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UpNorth · 03-06-2009, 01:46 PM

I've got my eye on a used D FA 100/2.8 Macro that seems to be a good price. It seems the opinions in the Lens Review section are pretty much in favor of this lens - but I'm wondering if I could solicit a few more from those of you that have/had it.
I'd be using it on my K20D to finally give macro a try (after 20+ years of shooting), and it sounds like it might also be a good portrait/general use lens.

Just like to hear from a few others before I potentially pull the trigger on this.

Thanks,

Tim

BBear · 03-06-2009, 02:19 PM

I have it and i like it. Very small and compact... and it goes all the way down to 1:1.

I think all the pictures here were taken with it:

Suzuki TL1000S - a set on Flickr

Later

BB

**Sailor** · 03-06-2009, 04:30 PM

I've been pleased with mine. Normally, I use it as a dedicated macro, but here's an example of the lens employed as a tele.

Jer

snostorm · 03-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Hi UpNorth,

I chose the D FA 100 Macro with weight as one of the top priorities. I knew from previous macro experience that I would be using an external flash for much of my work with this lens, so once I determined that there were no serious IQ issues, the light weight tipped the scales in its favor (so to speak :O) ). For general use, I would have preferred a focus limiter like the FA 100 Macro had, but I can usually work around this by prefocusing a bit with the quick shift focusing. Of course, the $100 rebate also might have had a little to do with this choice for me at that time. . . :O)

Scott

**Mallee Boy** · 03-06-2009, 05:47 PM

There is a lot to like about the DFA 100mm. I have had mine for some 2 years now.
Image quality is very good.
Its light weight & compact enough for travel...something you will appreciate if you travel by air with weight restrictions becoming more & more restrictive.
F2.8 is very handy.

I use it more as a general purpose/walkaround lens. My 'light weight' kit has developed into DA 21: FA 43: DFA 100. am thinking of adding the DA 70, but that is more 'want' than need.

Ole · 03-06-2009, 06:26 PM

The lack of a focus limiter makes it less suited for general photography unless you use manual focus. In autofocus it will often go all the way to 1:1 and then back out before locking in on focus.

I primarily use mine for macro for that very reason.

Optically it is superb.

Alfisti · 03-06-2009, 09:05 PM

See sig for review.

03-06-2009, 01:46 PM	#1
UpNorth Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Minnesota, U.S.A. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 708	D FA 100/2.8 Macro - opinions?....... I've got my eye on a used D FA 100/2.8 Macro that seems to be a good price. It seems the opinions in the Lens Review section are pretty much in favor of this lens - but I'm wondering if I could solicit a few more from those of you that have/had it. I'd be using it on my K20D to finally give macro a try (after 20+ years of shooting), and it sounds like it might also be a good portrait/general use lens. Just like to hear from a few others before I potentially pull the trigger on this. Thanks, Tim

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03-06-2009, 02:19 PM	#2
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	I have it and i like it. Very small and compact... and it goes all the way down to 1:1. I think all the pictures here were taken with it: Suzuki TL1000S - a set on Flickr Later BB

03-06-2009, 04:30 PM	#3
Sailor Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Coastal Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 18,811	I've been pleased with mine. Normally, I use it as a dedicated macro, but here's an example of the lens employed as a tele. Jer

03-06-2009, 05:14 PM	#4
snostorm Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	Hi UpNorth, I chose the D FA 100 Macro with weight as one of the top priorities. I knew from previous macro experience that I would be using an external flash for much of my work with this lens, so once I determined that there were no serious IQ issues, the light weight tipped the scales in its favor (so to speak :O) ). For general use, I would have preferred a focus limiter like the FA 100 Macro had, but I can usually work around this by prefocusing a bit with the quick shift focusing. Of course, the $100 rebate also might have had a little to do with this choice for me at that time. . . :O) Scott

03-06-2009, 05:47 PM	#5
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hindmarsh Isl. Sth Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,490	There is a lot to like about the DFA 100mm. I have had mine for some 2 years now. Image quality is very good. Its light weight & compact enough for travel...something you will appreciate if you travel by air with weight restrictions becoming more & more restrictive. F2.8 is very handy. I use it more as a general purpose/walkaround lens. My 'light weight' kit has developed into DA 21: FA 43: DFA 100. am thinking of adding the DA 70, but that is more 'want' than need.

03-06-2009, 06:26 PM	#6
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,881	The lack of a focus limiter makes it less suited for general photography unless you use manual focus. In autofocus it will often go all the way to 1:1 and then back out before locking in on focus. I primarily use mine for macro for that very reason. Optically it is superb.

03-06-2009, 09:05 PM	#7
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,749	See sig for review.

D FA 100/2.8 Macro - opinions?.......

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