[jkobleur]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.