[Markulous]

Many thanks for the comments!

Originally Posted by bain

i,m still trying to figure out which subjet's i like to photogragh, playing around in all areas at the moment, Well guess what i think i found it , What an inspirational set of photos

Well, I couldn't ask for a better result than that! My day's work is done!

[Lew]

Great series Mark. The Sigma 150 is quite impressive. I keep putting off ordering it. I need to quit resisting.

[Markulous]

Thanks, Lew! I can definitely recommend both the Sigma 150mm and the 105mm, former for tripod collar and also internal focus (a minor advantage that some think important), latter for easier MF; both have near identical image quality

[pete Rammy]

wot can i say.....AMAZING photo's #1 has to be my favourite,wow

[Lew]

I think the 150mm will do for me. The Oly 50mm is truly fine and works well with extension tube or teleconverter, but the manual focus working distance gets down to below 10 cm. That's a little close for insects.

[MarJus]

Superb set of photos! Can't chose one favourite though, so will say both 1 & 4!!

[Markulous]

Many thanks, everyone! Appreciate the comments!

Originally Posted by Lew

I think the 150mm will do for me. The Oly 50mm is truly fine and works well with extension tube or teleconverter, but the manual focus working distance gets down to below 10 cm. That's a little close for insects.

Here's the stats on the Sigmas. Personally, I find no difference from the 105 to the 150 - prefer the 105 mainly as the MF is easier (less travel) and certainly find no problem with the extending barrel (105 extends, 150+ it's internal) but do appreciate the 150 tripod collar. Can see that if you get closer than the 105's 31cm that light could be a prob - not sure about bugs as they've stayed or gone anyway (and defo no change between the 105's 31cm and the 150's 38cm). If I need distance, I'll use my 300mm which'll do 1:2

Minimum Focusing Distance
50mm 18.9cm/7.4 in.
105mm 31.3cm/12.3 in.
150mm 38cm/15.0 in.
180mm 46cm/18.1 in.

[Lew]

Thank you Mark. I believe the 180 in 4/3rds is out of production. The Oly 50 with extension tube will focus right up to the glass for slightly better than 1:1. With teleconverter or alone about 10 cm. The 38 cm. of the 150 would give me a little better escape margin. I don't know which would be worse: stung or caught with a foot in a flower bed by my wife.

[Markulous]

LOL! Good luck with either! And of course we'll want to see the results (no, not of what your wife does after you step in the flowers - the pics! )