[fevbusch]

I was thinking of getting a lens in the 100mm range to shoot landscapes, etc. .
I'm wondering how it would handle and autofocus on my K30 camera, considering that I now have all this high ISO.
The reviews I read are really pretty old so I'm wondering about this improving with a newer model like K30. It is an A lens. It seems to be a good buy at around $200.
Freddy

[TER-OR]

The FA100 is a great macro lens. I use it on my K5 all the time. It has a pretty tight field of view, though, so I'm not sure you'll get the best use at landscapes unless you're shooting at a distance. It does double as a competent telephoto, though the focus throw is big - as you would expect from a macro lens. It's an FA lens - fully automatic. It has an aperture ring so you can use it fully manual as well. It's FA, not DA so it is built for Full-frame.

If you can find one for $200 it's a great bargain. I bought mine for over $300 about 5 years ago. It's built like a tank, too...

[fevbusch]

Thanks, Ter-Or. How far away would I hve to be from some beautiful fall foliage trees for the lens to work. Like a stand of about 5 trees wide.
I don't need the lens to be close. I just need to shoot things that are over 50 feet away. I don't mind shooting auto or manual for that. Freddy

[DSims]

If you can find one for $200 it's a great bargain. I bought mine for over $300 about 5 years ago. It's built like a tank, too...

Are you sure you're talking about the same lens? The one based on the Cosina 100/3.5 AF macro? Because I have that one, and while it's a good lens, no one's ever accused it of being built like a tank!

[TER-OR]

Ah, you're right. I have the f2.8 lens.
SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

So I guess ignore everything I said, I have no experience with the f:3.5 version.
I need to pay closer attention!

At 50 feet the 100mm is probably pretty useful.

[fevbusch]

Thanks, guys.
Yeah, I imagine I would be 50 to 100 feet away if I was shooting landscapes, so that would work.
If I were shooting landscapes closer than that I would be using my Da35mm 2.4 AL.
Freddy

[jatrax]

FA 100 f/3.5 is a nice lens if you can get a good price. Had one and foolishly sold it on as I did not think I used it enough. Nice and light, works well but does not have the build quality of the f/2.8 models. Takes nice pictures though.

I now have the DFA 100 f/2.8 WR and I think it is superior in many ways but at a much higher price point of course.

According to this field of view calculator: http://www.tawbaware.com/maxlyons/calc.htm : A 100mm lens on APS-C sensor at 50 feet from the subject will give you a diagonal field of view of about 14 feet. So not what I would use for shooting trees that are say 75 feet tall.

Play around with the calculator and see what focal length works for what you have in mind. Or take a zoom out and frame your target and then note the focal length.