[Rondec]

What? I cannot believe the posts in this thread lol
I have the DFA 100mm WR. Yes, it has faults, like lack of focus limiter, aperture ring, things like that. But optically, it is a great lens, with true macro capabilities! It is so contrasty and sharp, I cannot imagine a lens of similar focal length being noticeably better. I guess I really will have to get the FA limiteds some day.. my poor wallet

It isn't that the DFA 100 macro is bad. It is a really sharp lens, with quite nice rendering. It is just that in most situations, the 77 produces rendering that is a step above most lenses out there.

A couple of 100 macro shots...





FA 77.

[DonThomaso]

The FA77 is my favorite lens and my most used one. I shoot mostly portraits with it.

[KDAFA]

... after using this lens the saying "It's not the gear...) faded away for me.

It is indeed true that photographic skill is extremely important - no question about that. Sometimes however, we forget that gear is important as well.

Often it boils down to a case of WHICH (skill/gear) is the limiting factor in a particular situation, and it varies from individual to individual, and from context to context.

This is not intended to put anyone down, neither is it meant to in any way discredit "non-top-of-the-line" gear. Indeed, most of us would like to have access to top-notch gear, but again, most of us have real-world financial constraints.

But the point is that sometimes, certain equipment IS necessary to obtain a certain result.

---------- Post added 10-27-14 at 11:35 PM ----------

It is indeed true that photographic skill is extremely important - no question about that. Sometimes however, we forget that gear is important as well.

Often it boils down to a case of WHICH (skill/gear) is the limiting factor in a particular situation, and it varies from individual to individual, and from context to context.

This is not intended to put anyone down, neither is it meant to in any way discredit "non-top-of-the-line" gear. Indeed, most of us would like to have access to top-notch gear, but again, most of us have real-world financial constraints.

But the point is that sometimes, certain equipment IS necessary to obtain a certain result.

The above is intended in a general sense. Wasn't putting down the DFA 100, which I personally think is an outstanding lens in its rendering.

Indeed I would go so far as to say that if you want that DFA 100 "look", you're going to need a DFA 100. And ditto for the FA77.

Sometimes, certain equipment IS necessary to obtain a certain result.