In Praise of the DFA 28-105

**Sailor** · 02-23-2017, 03:03 PM - **2 Likes**

Since I already owned a FA 31, FA 77 and DFA 100 macro, my initial intention was to buy a K-1 body and later add an FA 43. However, I ended up ordering a discounted package deal from B&H of a K-1 + DFA 28-105, along with some other inducements; the lens was - to my mind - almost an afterthought. As it turns out, other than a few test images with my FF primes, the DFA 28-105 has been on the camera all of the two months I've owned the pair.

Not only does the 28-105 produce remarkably crisp and sharp photos, it's not a bad closeup tool, as well. Here are three un-cropped and (obviously

) haphazard closeups I took of my car with the lens at 88-105 mm. It's not a macro, but still mighty useful.

Jer

HarisF1 · 02-23-2017, 03:12 PM

How does it compare to your primes in terms of 'character'? I would guess it most closely resembles the 100mm since I've seen people refer to it as clinical.

btnapa · 02-23-2017, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by Sailor

In Praise of the DFA 28-105

+1. Sweeeeeet lens.

I have had the three amigos for a few years now and they are spectacular on the K1 as they were on K3. However, there are times that i want to bring a one-lens package for the sake of portability and no lens change convenience. So, I ordered the 28-105 from B&H from a WPPI special they were offering. The lens came in and I tested it to make sure it was working fine. Yesterday, I got a chance to use it on an assignment. My expectations were not high at all. So I did bring the three amigos with me just in case. I ended up using the 28-105 for the entire shoot. I am more than pleased with the results and given the image quality and all the other goodies the lens offers. I love the quiet, fast and accurate focusing... even in low light. Wow.

The lens is a bargain at full price and a steal at the discounted rate.

awscreo · 02-23-2017, 09:05 PM

Got mine last week, loving it so far. Absolute bang for the buck, no complaints.

GeneV · 02-24-2017, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by HarisF1

How does it compare to your primes in terms of 'character'? I would guess it most closely resembles the 100mm since I've seen people refer to it as clinical.

"Clinical" is a word I might use for scary sharp lenses like the DFA macro 100/50 or the Zeiss Batis 85, where every facial hair or wrinkle can seem to call attention to itself. It is one reason I personally do not use the DFA for portraits and rented but did not buy the amazingly sharp Zeiss for the A7R. As a quick impression, I would say the 28-105 rendition is closer to the amigos than the macros.

That being said, having used one of the amigos or another for about a decade and the 28-105 for less than a year, it is a comparison based upon sparse, asymmetric and subjective evidence. I feel I am still getting used to the difference in the two amigos I own on a 36mp FF sensor.

**hyyz** · 02-24-2017, 12:18 PM

It is indeed an excellent lens. This lens gives me the best overall experience among all lenses I won. It was a steal when it could be had for $246 in bundle with K-1.

02-23-2017, 03:03 PM - 2 Likes	#1
Sailor Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Coastal Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 26,203	In Praise of the DFA 28-105 Since I already owned a FA 31, FA 77 and DFA 100 macro, my initial intention was to buy a K-1 body and later add an FA 43. However, I ended up ordering a discounted package deal from B&H of a K-1 + DFA 28-105, along with some other inducements; the lens was - to my mind - almost an afterthought. As it turns out, other than a few test images with my FF primes, the DFA 28-105 has been on the camera all of the two months I've owned the pair. Not only does the 28-105 produce remarkably crisp and sharp photos, it's not a bad closeup tool, as well. Here are three un-cropped and (obviously ) haphazard closeups I took of my car with the lens at 88-105 mm. It's not a macro, but still mighty useful. Jer

02-23-2017, 04:13 PM	#3
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,621	Originally posted by Sailor In Praise of the DFA 28-105 +1. Sweeeeeet lens. I have had the three amigos for a few years now and they are spectacular on the K1 as they were on K3. However, there are times that i want to bring a one-lens package for the sake of portability and no lens change convenience. So, I ordered the 28-105 from B&H from a WPPI special they were offering. The lens came in and I tested it to make sure it was working fine. Yesterday, I got a chance to use it on an assignment. My expectations were not high at all. So I did bring the three amigos with me just in case. I ended up using the 28-105 for the entire shoot. I am more than pleased with the results and given the image quality and all the other goodies the lens offers. I love the quiet, fast and accurate focusing... even in low light. Wow. The lens is a bargain at full price and a steal at the discounted rate. Last edited by btnapa; 02-23-2017 at 04:17 PM. Reason: text

02-24-2017, 05:25 AM	#5
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by HarisF1 How does it compare to your primes in terms of 'character'? I would guess it most closely resembles the 100mm since I've seen people refer to it as clinical. "Clinical" is a word I might use for scary sharp lenses like the DFA macro 100/50 or the Zeiss Batis 85, where every facial hair or wrinkle can seem to call attention to itself. It is one reason I personally do not use the DFA for portraits and rented but did not buy the amazingly sharp Zeiss for the A7R. As a quick impression, I would say the 28-105 rendition is closer to the amigos than the macros. That being said, having used one of the amigos or another for about a decade and the 28-105 for less than a year, it is a comparison based upon sparse, asymmetric and subjective evidence. I feel I am still getting used to the difference in the two amigos I own on a 36mp FF sensor. Last edited by GeneV; 02-24-2017 at 05:31 AM.

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02-23-2017, 03:12 PM	#2
HarisF1 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 543	How does it compare to your primes in terms of 'character'? I would guess it most closely resembles the 100mm since I've seen people refer to it as clinical.

02-23-2017, 09:05 PM	#4
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	Got mine last week, loving it so far. Absolute bang for the buck, no complaints.

02-24-2017, 12:18 PM	#6
hyyz Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 478	It is indeed an excellent lens. This lens gives me the best overall experience among all lenses I won. It was a steal when it could be had for $246 in bundle with K-1.