[ViS]

How does the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG compare to the Pentax D-FA 100mm 2.8 macro?

If you could buy both for the same price in the same condition, which one would you go for?

Thanks for any opinions

[roentarre]

I hate to say this. Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro is very good in deed. DFA 100 is probably more contrasty but the pricing difference between the two is rather big.

[ViS]

Thanks for the quick reply.

If you could get either in near new condition for around $375, would you still go for the sigma?

[axl]

I have Sigma.
It's a great lens, but tad on a bulky side. I went for it because of the price difference was over £110 at that time. Pentax is great performer and is quite a bit smaller then Sigma. If you can get eigher in equal condition for the same price, go for Pentax IMHO

BR
Peter

[ViS]

Thanks

Just to add to the decision, while I've been researching, a few people recommend the Tamron SP AF 90mm f2.8 Di Macro as an alternative. It seems you can ge this lens a little bit less second hand.

Decisions decisions

What to do?

[asdf]

Thanks

Just to add to the decision, while I've been researching, a few people recommend the Tamron SP AF 90mm f2.8 Di Macro as an alternative. It seems you can ge this lens a little bit less second hand.

Decisions decisions

What to do?

Consider also FA 100 f/2.8. It has a focus limiter and a metal outer shell.

[MikePerham]

I currently have the Sigma 105 and a Pentax 35mm macro limited. Seriously considering trading the Sigma 105 to a Sigma 70 macro as I really liked the 105 focal length with 35mm that I would replace with 70mm in todays world, and I hear the 70 is an extremely good lens. Perhaps the sharpest lens made by Sigma.

[pexi85]

Just go for Sigma 70mm/f2,8 Ex Dg, you wont be dissapointed! I ordered my own now, it will come in same shipping with my new K7! I just cant wait to get them

(i borrowed sigma 70mm from my friend for 2 weeks, it was truely awesome lens!)

[Blue]

I actually use my Sigma 105 manually on my SuperProgram body since I have a ttl capable ring light that works on the SuperProgram. The mf mode on the Sigma is easy to focus.

[zhewie]

My FA 100/2.8 macro is built like a tank-- literally.

Even though it was a big chunky piece of metal (and glass), it was my favourite lens and focal length when I was using film.

It's a tad too long with with my DSLR.

[Andi Lo]

My FA 100/2.8 macro is built like a tank-- literally.

Even though it was a big chunky piece of metal (and glass), it was my favourite lens and focal length when I was using film.

It's a tad too long with with my DSLR.

I believe we have the Sigma 70mm to cure than too long problem

[Pentaxor]

I don't mind the long FA 100.

[creampuff]

OP it is pointless to ask what focal length or model to buy when it isn't clear what kind of subjects you want to shoot. If you want to shoot still life and flowers, anything from the DA 35mm macro to the many macro lenses up to 100mm will do fine. However if you plan to shoot insects or shy creatures, a lens with a longer working distance would be recommended.
Between the Pentax DFA 100mm and the Sigma 105mm, the Sigma has the better build quality but some don't like the bokeh. Both are fine lenses but I'd go with whichever is the cheaper one.

A true macro enthusiast would have them all.
Plus other options.

[Ash]

The FA 100/2.8 macro is a rock-solid lens, but the working distance from the subject is not all that far with the lens... I get my best results from being 35-50cm from the subject, which is still quite close, particularly if you're capturing small things. Having to move back to capture a larger subject is the least of my worries. I often contemplate the advantage I would have shooting with a VL 125 or Sigma 180 macro...