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10-22-2022, 11:06 PM   #1
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SMC Pentax-M 1:2.8 100mm vs SMC Pentax-M Macro 1:4 100mm

How do these lenses compare optically? What are the idosynchracies inherent in each? All round which is best and why? Any other thoughts?

10-23-2022, 01:04 AM - 1 Like   #2
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I think they are quite close matched, but I prefer macro. Neither are the sharpest among my M primes, but both render nicely. I think macro handles harsh light better and does handle PF quite well. On certain backgrounds f2.8 bokeh is very bubbly and busy.

F2.8 vs F4 on FF
F2.8 vs F4 on APSC

Personally I prefer M85 or M120 over either one, so both of my 100's have been standing on the shelf for a few years now.
10-23-2022, 01:55 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by jmcsys Quote
How do these lenses compare optically? What are the idosynchracies inherent in each? All round which is best and why? Any other thoughts?
I own both but have not used either in anger for a long while. I tend to agree with the above that both will produce a similar image in the sharpness department.

The macro has a shorter close focussing difference, as one would expect.... 0.45m versus 1.0 m, and at that point is a 0.50 magnification. If that is important for your requirements that may sway you. Otherwise the 1 stop advantage of the f2.8 lens would be my choice.

Both the M 50mm and 100mm macro lenses can have issues of balsam separation, leading to a very cloudy appearance when a torch is shone through the lens, so check that out before any purchase. The lens will suffer in contrast if that is the case.
10-23-2022, 05:38 AM   #4
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Unless you are particularly interested in macrophotography I'd opt for the M100/2.8 lens.

The M100/2.8 is smaller and lighter than the M100/4 macro lens.
At maximum aperture 100/2.8 offers shallower DOF, preferable for portraiture.
It offers a brighter viewfinder image for ease of focusing and composition as well.

I have owned multiple copies of this lens. It is a fine performer, often available at a very attractive price.

Chris


Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 10-23-2022 at 08:42 AM.
10-25-2022, 12:34 PM   #5
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A few years ago I did a comparison of the M100, M100 macro and DFA 100 macro on the K1ii.

My 100mm lenses: Do my M lenses hold up to the modern DFA's ? - PentaxForums.com

Summarized:
All three primes are very good, and outperform the DFA 28-100 kit lens.
With both macro lenses you can shoot stellar macro shots. There is very little in between them.
I did not check things like curvature etc.. But I used both macro lenses for DSLR-scanning and the results were pristine on both.
The M-lenses are a little less contrasty, I can see this in the diagrams. Easy correctable in post btw.
The M100/2.8 always was a very nice companion of mine, also on film days I shoot wonderful pictures with it. Light, compact and decent sharp portrait lens.
The two M-lenses perform very well on digital full frame.
10-26-2022, 03:15 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by jmcsys Quote
How do these lenses compare optically?
QuoteOriginally posted by Henrico Quote
A few years ago I did a comparison of the M100, M100 macro and DFA 100 macro on the K1ii.
Thanks Henrico for adding to the thread
11-02-2022, 03:48 PM   #7
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Given some of the fascinating replies, I'd like to expand the scope of this thread to include any other lenses that folks would rather use in place of the two 100s I started this post with. And of course a discussion as to why.

11-02-2022, 07:28 PM   #8
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If you're interested in a really excellent lens in the 100mm range, check out the Lester Dine 105mm f2.8 macro. It's a very special lens. There's one currently available in the marketplace.
11-03-2022, 08:01 AM   #9
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Both are good, so if you are considering either go for the better condition or price.
Other to consider are the mentioned M85 or M120, which are rare and more expensive.

Or the K and A versions.

If we limit us to Pentax only then you can not go wrong (unless you get one with fungus) with anything in the range from 85 to 135.
They are all very good or better...


Seb
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