iosa Loc: Fairbanks, AK

I just saw this lens over at B&H photo. Is this worth its asking price? I have no experience with macro, and am hoping to find a functional lens at a lower price point that I can get my feet wet with.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1307519-REG/mitakon_zhongyi_mtk20mf2ef_20mm_f_2_4_5x_super.html

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

If it's limited from 4.5x to 5x, I wouldn't do it because it's very limited..... I guess it really depends on how much you would do at that magnification range. Not being able to focus through to infinity seems very limiting....

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

That lens was discussed here and the conclusion was that it was too limiting for general macro work.
Look for a used macro in the 100mm f2.8 range or consider one of the older, film era, manual macro lenses that are available at fairly reasonable price.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

I think this lens would be very hard to use and very limiting too. I agree with Rick that a used lens of about 100mm. would be more appropriate and more useful for other genres as well as macro.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

I would agree with the comments above, very limited indeed. But if you are interested? why not, life is short.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

A macro lens is somewhat limited in that they generally go to 1:1 magnification out to infinity. So really small things are not in their range. But a quick modification there is to add on a clip-on Raynox lens to the end of the macro to boost their magnification. The Raynox add-on is quick and easy to use, and can go in a pouch in your pocket.

Another inexpensive option besides a dedicated 100mm range macro is to buy a set of extension tubes and use those with a short prime lens or small zoom lens that you may already have. If you have any doubts about your sustained interest in this area of photography, I suggest you consider this option. It would be too bad if you sink a few $hundred to several hundred for a lens that later sits on your shelf a lot.
The best option for extension tubes is to get a set that maintains electrical contact between the lens and camera body so that you have aperture control. Automatic focus is also preserved, but that is generally not useful for macrophotography (same with macro lenses btw). Here are some pros and cons about the extension tubes option:

pro: Inexpensive ($40-$60. You can spend more but I see no advantage to that). Introduces you to the method w/o sinking in a lot of money. If it does not grab you, no big deal. The tubes can stay in your kit w/o taking up much room & you can still use them on the occasions that you want them. If you want to get a macro lens later on, then ok. You can still use extension tubes w/ the macro lens for greater magnification.

con: You will need to add / remove different combinations of tubes for different magnifications, so they are a bit fussy. You will be exposing the innards of your camera to the elements more often. The working distance with extension tubes is closer than that of a dedicated macro lens. The fiddling time and the working distance means that some bugs will fly away.

I started on extension tubes, and now have a good macro lens. It worked out pretty well for me.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

You can also increase your magnification on a macro lens by using extension tubes or a bellows.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Just a note.. When I first started macro I tried the reverse lens trick which required getting less that a few inches from the subject, difficult out of the gate, not to mention the shallow depth of field. Once I mastered shooting with that get up, shooting 1:1 with a 100mm macro lens was easier than riding a tricycle. One of the reason hand held stacking comes easy for me. It's worth a try in my book, as long as your up to a challenge and don't give up easy.. If you want instant results get a 100mm macro lens, and if you want great result be prepared to practice.........

davids999 Loc: Edinburgh, UK

I bought one of these direct from the Zhongyi website a few weeks ago. It was not posted until I complained so I am not sure how up to speed their assembly process is. When it was sent it arrived from China in just two days of being dispatched! I have had a play with it. Not easy to use. The front element is tiny, just 9mm diameter. No infinity focus but that is academic as is the 20mm focal length to be honest. In reality it works like a reversed enlarger lens on a bellows rather that a camera lens. Very close Minimum Working Distance of 20.32mm (3/4-inch) with a high magnification and minimal Depth of Field. A three blade aperture which again is academic because you are not going to be able to produce any arty bokeh shots with it. It will be useful for capturing the texture of more or less flat surfaces (plant parts, skin, insect wings, etc) maybe parts of the compound eyes of some insects although they would have to dead or at least chilled. Probably very thin things like insect limbs, hair, or particles such as pollen or fungi spores. It is very reasonably priced at $199.00 plus shipping which was also very reasonable. How useful? Not sure yet. If you are looking for a macro lens for normal macro photography this will not meet your needs. Just my 2 cents worth.

Mounted Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm macro lens. Notice the short WORKING DISTANCE

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

If you are truly interest in 1:1 macro-photography, I strongly recommend that you read Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html
You will find friendly and knowledgeable members on this forum, and we will answer all of your questions. First, give yourself a bit of macro knowledge by reading our Intro thread.