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03-02-2018, 12:21 PM   #1
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Help me choose - Pentax FA 100m f2.8 vs.Tamron 90mm f2.8 272Ep vs. Sigma EX 105 f2.8

Help me choose! I'm trying to decide between these 3 lenses -Pentax FA 100m f2.8 vs.Tamron 90mm f2.8 272Ep vs. Sigma EX 105 f2.8
They all seem to be about the same price ~$200 to $250 ish range. Which fits my budget. The vast majority of the Pentax ones on Ebay seem to be coming from Japan. I'm not sure if that matter or not. They all seem to have good reviews. I just don't know.
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Donovan

03-02-2018, 12:48 PM   #2
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can't help with actual experience on any of them but you might want to note that

" The SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro is a high-quality macro lens designed to be well above the SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F3.5 macro in image quality. It features a clamp and a focus limiter. The optics are seated that far from the front that no separate lens hood is required.

Optically this lens is identical to its F-series predecessor and the D FA-series successors.


Read more at: SMC Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Reviews - FA Prime Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

" The optical design is the tried-and-proven formula of the previous generation D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro lens, which in turn had inherited the optical design from the well-respected FA 100mm F2.8 and F 100mm F2.8 macro lenses introduced in 1991 and 1987, respectively. None of these earlier lenses had rounded aperture blades. "

Read more at: Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro Review - Specifications | PentaxForums.com Reviews

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I bought a nice " experienced " D FA 100mm F2.8 macro from a member via the market place here at the forum

I like it alot
03-02-2018, 12:55 PM   #3
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I appreciate the advice. I have read those along with the reviews for the Tamron and the Sigma and they all say good things! Which I guess is why I'm having such a difficult time.
03-02-2018, 12:57 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by DonovanJM Quote
I appreciate the advice. I have read those along with the reviews for the Tamron and the Sigma and they all say good things! Which I guess is why I'm having such a difficult time.
are you interested in " experienced " lenses

if so, have you checked the listings in the forum's market place

03-02-2018, 12:59 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Aslyfox Quote
are you interested in " experienced " lenses

if so, have you checked the listings in the forum's market place

Yes, experienced is what I'm looking for. I have my eye on a couple in the market place.
03-02-2018, 01:06 PM - 1 Like   #6
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Of these, I've only used the Tamron, but by all acounts, they're all very good macro lenses. Buying used, unless weight is a big priority (Tamron is lightest), I'd just pick the best deal for a lens in great shape from a reputable seller - ie pick a deal rather than a lens...

Last edited by Doundounba; 03-02-2018 at 01:16 PM. Reason: typo
03-02-2018, 01:12 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Doundounba Quote
Of these, I've only used the Tamron, but by all acounts, they're all very good macros lenses. Buying used, unless weight is a big priority (Tamron is lightest), I'd just pick the best deal for a lens in great shape from a reputable seller - ie pick a deal rather than a lens...
Thank you. That's kind of what I was thinking myself.

03-02-2018, 01:12 PM   #8
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I own the Sigma and the Pentax D-FA 100 2.8 WR. They are both very good sharp lenses. The Pentax D-FA also provides weather resistance. I also bought the Pentax D-FA 100 from a forum member for $250.
03-02-2018, 01:16 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by steve_k Quote
I own the Sigma and the Pentax D-FA 100 2.8 WR. They are both very good sharp lenses. The Pentax D-FA also provides weather resistance. I also bought the Pentax D-FA 100 from a forum member for $250.
That's a pretty good price for the D-FA from what I have seen so far.
03-02-2018, 01:18 PM - 1 Like   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by DonovanJM Quote
I appreciate the advice. I have read those along with the reviews for the Tamron and the Sigma and they all say good things! Which I guess is why I'm having such a difficult time.
I don't think I've ever had a bad macro. They're all sharp.

The Tamron has a plasticky feel(but not cheap) which I didn't mind as it felt a little lighter than the Sigma if I remember correctly.
The Sigma depending on which version can have the finish peel and flake. Build feels solid.

I currently have the 100WR that I picked up in the used board for a little over $300 and imo it outclasses the other two with it's feel and finish.
I personally like shiny well made things so the premium is worth it.

A focus limiter could be useful for non macro situations.
03-02-2018, 01:29 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by mnhoj Quote
I don't think I've ever had a bad macro. They're all sharp.
I was going to make that point, too. It's hard to go wrong with a macro lens. They're all pretty good. That said, I have the Pentax FA 100mm f2.8 and it's pretty heavy. That may or may not be a consideration for you. Performance-wise, though, I think you'd be pleased with it.
03-02-2018, 01:30 PM   #12
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If you follow the link in my signature you'll see plenty of photos using the FA100. It's the best-built of your choices, and I hang a ring flash off the lens full time now.
03-02-2018, 02:25 PM   #13
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I was totally ready to get an FA100 then talked myself into looking around a bit.
03-02-2018, 02:41 PM   #14
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I had FA 100mm Macro and it is very good lens. Well built but heavy compared to DFA 100mm macro. I suggest go for pre-owned DFA 100mm. People say there are no bad macro lenses. So I believe even Sigma and Tamron must be good.

.
03-02-2018, 02:47 PM   #15
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I've actually ended up with all three, Donovan.

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

You can't go wrong with IQ from any of them. This is the beauty of macro lenses.
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