[DSLRnovice]

Since I have an older set of Pentax extension tubes, I am hoping to find a 100mm macro lens that will maintain the auto aperture feature. I realize that the camera will not record the f number when using the tubes, but exposure will be close with the K-1. I understand that the current 100 macro does not have a manual aperture ring, so I was wondering if any previous models are as sharp or close.

Or would it be worth it just to get the latest lens and extension tubes? I don't mind manual focusing.

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Last edited by DSLRnovice; 06-19-2016 at 11:24 AM.

[UncleVanya]

Get one with an aperture ring, the alternative is to reverse the lens and use an adapter that allows crude aperture control.

[BrianR]

I think you'd be hard pressed to find complaints about the sharpness of any of the Pentax 100/2.8 macros.

I have the non-WR dfa100mm. Work's great on tubes or bellows, and it's more compact than its older relatives. I'd happily buy it again unless one of the even older versions was significantly cheaper.

[wissink]

I had an FA and now just the F. I love it. I just miss the quick shift of my DA ltds.

[grahame]

I have F, FA and D-FA 100/2.8, along with other 100ish macro lenses.
As said, all pentax 100 macros are excellent lenses. I don't think you need to worry about IQ and doubt anyone can tell the difference even at pixel level.
I think it finally goes to what feature do you need. FA's clamp and focus limit, D-FA WR's weather sealing, or non-WR D-FA's light weight. Of course, WR version does not have aperture control.

[DSLRnovice]

Thanks for all the comments. I appreciate the quick responses to my ignorance. Like I really am not even familiar with clamp and focus limit features. Price wise, the FA's and even the non WR D-FA lenses compare well with the older models. What about f4 or f3.5 versions? Also, is it true that Pentax 100mm macros are well corrected for infinity as well? My original purpose is landscape, but the option for macro is renewing my interest for close ups in nature.

How important is the fast aperture in autofocus and with the high quality high ISO of the K-1?

[Wild Mark]

I have the FA and F. There is something about the F that is better???? but I am splitting hairs.

[Scorpio71GR]

I have the Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro which I use on my Pentax extension tubes. Since the Tamron has an apeture ring I can use stop down metering. I also have the DFA 100mm WR Macro but I keep the Tamron since it has an apeture ring.

[UncleVanya]

I have the FA and F. There is something about the F that is better???? but I am splitting hairs.

I have the F and three DFA and I like the F quite a bit, but I'm not sure there is any optical difference. The focus limiter is very helpful.

[BrianR]

Also, is it true that Pentax 100mm macros are well corrected for infinity as well?

I can only speak for the non-WR dfa100mm on an aps-c camera, but yes, I'd consider it terrific at infinity. The main flaw my copy has for landscapes is having me as its user.

[mholford]

I can only speak for the non-WR dfa100mm on an aps-c camera, but yes, I'd consider it terrific at infinity. The main flaw my copy has for landscapes is having me as its user.

I concur - no issues with infinity focus in my copy of the non-wr dfa100

[DSLRnovice]

Maybe I could get some more ideas and recommendations if I give my lens list. I have a Ricoh fisheye 16mm, Pentax M 28/2.8, Sears/Ricoh 50/1.7, Pentax FA 35/2, Pentax M 200/4 and some lesser quality zooms from the 1980's.

I have been thinking about getting an older 100/2.8 macro and a modern zoom to cover 80-200 when on the go. Are there any affordable zooms today that give decent results for the K-1? I have heard good things about the Pentax F80-200/4.7-5.6.

Or should I pay more for a newer AF 100 macro and wait for the extra cash to get a newer zoom?

[UncleVanya]

The F 70-210 has a great reputation on crop cameras, but I haven't heard much from k-1 users about it one way or the other.

The DFA 28-105 has a great reputation and is weather sealed, that seems like a nice staying zoom for the k-1.

[JensE]

If you're a prime shooter, for landscape use a D-FA 100 definitely would make sense next. I think the WR and non-WR versions are identical, except for coatings maybe, optically. Basically unchanged from F and FA. There simply was no reason to modify them, but I love the 49mm thread of the D-FAs because of the range of other 49mm primes. I have returned a D-FA non-WR and bought a new WR one, compactness and finish are simply outstanding.

If you look for a reasonably priced zoom for landscape use to save lens swaps, I can definitely recommend getting the DFA 28-105 first over getting a longer tele lens (assuming your 16mm is OK for occasional ultra-wide use). In crop mode, it already takes you into the 160mm equivalent range with more than decent quality on the K-1, similar to a K-5II.

[DSLRnovice]

If you're a prime shooter, for landscape use a D-FA 100 definitely would make sense next. I think the WR and non-WR versions are identical, except for coatings maybe, optically. Basically unchanged from F and FA. There simply was no reason to modify them, but I love the 49mm thread of the D-FAs because of the range of other 49mm primes. I have returned a D-FA non-WR and bought a new WR one, compactness and finish are simply outstanding.

If you look for a reasonably priced zoom for landscape use to save lens swaps, I can definitely recommend getting the DFA 28-105 first over getting a longer tele lens (assuming your 16mm is OK for occasional ultra-wide use). In crop mode, it already takes you into the 160mm equivalent range with more than decent quality on the K-1, similar to a K-5II.

I am definitely considering a prime 100mm like the D-FA. Other than WR what do you prefer about the newer model? Since I already have auto aperture extension tubes (w/o electrical contacts), I prefer to have the aperture ring. The only thing is that they are harder to find unless from Japan. How complicated is buying from Japan with duty fees and all?

Since I already have a FF film era zoom, Ricoh 28-100, plus being well covered with primes, I think the longer end zooms will be more useful. I am reading that the most improvements for digital is in the area of zooms, but I am not sure when and where the main improvements were made.