100mm 2.8 Macro - A vs. F - Page 2

*Wheatfield* · 11-02-2009, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by 8540tomg

Personally, I don't recall noticing any flare issues with my A 100/2.8 macro. I don't doubt they happen I just haven't noticed them. Then again, as I've said before, I don't use the lens that often. When I have used it I found it to be super sharp. Are there any conditions in which this flare issue is more likely to occur?

You're right Schneider, this is a good place to keep abreast of things.

Tom G

I first noticed it when I was doing product shots of my Pentax 6x7 gear.
A good reflection off the subject can cause a fairly minor reflection off the back of the lens.
It's pretty obvious in this shot.

*OrenMc* · 11-04-2009, 04:07 AM

Originally Posted by schneider

All things considering I have decided for the A. Although I expect the F to have the slight edge in IQ, to me the manual focussing tips the balance.

So you think the F is a bit sharper huh? I don't know but when it comes to lenses like this and this close in IQ it really is difficult to say for sure. We are all splitting hairs. I guess that goes for all the macro lenses I have went thru, all of them have been fantastic lenses.
I had the FA 100 and although I loved how sharp it was I did not like the focus ring, way too small. The A 100 is wonderful in that regards. I think your F 100 is pretty much like the FA, right?

wheatfield, for this type of shot and conditions I am not sure if I see a problem. I don't know though, I am still on my first cup of coffee.

*8540tomg* · 11-04-2009, 05:40 AM

I'm with OrenMC on this one Wheatfield. Perhaps it's my monitor but I just don't see any senosr reflections in this image - or maybe I just don't know what to look for.

Tom G

*Wheatfield* · 11-04-2009, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by 8540tomg

I'm with OrenMC on this one Wheatfield. Perhaps it's my monitor but I just don't see any senosr reflections in this image - or maybe I just don't know what to look for.

Tom G

Look at the big blue spot above the base on the top extension tube.

*OrenMc* · 11-04-2009, 03:32 PM

Yup, now that my eyes are open. I don't know what I was looking at earlier.

*8540tomg* · 11-04-2009, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

Look at the big blue spot above the base on the top extension tube.

OK, I see it now too. So reflective surfaces are potentially an issue with this lens. Good to know.

Tom G

schneider · 11-05-2009, 06:08 AM

Clear example. I wonder if the F/FA version would not have produced this flare.

Anyway, so much talk without a picture, time for a break:

Lowell Goudge · 11-05-2009, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

I've had a couple of problems with sensor reflections on my A100/2.8 macro, so I'm kinda careful with what I do with it now. I don't know if the F is better or not.
The A version is an absolute gem, it is one of the sharpest lenses I've used, and gives a 3 dimensionality to macro images that I find very pleasing, so I'm kinda pissed about the reflections off the rear element.
This image shows what I am talking about with the 3dimensionality that I see from the A100/2.8 macro.

nice shot.

You should post your comment about sensor reflection in the thread on FA lenses for full frame digital, because there are some non believers out there.