Have you tried the PENTAX D FA DFA 100mm F2.8 F/2.8?

Neel1 · 04-10-2012, 05:24 PM

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I'm very much interested in acquiring the PENTAX D FA DFA 100mm F2.8 F/2.8? Can anyone tell me how good it is?

I'm going to use it on my Pentax K200D body! This is the model I want to get:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

bdery · 04-10-2012, 05:39 PM

It's an excellent lens by all accounts. I recommend you read this comparison review, it will help you. The lens reviewed is the newest version but optically yours and this one are comparable.

Tamron 90mm Macro vs Pentax 100mm WR: Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Adam · 04-10-2012, 05:55 PM

Here is a brief comparison of the new and old versions:
Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro - Review - PentaxForums.com

It's better in some areas (aperture ring and clamp) and worse in others (bokeh, weather sealing).

Rnovo · 04-10-2012, 06:22 PM

I just finished a project shooting still life fashion, quilts and copying and I will get this lens ASAP ("Geranium Garden" - circa 1974-1978 :: Suttles and Seawinds Historical Archive Collection)
I do recommend the WR model. Magical sharpness...

sterretje · 04-11-2012, 12:06 AM

The following thread has a (partiaI) compare of the WR and the non-WR: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/86625-lens-buy...ant-macro.html

L33tGreg · 04-11-2012, 05:48 AM

It's a fabulous lens, WR or not. Great for macro work, but also for portraits.

angelo9978 · 04-11-2012, 07:53 AM

Here's some samples from the fa 100mm f2.8 wr ; nothing done with sharpness, the 100% crops are tack sharp. Taken with a k5 at iso 800-3200:
wide open

wide open

f4.0

f5.6

Ken T · 04-11-2012, 08:13 AM

The lens stay on my K-20D most of the time

MegaPower · 04-12-2012, 02:21 AM

Most of the macro lens are well made.
You just need to adapt the focal length and it will be a great lens.

Vylen · 04-13-2012, 08:39 AM

I've had this lens for about half a year but hadn't used it much till now. I finally got the Pentax AF160FC macro light and can proceed with my keen interest in macro photography. That said, here's something I did a short while ago (and subsequently partially blinded myself):

My Left Eye (1/125, f/19.0, ISO100, +1 EV)

100% crop:

I'd say not bad since I had to let the camera use the autofocus - it got it pretty much on the spot! Plenty sharp enough I'd say

04-10-2012, 05:24 PM	#1
Neel1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 85	Have you tried the PENTAX D FA DFA 100mm F2.8 F/2.8? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. I'm very much interested in acquiring the PENTAX D FA DFA 100mm F2.8 F/2.8? Can anyone tell me how good it is? I'm going to use it on my Pentax K200D body! This is the model I want to get: eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

04-10-2012, 05:55 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Here is a brief comparison of the new and old versions: Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro - Review - PentaxForums.com It's better in some areas (aperture ring and clamp) and worse in others (bokeh, weather sealing). 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 purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. 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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04-10-2012, 05:39 PM	#2
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	It's an excellent lens by all accounts. I recommend you read this comparison review, it will help you. The lens reviewed is the newest version but optically yours and this one are comparable. Tamron 90mm Macro vs Pentax 100mm WR: Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

04-10-2012, 06:22 PM	#4
Rnovo Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 415	I just finished a project shooting still life fashion, quilts and copying and I will get this lens ASAP ("Geranium Garden" - circa 1974-1978 :: Suttles and Seawinds Historical Archive Collection) I do recommend the WR model. Magical sharpness...

04-11-2012, 12:06 AM	#5
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	The following thread has a (partiaI) compare of the WR and the non-WR: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/86625-lens-buy...ant-macro.html

04-11-2012, 05:48 AM	#6
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	It's a fabulous lens, WR or not. Great for macro work, but also for portraits.

04-11-2012, 07:53 AM	#7
angelo9978 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 231	Here's some samples from the fa 100mm f2.8 wr ; nothing done with sharpness, the 100% crops are tack sharp. Taken with a k5 at iso 800-3200: wide open wide open f4.0 f5.6

04-11-2012, 08:13 AM	#8
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	The lens stay on my K-20D most of the time

04-12-2012, 02:21 AM	#9
MegaPower Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 636	Most of the macro lens are well made. You just need to adapt the focal length and it will be a great lens.

04-13-2012, 08:39 AM	#10
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	I've had this lens for about half a year but hadn't used it much till now. I finally got the Pentax AF160FC macro light and can proceed with my keen interest in macro photography. That said, here's something I did a short while ago (and subsequently partially blinded myself): My Left Eye (1/125, f/19.0, ISO100, +1 EV) 100% crop: I'd say not bad since I had to let the camera use the autofocus - it got it pretty much on the spot! Plenty sharp enough I'd say