Poll; Which lens should Fishy buy: DFA 100 2.8 or FA 31 1.8 ltd?

NorthPentax · 02-06-2009, 07:02 AM

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Why buy Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro when you can buy Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro?
The Tamron 90mm macro is cheaper and better.

I would vote: Buy Tamron 90mm macro now and save money for FA31 or wait until news about the new DA* 30mm f/? SDM comes out.

felix68 · 02-06-2009, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by Eaglerapids

This happened to me (except I already had a macro).
The biggest problem I've found with this trio is they leave you no excuses. If you manage to take a crappy shot with any of them, it's YOUR fault:-).

This is so true, Eaglerapids. I already had my macro as well, Pentax-M 100mm f4 Macro, highly recommended and relatively cheap.

**Kerrowdown** · 02-06-2009, 01:33 PM

A clear winner on the poll

roentarre · 02-06-2009, 01:56 PM

This question is really testing finger reflex without going through cerebral cortex

messthetics · 02-06-2009, 03:29 PM

I think you guys aren't answering what would be the better lens for him, but rather which of these is a better lens. Don't buy the 31 just because it has a godlike reputation for IQ. Instead you need to think about what would get more usage and from as far as I can tell, a macro is far more needed by you. But, if you feel that the 31 will be a more useful lens for you, go with that first. I'm going on a limb and being a bit hypocritical here, but IQ is really irrelevant at a certain point anyways. Sure, the 31 will produce some pretty pictures but you already have some terrific lenses. Point is, go with your needs rather than test images.

racinsince55 · 02-06-2009, 03:43 PM

I think everyone should own the FA 31 Ltd, FA 43 Ltd, FA 77 ltd and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro.

Maybe, someday, I'll have all of them.

Ratmagiclady · 02-06-2009, 04:56 PM

Macro.... Can be improvised. With shocking ease.

roentarre · 02-07-2009, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by touchmyichi

I think you guys aren't answering what would be the better lens for him, but rather which of these is a better lens. Don't buy the 31 just because it has a godlike reputation for IQ. Instead you need to think about what would get more usage and from as far as I can tell, a macro is far more needed by you. But, if you feel that the 31 will be a more useful lens for you, go with that first. I'm going on a limb and being a bit hypocritical here, but IQ is really irrelevant at a certain point anyways. Sure, the 31 will produce some pretty pictures but you already have some terrific lenses. Point is, go with your needs rather than test images.

You are definitely right. I can be quite confident that the poster does not know what he wants to start with. So we suggest a lens like Fa 31mm ltd just in case (He could have silently sold the lens in the marketplace after 3 months of acquiring the lens because it is not the lens that renders good pictures).

Your logic will nullify the purpose of a "pentax" forum. After all, most of members are after the gear oriented discussion here. Most of good images can be taken by a point and shoot camera these days. So the answer would be more gear oriented

pdo · 02-07-2009, 12:08 AM

you can get the FA 35mm F/2 and +Tamron 90mm Macro for the price of 31mm Limited.

heatherslightbox · 02-07-2009, 11:40 AM

Between the 2 choices you listed, get the DFA100; you won't be sorry.

Overall, I love this lens, but what really blows me away is it's beautiful colors. BuyDig seems to have the best deal around, from what I've seen:
Pentax smc P-D FA 100mm 2.8 Macro Auto Focus Lens | BuyDig.com, The Internet's Digital Superstore

If you're still hankering for a wider angle prime, go for the DA35. You'll still get excellent IQ, plus macro, too.

ProDigital2000 seems to have the best deals on them right now:
NEW PENTAX smc DA 35mm F2.8 MACRO K20D K200D 8YR WTY - eBay (item 130283133390 end time Feb-21-09 11:05:53 PST)

For the price of 1 new FA31, you can pick up 2 great lenses.

HTH,
Heather

fishy · 02-08-2009, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by roentarre

.... I can be quite confident that the poster does not know what he wants to start with. [...]. So the answer would be more gear oriented

Hmm, ouch? Maybe I've been a bit vague, but I really thought I did; I want a long macro prime for the bugsies we have here in the tropics, and maybe a few candid portraits, and a wider prime 'cause the 50 is too long for many situations. I want primes, since when I started with the 50 I really start to see why people are bashing zooms.

Granted, like many here (probably) I don't just want good, I want legend, unsurpassed grandness. Even if I can't really afford it.. So maybe I should consider the DA 35 Macro / Tamron 90 suggested by pdo ... and grow out of this longing for mythical beasts..

Thanks all for your interesting points! (as you see I'm still undecided, will post when I ordered)

**Eaglerapids** · 02-08-2009, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by fishy

and grow out of this longing for mythical beasts..

Good luck on that one:-).

**Hannican** · 02-08-2009, 08:07 PM

Where the evidence that Pentax is increasing prices on the FA and DA limiteds at the end of the month?

**barondla** · 02-10-2009, 08:17 AM

I have both of the lenses you are considering. I shoot lots of macro (also have 3 macros for Olympus Om/ Evolt digital system: 20mm, 80mm, and 135mm, and the Pentax A*200 macro).
I used to shoot the DFA 100 macro more than the 31. The 31 is the better lens quality wise. Just didn't shoot its speciality as much as macro. Now with A*200 don't use 100 as much as 31. For bugs would buy the Pentax 200 (good luck) or the Sigma 180. Much easier to shoot bugs with them at the greater distance.
There is no repalcement for the 31. It is sharp & beautiful at any aperture. There are replacements for the DFA 100. The Tamron is close etc. Would rather have the DFA 100, but its close. If both lenses were discontinued today the 31 will increase dramatically in price - the 100 won't. They will build a new 100.
The 35 Limited is a nice lens but useless for bug photography unless they have a pin thru them! I would buy the 31 and ditch the 50mm. Use that money to put on the macro. Get the 90-100 macro and later buy the longer 180-200 one as suppliment. Isn't LBA grand?

thanks

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #15 WINNERS in P&S forum. Enter #16. Any brand camera. Enter now!

legacyb4 · 02-10-2009, 10:02 AM

Not sure about at the end of the month, but prices have started to jump on the 31mm (got as low as US$650ish in January) but are now hovering around the US$780 mark on eBay.

Originally posted by Hannican

Where the evidence that Pentax is increasing prices on the FA and DA limiteds at the end of the month?

View Poll Results: Which lens should Fishy buy?
D FA 100 Macro 2.8	25	28.41%
FA 31 Ltd f 1.8	63	71.59%
Voters: 88. You may not vote on this poll

02-06-2009, 01:27 PM	#17
felix68 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 281	Soooo True! Originally posted by Eaglerapids This happened to me (except I already had a macro). The biggest problem I've found with this trio is they leave you no excuses. If you manage to take a crappy shot with any of them, it's YOUR fault:-). This is so true, Eaglerapids. I already had my macro as well, Pentax-M 100mm f4 Macro, highly recommended and relatively cheap.

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02-06-2009, 07:02 AM	#16
NorthPentax Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: No(r)way Photos: Gallery Posts: 179	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Why buy Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro when you can buy Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro? The Tamron 90mm macro is cheaper and better. I would vote: Buy Tamron 90mm macro now and save money for FA31 or wait until news about the new DA* 30mm f/? SDM comes out.

02-06-2009, 01:33 PM	#18
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	A clear winner on the poll

02-06-2009, 01:56 PM	#19
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	This question is really testing finger reflex without going through cerebral cortex

02-06-2009, 03:29 PM	#20
messthetics Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 137	I think you guys aren't answering what would be the better lens for him, but rather which of these is a better lens. Don't buy the 31 just because it has a godlike reputation for IQ. Instead you need to think about what would get more usage and from as far as I can tell, a macro is far more needed by you. But, if you feel that the 31 will be a more useful lens for you, go with that first. I'm going on a limb and being a bit hypocritical here, but IQ is really irrelevant at a certain point anyways. Sure, the 31 will produce some pretty pictures but you already have some terrific lenses. Point is, go with your needs rather than test images.

02-06-2009, 03:43 PM	#21
racinsince55 Guest	I think everyone should own the FA 31 Ltd, FA 43 Ltd, FA 77 ltd and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro. Maybe, someday, I'll have all of them.

02-06-2009, 04:56 PM	#22
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Macro.... Can be improvised. With shocking ease.

02-07-2009, 12:03 AM	#23
roentarre Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11,783	Originally posted by touchmyichi I think you guys aren't answering what would be the better lens for him, but rather which of these is a better lens. Don't buy the 31 just because it has a godlike reputation for IQ. Instead you need to think about what would get more usage and from as far as I can tell, a macro is far more needed by you. But, if you feel that the 31 will be a more useful lens for you, go with that first. I'm going on a limb and being a bit hypocritical here, but IQ is really irrelevant at a certain point anyways. Sure, the 31 will produce some pretty pictures but you already have some terrific lenses. Point is, go with your needs rather than test images. You are definitely right. I can be quite confident that the poster does not know what he wants to start with. So we suggest a lens like Fa 31mm ltd just in case (He could have silently sold the lens in the marketplace after 3 months of acquiring the lens because it is not the lens that renders good pictures). Your logic will nullify the purpose of a "pentax" forum. After all, most of members are after the gear oriented discussion here. Most of good images can be taken by a point and shoot camera these days. So the answer would be more gear oriented

02-07-2009, 12:08 AM	#24
pdo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Westminster CA Posts: 264	you can get the FA 35mm F/2 and +Tamron 90mm Macro for the price of 31mm Limited.

02-07-2009, 11:40 AM	#25
heatherslightbox Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,599	Between the 2 choices you listed, get the DFA100; you won't be sorry. Overall, I love this lens, but what really blows me away is it's beautiful colors. BuyDig seems to have the best deal around, from what I've seen: Pentax smc P-D FA 100mm 2.8 Macro Auto Focus Lens \| BuyDig.com, The Internet's Digital Superstore If you're still hankering for a wider angle prime, go for the DA35. You'll still get excellent IQ, plus macro, too. ProDigital2000 seems to have the best deals on them right now: NEW PENTAX smc DA 35mm F2.8 MACRO K20D K200D 8YR WTY - eBay (item 130283133390 end time Feb-21-09 11:05:53 PST) For the price of 1 new FA31, you can pick up 2 great lenses. HTH, Heather

02-08-2009, 04:09 PM	#26
fishy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brussels Photos: Gallery Posts: 199 Original Poster	Originally posted by roentarre .... I can be quite confident that the poster does not know what he wants to start with. [...]. So the answer would be more gear oriented Hmm, ouch? Maybe I've been a bit vague, but I really thought I did; I want a long macro prime for the bugsies we have here in the tropics, and maybe a few candid portraits, and a wider prime 'cause the 50 is too long for many situations. I want primes, since when I started with the 50 I really start to see why people are bashing zooms. Granted, like many here (probably) I don't just want good, I want legend, unsurpassed grandness. Even if I can't really afford it.. So maybe I should consider the DA 35 Macro / Tamron 90 suggested by pdo ... and grow out of this longing for mythical beasts.. Thanks all for your interesting points! (as you see I'm still undecided, will post when I ordered)

02-08-2009, 06:42 PM	#27
Eaglerapids Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Idaho,USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,619	Originally posted by fishy and grow out of this longing for mythical beasts.. Good luck on that one:-).

02-08-2009, 08:07 PM	#28
Hannican Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 485	Where the evidence that Pentax is increasing prices on the FA and DA limiteds at the end of the month?

02-10-2009, 08:17 AM	#29
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,716	I have both of the lenses you are considering. I shoot lots of macro (also have 3 macros for Olympus Om/ Evolt digital system: 20mm, 80mm, and 135mm, and the Pentax A200 macro). I used to shoot the DFA 100 macro more than the 31. The 31 is the better lens quality wise. Just didn't shoot its speciality as much as macro. Now with A200 don't use 100 as much as 31. For bugs would buy the Pentax 200 (good luck) or the Sigma 180. Much easier to shoot bugs with them at the greater distance. There is no repalcement for the 31. It is sharp & beautiful at any aperture. There are replacements for the DFA 100. The Tamron is close etc. Would rather have the DFA 100, but its close. If both lenses were discontinued today the 31 will increase dramatically in price - the 100 won't. They will build a new 100. The 35 Limited is a nice lens but useless for bug photography unless they have a pin thru them! I would buy the 31 and ditch the 50mm. Use that money to put on the macro. Get the 90-100 macro and later buy the longer 180-200 one as suppliment. Isn't LBA grand? thanks Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #15 WINNERS in P&S forum. Enter #16. Any brand camera. Enter now!

02-10-2009, 10:02 AM	#30
legacyb4 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tri-Cities, British Columbia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,784	Not sure about at the end of the month, but prices have started to jump on the 31mm (got as low as US$650ish in January) but are now hovering around the US$780 mark on eBay. Originally posted by Hannican Where the evidence that Pentax is increasing prices on the FA and DA limiteds at the end of the month?