Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR
Specifications
The SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm Macro F2.8 WR is the fourth version of this particular autofocus macro design. The series started with the F 100mm, followed by the FA 100mm, and more recently the D FA 100mm (non-WR). These four lenses share the same optical formula. The most recent D FA version with WR offers several improvements when compared to the previous models: weather sealing, rounded aperture blades, a smaller 49mm filter diameter, a metal barrel, quick-shift focusing and SP coatings. However, it lacks the focus clamp, aperture ring, and/or focus limiter found on some of the earlier models.
Like all manufacturers, Pentax likes to use acronyms and make lens names as long as possible. The following table summarizes many of the terms used in the name and description of the lens.
| SMC | "Super Multi Coating", the name of the famous Pentax coatings used for many decades (with improvements added over time). It was replaced almost completely in 2012 by the new "HD" coating. |
| D FA | "D" refers to a lens designed for digital cameras, carrying information used for specific program lines, in-camera lens correction and so forth. "FA" signifies that the lens can be used with full frame cameras, film or digital. |
| F | "F" is the maximum aperture of the lens, 2.8 in this case. |
| Macro | "Macro" means that the lens has close focusing capabilities. This term is sometimes abused, but in this particular case the lens is a true macro allowing 1:1 enlargements. |
| WR | "WR" means the the lens is weather resistant. It cannot be submerged but will resist splashes, rain, snow, dust and other adverse conditions. |
| SP | "SP" is not part of the lens name, but still an important part of its characteristics. Super protect is a type of coating used by Pentax that helps repel dust and grease, making the lens easier to clean. It is often present on WR lenses. |
Below are the official specifications of the D FA 100mm macro WR lens.
| Lens Name |
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR |
| Optical Formula | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Image Circle | Covers the 24x36mm format (full frame) |
| Auto-Exposure Support | Yes |
| Construction | Metal barrel |
| Field of View | Diagonal, 24x36mm: 24.5° Diagonal, APS-C: 16° |
| Aperture Range | F2.8 - F32 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 (rounded) |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Max. Magnification | 1:1 (1X) |
| Focus Type | AF, screw-drive, quick-shift |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.303m |
| Internal Focus | No |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 49mm |
| Cap | Yes, clip-on |
| Hood | Yes, bayonet (cylinder shape), PH-RBE |
| Case | Yes, S80-120 |
| Diameter x Length | 65 x 80.5 mm (2.6 x 3.2 in.) |
| Weight | 340g (without hood) |
| Pentax Mount Designation | KAF |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Price (US MSRP) | $799.95 ($429 street) |
| Launch Date | 2009-12-09 |
As a Pentax lens designed for digital, the 100mm macro WR supports in-camera image correction and alternate program lines (such as MTF). It bears the Super Protect (SP) coating to repel dust, grease and other elements, also making it easier to clean.
Continue on to the next page to see what's in the box.
