method or must you use R to L? I feel like this would almost be the opposite of my current setup, in that it would be easier to focus macro and harder to focus tele. But the main purpose of the lens would be macro. Probably would not use this on my M but it would be possible with live view. 

2. Macro M adapter with a 90mm Summarit M lens or a 90mm macro elmar. This would be very compact setup but is super sharp, great for macro but not so great for the tele range. Would work equally well on my SL2S or my M.

anyone have any good macro experiences to share relating to any of these setups?

[frame-it]

 

[LocalHero1953]

I can only comment on a limited aspect - I have used R-M and M-L adapters without problems for other lenses, so i would expect that to be the case here.

I have just bought the 100mm R Apo-macro, but it is sitting in Brussels waiting for me to pick it up. I have often considered the 90mm macro elmar M; it has a very high reputation as a versatile and high quality lens for both macro & tele, and compact for travel. I bought the R macro for the SL2-S because it was cheaper than the M macro, and, on the SL2-S, compact size is not as great a virtue as it is on a smaller body. 

[augustwest100]

7 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I can only comment on a limited aspect - I have used R-M and M-L adapters without problems for other lenses, so i would expect that to be the case here.

I have just bought the 100mm R Apo-macro, but it is sitting in Brussels waiting for me to pick it up. I have often considered the 90mm macro elmar M; it has a very high reputation as a versatile and high quality lens for both macro & tele, and compact for travel. I bought the R macro for the SL2-S because it was cheaper than the M macro, and, on the SL2-S, compact size is not as great a virtue as it is on a smaller body. 

Enjoy your APO Macro R! I'd be curious how it works on the SL2S! I think that lens is almost the same size and weight as the Sigma lens I have, so it's really a question of AF/Native L mount versus MF, Leica lens, adapted to SL2S. I have a feeling you are going to get really good color out of that lens! 

[LocalHero1953]

2 hours ago, augustwest100 said:

Enjoy your APO Macro R! I'd be curious how it works on the SL2S! I think that lens is almost the same size and weight as the Sigma lens I have, so it's really a question of AF/Native L mount versus MF, Leica lens, adapted to SL2S. I have a feeling you are going to get really good color out of that lens! 

TBH I'm mainly getting it to digitise 35mm negatives on a stand (1:1), but I expect to use it for other things as well!

[Shawn30]

I think the Sigma focus is something that can be adjusted with the Sigma USB dock. I updated a few lens's and don't recall for sure if that's available for the 105mm. You might also consider the 60 APO TL, it's fantastic on the SL2 and CL.   

[LocalHero1953]

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I agree the 60TL is great - when carrying two lenses for the CL it pairs with the 35TL in my bag. On the SL2-S you only have 10-11mp pixels to play with though.

[Shawn30]

7 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I agree the 60TL is great - when carrying two lenses for the CL it pairs with the 35TL in my bag. On the SL2-S you only have 10-11mp pixels to play with though.

Ha ha, I must have been tired. I was thinking on my SL2 it cuts it down to 20mp so on the SL2-S it’ll be better. 🤣

[caissa]

The Apo Elmarit R 100 works very well with the adapter stack on the SL and the SL2, so I assume also on the SL2-S.

[Photoworks]

the 90 Macro M is a very sharp lens and works well with macro adapter to do negative scanning.

If you already have Summicron-SL lens you can add the NISI close up adapter and with just a little cropping you get great details and resolution.

I just finished reproducing 40K film frames and I can say there is very little need to use more than 24MP, I did everything on the SL2 and it was overkill.

[DavidJohn]

How would the 90 Macro M compare to the Sigma 105 L mount?   Which would produce the best images?

Big price difference, but if the Macro M can give me the Leica look, it would be worth it for me.

Manual focus, I know, but that's fine for macro work for me.  How close can it get without the macro adapter?

Is the 90mm M great for longer shots as well?

A lot of questions, sorry.  

Thanks.