Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR or Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

**jkobleur** · 09-05-2011, 01:27 PM

Due to LBA (currently in remission) I am soon going to be selling quite a few prime lenses. I want to pare my collection down to the water resistant lenses ( with very few exceptions for Ltd. lenses I love). I currently have the FA-100mm f/2.8 and I like it a lot but am thinking of changing to the D FA 100mm WR. Has anyone had experience with both of these lenses? If so, I would appreciate your advice. I plan to have only one macro lens so if you have a suggestion for an "all purpose macro" other than one of those mentioned I would appreciate that input as well. Thanks.

Adam · 09-05-2011, 01:35 PM

The D-FA is a lot more compact and also weather-sealed, so I would upgrade do it unless you need the aperture ring functionality provided by the FA lens (i.e. support for the bellows, extension tubes, etc).

See our review here: Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro - Review

While it uses the same optical formula as the FA, the DFA WR version of this macro lens has rounded aperture blades, resulting in nicer bokeh.

dgaies · 09-05-2011, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by Adam

While it uses the same optical formula as the FA, the DFA WR version of this macro lens has rounded aperture blades, resulting in nicer bokeh.

I think Adam meant the DFA and DFA-WR have the same optical formula, differing in the fact that the WR has the rounded blades.

The FA is actually a different optical formula from the two DFA models. The FA also had a focus limiter, which is nice when using the lens as a short telephoto prime. On the other hand, the DFA lenses both have quick-shift focusing, which is also a nice feature to have. This thread got into some of the details and comparisons that might be helpful to you.

bdery · 09-05-2011, 06:47 PM

Originally posted by jkobleur

I plan to have only one macro lens so if you have a suggestion for an "all purpose macro" other than one of those mentioned I would appreciate that input as well. Thanks.

I went that road recently, and sold my FA50 and K135 to get the DFA 100 WR. I'm quite happy with it and with my decision, I think since most photographers own a fast 50 the 100mm focal length for macro makes a lot of sense. The small size, weight, WR of the DFA WR are all great perks. the bokeh is indeed magnificent, but I couldn't say, so far, if the rounded aperture blades do create a nicer bokeh. I haven't done an exhaustive round of testing about that, however.

Originally posted by dgaies

the DFA lenses both have quick-shift focusing, which is also a nice feature to have.

The quick-shift indeed removes the need for a focus limiter, in my short experience.

09-05-2011, 01:27 PM	#1
jkobleur Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Savannah, GA, USA Posts: 57	Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro WR or Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Due to LBA (currently in remission) I am soon going to be selling quite a few prime lenses. I want to pare my collection down to the water resistant lenses ( with very few exceptions for Ltd. lenses I love). I currently have the FA-100mm f/2.8 and I like it a lot but am thinking of changing to the D FA 100mm WR. Has anyone had experience with both of these lenses? If so, I would appreciate your advice. I plan to have only one macro lens so if you have a suggestion for an "all purpose macro" other than one of those mentioned I would appreciate that input as well. Thanks.

09-05-2011, 01:35 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,124	The D-FA is a lot more compact and also weather-sealed, so I would upgrade do it unless you need the aperture ring functionality provided by the FA lens (i.e. support for the bellows, extension tubes, etc). See our review here: Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro - Review While it uses the same optical formula as the FA, the DFA WR version of this macro lens has rounded aperture blades, resulting in nicer bokeh. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-05-2011, 01:41 PM	#3
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by Adam While it uses the same optical formula as the FA, the DFA WR version of this macro lens has rounded aperture blades, resulting in nicer bokeh. I think Adam meant the DFA and DFA-WR have the same optical formula, differing in the fact that the WR has the rounded blades. The FA is actually a different optical formula from the two DFA models. The FA also had a focus limiter, which is nice when using the lens as a short telephoto prime. On the other hand, the DFA lenses both have quick-shift focusing, which is also a nice feature to have. This thread got into some of the details and comparisons that might be helpful to you.

09-05-2011, 06:47 PM	#4
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,004	Originally posted by jkobleur I plan to have only one macro lens so if you have a suggestion for an "all purpose macro" other than one of those mentioned I would appreciate that input as well. Thanks. I went that road recently, and sold my FA50 and K135 to get the DFA 100 WR. I'm quite happy with it and with my decision, I think since most photographers own a fast 50 the 100mm focal length for macro makes a lot of sense. The small size, weight, WR of the DFA WR are all great perks. the bokeh is indeed magnificent, but I couldn't say, so far, if the rounded aperture blades do create a nicer bokeh. I haven't done an exhaustive round of testing about that, however. Originally posted by dgaies the DFA lenses both have quick-shift focusing, which is also a nice feature to have. The quick-shift indeed removes the need for a focus limiter, in my short experience.

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