DA*16-50mm F2.8ED Al SDM vs. SMC FA 100mm macro

john mood · 01-01-2010, 08:16 PM

I recently purchased the DA*16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is
a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA* produces a much higher contrast image? Why?

asdf · 01-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by john mood

I recently purchased the DA*16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is
a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA* produces a much higher contrast image? Why?

Without sample pics, we can't help.

creampuff · 01-02-2010, 01:37 AM

The DA/DFA lenses generally do have a snappier contrast compared to the earlier FA/F series lenses. This I guess most likely due to the lens coating. I've used both the DFA and FA 50mm and 100mm macro lenses on the same body and the difference in contrast is pretty clear. Conversely the FA lenses do show a punchier color rendition.

**Rondec** · 01-02-2010, 06:19 AM

The DA lenses seem to have amazing micro contrast -- not certain why. My FA 50mm is very sharp, but it doesn't seem to have the same snap to it.

**Ash** · 01-02-2010, 10:06 AM

The DA* 16-50 is well known for its excellent microcontrast and colour rendition - probably an unfair comparison with the FA 100/2.8. I have both but both give me excellent results when exposed correctly.

Pentaxor · 01-03-2010, 02:11 AM

Originally posted by john mood

I recently purchased the DA*16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is
a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA* produces a much higher contrast image? Why?

it's the coating.

Pentaxor · 01-03-2010, 02:14 AM

Originally posted by Rondec

The DA lenses seem to have amazing micro contrast -- not certain why. My FA 50mm is very sharp, but it doesn't seem to have the same snap to it.

not all DA's. although I'm wondering what you meant by snap?

01-01-2010, 08:16 PM	#1
john mood Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ninole, Hawaii Photos: Gallery Posts: 74	*DA16-50mm F2.8ED Al SDM vs. SMC FA 100mm macro** I recently purchased the DA16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA produces a much higher contrast image? Why?

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01-01-2010, 10:45 PM	#2
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by john mood I recently purchased the DA16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA produces a much higher contrast image? Why? Without sample pics, we can't help.

01-02-2010, 01:37 AM	#3
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	The DA/DFA lenses generally do have a snappier contrast compared to the earlier FA/F series lenses. This I guess most likely due to the lens coating. I've used both the DFA and FA 50mm and 100mm macro lenses on the same body and the difference in contrast is pretty clear. Conversely the FA lenses do show a punchier color rendition.

01-02-2010, 06:19 AM	#4
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	The DA lenses seem to have amazing micro contrast -- not certain why. My FA 50mm is very sharp, but it doesn't seem to have the same snap to it.

01-02-2010, 10:06 AM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The DA* 16-50 is well known for its excellent microcontrast and colour rendition - probably an unfair comparison with the FA 100/2.8. I have both but both give me excellent results when exposed correctly.

01-03-2010, 02:11 AM	#6
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by john mood I recently purchased the DA16-50. I'm very impressed. My primary lens is a well used FA 100 2.8 macro shooting with a K-10D. Is it my imagination that the DA produces a much higher contrast image? Why? it's the coating.

01-03-2010, 02:14 AM	#7
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by Rondec The DA lenses seem to have amazing micro contrast -- not certain why. My FA 50mm is very sharp, but it doesn't seem to have the same snap to it. not all DA's. although I'm wondering what you meant by snap?

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