Help me choose - Pentax FA 100m f2.8 vs.Tamron 90mm f2.8 272Ep vs. Sigma EX 105 f2.8

**jatrax** · 03-02-2018, 02:52 PM

I do not think there is enough difference in the image quality from any of these to make any difference. They are all very good. Choose instead by lens features that might be of interest to you. For example the Sigma will have a focus ring direction the reverse of Pentax lenses. That might or might not be an issue. The Pentax FA will have a focus limiter if that is of interest.

Another one to consider is the Pentax F 100mm f/2.8 macro. And if you look carefully you might find a newer DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR in your price range.

Doundounba · 03-02-2018, 02:54 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

For me, the DFA is the smallest and WR - just a 49mm filter - with the best build.

I believe the OP is talking about FA, not D-FA. But I do agree that the D-FA WR is a thing of beauty...

**paulpines** · 03-02-2018, 03:03 PM

I've owned the Tamron 90mm, 072 model. It was a nice, sharp lens. I sometimes regret selling it. I imagine the 272 model is just as good, if not better. I picked up the DFA 100mm WR afterwards. It's an awesome lens. If the FA is similar optically you'll love it too. Someone mentioned the focus limiter. I miss that feature from the Tamron. The DFA doesn't have one. It's handy to have.

I haven't used the siggy but heard good things about it. I don't think you would go wrong with any of the lenses.

**clackers** · 03-02-2018, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by Doundounba

I believe the OP is talking about FA, not D-FA. But I do agree that the D-FA WR is a thing of beauty...

Ah, my bad - couldn't see how he was able to do the pricing. I get it now!

DonovanJM · 03-02-2018, 03:21 PM

I appreciate all the help. I think I'm going to try and find the best deal with a little lean towards the Pentax. Everything else in my bad is Pentax so far might as well try and keep it that way.

Though I won't limit myself to that.

**aslyfox** · 03-02-2018, 03:24 PM

Originally posted by DonovanJM

I appreciate all the help. I think I'm going to try and find the best deal with a little lean towards the Pentax. Everything else in my bad is Pentax so far might as well try and keep it that way.

Though I won't limit myself to that.

unless there is a great need, patience might pay off

by the way, since you live in the US, you could spend a little $ and rent equipment to see how you like it

I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee before and I believe there is a company called Borrowlenses as well

DonovanJM · 03-02-2018, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

unless there is a great need, patience might pay off

by the way, since you live in the US, you could spend a little $ and rent equipment to see how you like it

I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee before and I believe there is a company called Borrowlenses as well

Rental is a good idea! I forgot about that.

dcpropilot · 03-02-2018, 03:52 PM

Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR!

**jatrax** · 03-02-2018, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR!

Because it should have 'Limited' tacked on the end of it's name.

dcpropilot · 03-02-2018, 04:03 PM

that too!

**aslyfox** · 03-02-2018, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by dcpropilot

Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR!

or stay out of the rain and save money

I like my D FA 100mm F2.8 ( not WR )

ajs6000 · 03-02-2018, 04:15 PM

I also have all 3, but mostly use the DFA 100 WR. I prefer it due to the other accessories I use with it; the AF160FC flash and the DA AF Rear Converter 1.4x AW. I find this combination excellent.

aoeu · 03-02-2018, 04:35 PM

My FA 100mm f/2.8 lives on my K-5. If I shot in the rain I might upgrade. My two cents.

**catfishjohn** · 03-02-2018, 05:47 PM - **1 Like**

I have purchased several lenses from Japan on ebay and have gotten really nice lenses every time. Just be sure to check the photos and be sure everything is there you expect. A DA* 60-250 I got at a great price turned out missing the hood and foot. After buying those the price was good not great, at least the lens was "near mint in box" as listed. I just assumed near mint included everythihg. The hood and foot were not in the picture.

Tbone51 · 03-02-2018, 07:45 PM - **1 Like**

I've enjoyed the Pentax DFA 100 WR macro

03-02-2018, 07:45 PM - 1 Like	#30
Tbone51 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 120	I've enjoyed the Pentax DFA 100 WR macro Last edited by Tbone51; 07-07-2018 at 08:13 PM.

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03-02-2018, 02:52 PM	#16
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I do not think there is enough difference in the image quality from any of these to make any difference. They are all very good. Choose instead by lens features that might be of interest to you. For example the Sigma will have a focus ring direction the reverse of Pentax lenses. That might or might not be an issue. The Pentax FA will have a focus limiter if that is of interest. Another one to consider is the Pentax F 100mm f/2.8 macro. And if you look carefully you might find a newer DFA 100mm f/2.8 WR in your price range.

03-02-2018, 02:54 PM - 1 Like	#17
Doundounba Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Montréal QC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,351	Originally posted by clackers For me, the DFA is the smallest and WR - just a 49mm filter - with the best build. I believe the OP is talking about FA, not D-FA. But I do agree that the D-FA WR is a thing of beauty...

03-02-2018, 03:03 PM	#18
paulpines Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Toronto Posts: 64	I've owned the Tamron 90mm, 072 model. It was a nice, sharp lens. I sometimes regret selling it. I imagine the 272 model is just as good, if not better. I picked up the DFA 100mm WR afterwards. It's an awesome lens. If the FA is similar optically you'll love it too. Someone mentioned the focus limiter. I miss that feature from the Tamron. The DFA doesn't have one. It's handy to have. I haven't used the siggy but heard good things about it. I don't think you would go wrong with any of the lenses.

03-02-2018, 03:03 PM	#19
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Doundounba I believe the OP is talking about FA, not D-FA. But I do agree that the D-FA WR is a thing of beauty... Ah, my bad - couldn't see how he was able to do the pricing. I get it now!

03-02-2018, 03:21 PM	#20
DonovanJM Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Washougal, WA Photos: Albums Posts: 54 Original Poster	I appreciate all the help. I think I'm going to try and find the best deal with a little lean towards the Pentax. Everything else in my bad is Pentax so far might as well try and keep it that way. Though I won't limit myself to that.

03-02-2018, 03:24 PM	#21
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by DonovanJM I appreciate all the help. I think I'm going to try and find the best deal with a little lean towards the Pentax. Everything else in my bad is Pentax so far might as well try and keep it that way. Though I won't limit myself to that. unless there is a great need, patience might pay off by the way, since you live in the US, you could spend a little $ and rent equipment to see how you like it I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee before and I believe there is a company called Borrowlenses as well

03-02-2018, 03:51 PM	#22
DonovanJM Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Washougal, WA Photos: Albums Posts: 54 Original Poster	Originally posted by Aslyfox unless there is a great need, patience might pay off by the way, since you live in the US, you could spend a little $ and rent equipment to see how you like it I have used LensRental.com from Tennessee before and I believe there is a company called Borrowlenses as well Rental is a good idea! I forgot about that.

03-02-2018, 03:52 PM	#23
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR!

03-02-2018, 03:58 PM	#24
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by dcpropilot Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR! Because it should have 'Limited' tacked on the end of it's name.

03-02-2018, 04:03 PM	#25
dcpropilot Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vermont Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 941	that too!

03-02-2018, 04:07 PM	#26
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583	Originally posted by dcpropilot Get the DFA 100 WR. Because it's WR! or stay out of the rain and save money I like my D FA 100mm F2.8 ( not WR )

03-02-2018, 04:15 PM	#27
ajs6000 New Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 1	I also have all 3, but mostly use the DFA 100 WR. I prefer it due to the other accessories I use with it; the AF160FC flash and the DA AF Rear Converter 1.4x AW. I find this combination excellent.

03-02-2018, 04:35 PM	#28
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	My FA 100mm f/2.8 lives on my K-5. If I shot in the rain I might upgrade. My two cents.

03-02-2018, 05:47 PM - 1 Like	#29
catfishjohn Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Arkansas Posts: 137	I have purchased several lenses from Japan on ebay and have gotten really nice lenses every time. Just be sure to check the photos and be sure everything is there you expect. A DA* 60-250 I got at a great price turned out missing the hood and foot. After buying those the price was good not great, at least the lens was "near mint in box" as listed. I just assumed near mint included everythihg. The hood and foot were not in the picture.