Micro MACRO advice/opinion please?

Trudger1272 · 02-11-2014, 10:04 PM

Hello Forum!
Last summer I took a break from purchasing lenses for my K30 with the start of the fall semester. (I was in a large and medium format film class.) At that time I was planning on buying a FA 100mm 2.8 macro next, and KEH had plenty of them with only a couple of D FA 100mm macros. Now that I'm focusing on lenses for my dslr again, KEH has plenty of D FAs and not one FA. Also, from what I can remember, the FAs cost a tad bit more.

So I would like to ask:
1: Is the "older" FA a better lens? (As it seems like people are buying them, while others are selling their "newer" D FAs)
2: Should I wait for a FA?
3: Is there someone with practical knowledge of both these lenses, who can enlighten me?

Thanks in advance!

narual · 02-11-2014, 11:43 PM

Thought the only non-cosmetic difference was the coating and the weather resistance?

DSims · 02-12-2014, 01:46 AM

I think the F and FA are better than the original D FA. However, the newer D FA 100 WR is a fantastic overall macro lens. When it came out I forgot all about wanting the FA and got it instead.

As good as macro lenses are as a category, most have their weak points. The D FA 100 WR may not be the ultimate macro lens in any one category, but I can't find any weak points either.

In short, I'd skip the original D FA and hold out for either an F, FA, or D FA WR, with the latter being such a nice choice that you'll probably never look back.

Anyhow, I've given my advice but the most important part is to decide for yourself:

http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=990
http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=1060
http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=130
http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=3830

**pearsaab** · 02-12-2014, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by Trudger1272

Hello Forum!
Last summer I took a break from purchasing lenses for my K30 with the start of the fall semester. (I was in a large and medium format film class.) At that time I was planning on buying a FA 100mm 2.8 macro next, and KEH had plenty of them with only a couple of D FA 100mm macros. Now that I'm focusing on lenses for my dslr again, KEH has plenty of D FAs and not one FA. Also, from what I can remember, the FAs cost a tad bit more.

So I would like to ask:
1: Is the "older" FA a better lens? (As it seems like people are buying them, while others are selling their "newer" D FAs)
2: Should I wait for a FA?
3: Is there someone with practical knowledge of both these lenses, who can enlighten me?

Thanks in advance!

i had both the fa and the dfa non WR...the fa felt like a tank compared to the dfa....i had the dfa before the fa and bought the fa because i had read it had better picture quality...i was using it on the k5...the fa had a focus limiter which was a nice feature but not essential if you are doing manual focus...from a picture quality aspect i didn't see a difference so i sold my fa and kept the lighter dfa...my 2 cents for what it is worth..

**TER-OR** · 02-12-2014, 06:23 AM

I have the FA100 2.8 macro, and it's very well built, from what I can tell. Everything's internal, which seems more rugged - though that's perhaps just impression. I find it a good lens for chasing bees around the neighborhood.

If you're looking at doing some set piece macro, you'll also want a good tripod setup and investigate macro slider rail setup, so you can take multiple images and stack them.

Trudger1272 · 02-12-2014, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the replies!
Being I've finished my film classes and will be starting my first digital class 2/11/14, I'm trying to build a solid but versatile lens set. "My starting line up!" So all advice helps.

Honestly I hadn't given much thought to either the F or D FA WR. So I guess I could start saving for the D FA WR or just grab a F or FA if one becomes available before I reach the mark. There are a few of each on ebay, but I'm too nervous about buying ebay lenses. Especially from overseas!

**TER-OR** · 02-12-2014, 09:50 AM

Keep an eye on the marketplace here - it's the best place to buy. Enter the keyword 100mm and you'll see the macro lenses pop up via email. You can also enter 90mm since there are a couple nice 90mm macro lenses available, too. This way you're buying from owners who have presumably taken good care of the lenses. IIRC my FA100 was about $350 when I bought it about 4 yrs ago.

These macros are frequently found in the marketplace. You could also enter the term 'macro' but you'll get a lot of irrelevant results. You can also search the marketplace for current listings.

**nater** · 02-12-2014, 11:33 AM

A few years ago I chose the FA 100mm over the D FA 100mm based on these reviews:

Pentax SMC-FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Lab Test Report

Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Test Report

Trudger1272 · 02-12-2014, 12:26 PM

Thanks TER-OR!

I never heard of a Macro slider rail, so I better get to googling!

Thanks nater!

Reading those reviews helps a lot. Especially seeing the term "Plastic Fantastic!" It makes me cringe, being I have hands like bricks and break things easily, I should probably stick to metal brick like lenses. (FA) Honestly! So far, most SLRs/DSLRs feel sort of dinky to me, but I haven't made it to the PRO Cameras yet.

Thanks again everyone for your input, Chao!

**TER-OR** · 02-12-2014, 02:21 PM

The fantastic plastic 35mm is not the macro version.

I also have a Sigma 28mm f1.8 macro which is a really nice lens, but not an insect lens. Great close-up, though, and great for still lifes and objects.

Check Amazon for slider rail and be prepared to geek out. Also look for a remote, since that's probably the easiest way to trigger and limit vibrations.

Trudger1272 · 02-12-2014, 04:11 PM

Took your advice and checked out Amazon, the slider rails seem reasonable enough that I can order one along with the lens and a macro ring Friday.

One more question please: How is the Tamron 90mm macro? (non DI) I've been seeing quite a few.

**TER-OR** · 02-13-2014, 06:28 AM

The Tamron 90 macros are well regarded. You can probably find some threads in the lens discussion area.

02-11-2014, 10:04 PM	#1
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288	Micro MACRO advice/opinion please? Hello Forum! Last summer I took a break from purchasing lenses for my K30 with the start of the fall semester. (I was in a large and medium format film class.) At that time I was planning on buying a FA 100mm 2.8 macro next, and KEH had plenty of them with only a couple of D FA 100mm macros. Now that I'm focusing on lenses for my dslr again, KEH has plenty of D FAs and not one FA. Also, from what I can remember, the FAs cost a tad bit more. So I would like to ask: 1: Is the "older" FA a better lens? (As it seems like people are buying them, while others are selling their "newer" D FAs) 2: Should I wait for a FA? 3: Is there someone with practical knowledge of both these lenses, who can enlighten me? Thanks in advance!

02-12-2014, 01:46 AM	#3
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	I think the F and FA are better than the original D FA. However, the newer D FA 100 WR is a fantastic overall macro lens. When it came out I forgot all about wanting the FA and got it instead. As good as macro lenses are as a category, most have their weak points. The D FA 100 WR may not be the ultimate macro lens in any one category, but I can't find any weak points either. In short, I'd skip the original D FA and hold out for either an F, FA, or D FA WR, with the latter being such a nice choice that you'll probably never look back. Anyhow, I've given my advice but the most important part is to decide for yourself: http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=990 http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=1060 http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=130 http://pentaxphotogallery.com/photos/gallery/query?camera=&lens=3830 Last edited by DSims; 02-12-2014 at 02:39 AM.

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02-11-2014, 11:43 PM	#2
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Thought the only non-cosmetic difference was the coating and the weather resistance?

02-12-2014, 06:14 AM	#4
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900	Originally posted by Trudger1272 Hello Forum! Last summer I took a break from purchasing lenses for my K30 with the start of the fall semester. (I was in a large and medium format film class.) At that time I was planning on buying a FA 100mm 2.8 macro next, and KEH had plenty of them with only a couple of D FA 100mm macros. Now that I'm focusing on lenses for my dslr again, KEH has plenty of D FAs and not one FA. Also, from what I can remember, the FAs cost a tad bit more. So I would like to ask: 1: Is the "older" FA a better lens? (As it seems like people are buying them, while others are selling their "newer" D FAs) 2: Should I wait for a FA? 3: Is there someone with practical knowledge of both these lenses, who can enlighten me? Thanks in advance! i had both the fa and the dfa non WR...the fa felt like a tank compared to the dfa....i had the dfa before the fa and bought the fa because i had read it had better picture quality...i was using it on the k5...the fa had a focus limiter which was a nice feature but not essential if you are doing manual focus...from a picture quality aspect i didn't see a difference so i sold my fa and kept the lighter dfa...my 2 cents for what it is worth..

02-12-2014, 06:23 AM	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I have the FA100 2.8 macro, and it's very well built, from what I can tell. Everything's internal, which seems more rugged - though that's perhaps just impression. I find it a good lens for chasing bees around the neighborhood. If you're looking at doing some set piece macro, you'll also want a good tripod setup and investigate macro slider rail setup, so you can take multiple images and stack them.

02-12-2014, 08:43 AM	#6
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies! Being I've finished my film classes and will be starting my first digital class 2/11/14, I'm trying to build a solid but versatile lens set. "My starting line up!" So all advice helps. Honestly I hadn't given much thought to either the F or D FA WR. So I guess I could start saving for the D FA WR or just grab a F or FA if one becomes available before I reach the mark. There are a few of each on ebay, but I'm too nervous about buying ebay lenses. Especially from overseas!

02-12-2014, 09:50 AM	#7
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Keep an eye on the marketplace here - it's the best place to buy. Enter the keyword 100mm and you'll see the macro lenses pop up via email. You can also enter 90mm since there are a couple nice 90mm macro lenses available, too. This way you're buying from owners who have presumably taken good care of the lenses. IIRC my FA100 was about $350 when I bought it about 4 yrs ago. These macros are frequently found in the marketplace. You could also enter the term 'macro' but you'll get a lot of irrelevant results. You can also search the marketplace for current listings.

02-12-2014, 11:33 AM	#8
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	A few years ago I chose the FA 100mm over the D FA 100mm based on these reviews: Pentax SMC-FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Lab Test Report Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro - Review / Test Report

02-12-2014, 12:26 PM	#9
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288 Original Poster	Thanks TER-OR! I never heard of a Macro slider rail, so I better get to googling! Thanks nater! Reading those reviews helps a lot. Especially seeing the term "Plastic Fantastic!" It makes me cringe, being I have hands like bricks and break things easily, I should probably stick to metal brick like lenses. (FA) Honestly! So far, most SLRs/DSLRs feel sort of dinky to me, but I haven't made it to the PRO Cameras yet. Thanks again everyone for your input, Chao!

02-12-2014, 02:21 PM	#10
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The fantastic plastic 35mm is not the macro version. I also have a Sigma 28mm f1.8 macro which is a really nice lens, but not an insect lens. Great close-up, though, and great for still lifes and objects. Check Amazon for slider rail and be prepared to geek out. Also look for a remote, since that's probably the easiest way to trigger and limit vibrations.

02-12-2014, 04:11 PM	#11
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288 Original Poster	Took your advice and checked out Amazon, the slider rails seem reasonable enough that I can order one along with the lens and a macro ring Friday. One more question please: How is the Tamron 90mm macro? (non DI) I've been seeing quite a few.

02-13-2014, 06:28 AM	#12
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The Tamron 90 macros are well regarded. You can probably find some threads in the lens discussion area.