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SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Review RSS Feed

SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

Sharpness 
 9.6
Aberrations 
 8.5
Bokeh 
 9.4
Autofocus 
 7.1
Handling 
 8.2
Value 
 9.2
Reviews Views Date of last review
40 171,168 Fri March 13, 2020
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $416.14 9.00
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
supersize
SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
supersize

Description:
This lens features a clamp and 1:1 macro magnification. Optically it is the same as the predecessor, the smc Pentax-FA 100mm F2.8 Macro, and optically also the same as the Weather Resistant successor.

SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Image Format
Full-frame / 35mm film
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Aperture Ring
Yes (A setting)
Diaphragm
Automatic, 8 blades
Optics
9 elements, 8 groups
Mount Variant
KAF
Check camera compatibility
Max. Aperture
F2.8
Min. Aperture
F32
Focusing
AF (screwdrive)
Quick-shift
Yes
Min. Focus
30 cm
Max. Magnification
1x
Filter Size
49 mm
Internal Focus
No
Field of View (Diag. / Horiz.)

APS-C: 16 ° / 14 °
Full frame: 24 ° / 20 °
Hood
PH-RBB 49mm
Case
S80-120
Lens Cap
Lens Cap F 49mm
Coating
SMC
Weather Sealing
No
Other Features
Focus Clamp
Diam x Length
67.5 x 80.5 mm (2.7 x 3.2 in.)
Weight
345 g (12.2 oz.)
w/ Hood: +38g
Production Years
2004 to 2009
Launch Price
$565 USD
Engraved Name
smc PENTAX-D FA 1:2.8 100mm -MACRO-
Reviews
User reviews
Features:
Screwdrive AutofocusQuick ShiftAperture RingAutomatic ApertureFull-Frame SupportDiscontinued
Purchase: Buy the SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
Sample Photos: View Sample Photos
Price History:



Add Review of SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro Buy the SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 40
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,494

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: March 4, 2019 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Extreme sharpness all across the frame. Makes high-resolution sensors shine.
Cons: None.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 10    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K20, K3   






   
Veteran Member

Registered: October, 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,437

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 29, 2018 Recommended | Price: $217.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Exceedingly sharp, aperture ring, quick AF, lights, compact, great focus-to-out-of-focus transition, gorgeously soft blurry areas
Cons: Bizarre lens hood
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: K-1, K-3, MZ-S, K2DMD   

This has quickly become one of my three go-to lenses for my K-1. Paired with the 31mm FA Limited and 77mm FA Limited, this is part of a trio that can accomplish basically any need.















The photos should speak volumes about the lens' sharpness, color transmission, clarity, and image quality. This is a fantastic lens that's light, compact, and a great performer. It has one really weird aspect which is the lens hood. It mounts onto the lens body but the focusing element protrudes. So the closer your focus, the less effect that the lens hood has. But the advantage of that is the the hood always protects the front element and it won't bump into whatever you're photographing because this lens has a LOT of movement.

Overall, one of my top three lenses for Pentax, probably one of the five best that I've ever used ever.
   
New Member

Registered: December, 2007
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 22
Review Date: February 21, 2015 Recommended | Price: $220.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Light, good IQ.
Cons: Closeup range focus hunting, slow focus.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 5    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: Pentax K-3   

I find it very good lens for the first 1:1 macro lens. Closeup AF is ridiculously hunting, but I use manual focus or set clamp on. 1:1 focus is best to be used on a macro rail to help focusing anyway, because even 1mm is notable distance.

Lens barrell extends beyond own lens hood in the 1:1 macro mode, so it is useless for a macro closeups.

With clamp on lens switches to MF with focus locked signal sent to the camera body (at least on my K-3), so that you decide whether you ready or not.

CA is obvious full open at F/2.8 but reduces as you stop down the lens even down from F/3.2. It is light and beautiful lens to use. Lack of the focus limiter is a shame but successor of this lens doesn't have clamp switch neither.
   
Forum Member

Registered: November, 2009
Location: Israel
Posts: 55
Review Date: February 16, 2012 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Very sharp. Can be used for portrets too.
Cons: Purple fringing is a problem.
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 7    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 8    Handling: 7    Value: 9    New or Used: New    Camera Used: K-X,K-5   

Positive:
Very, very very sharp. Very good bokeh. Not heavy. Apperture can be set on body of the lens.
Can be used for portraits too.
Negative:
Build quality is so-so. On my lens i can turn focus ring even after it reached the real limit and when the lens is at minimum focus distance the lens wobbles - not a real problem but does not feel right. Focus is pretty slow.
Conclusion:
Excellent sharpness + 1:1 magnification + 100mm focal length = excellent macro lens. If it was built like new WR 100mm but still had the aperture controls this could be perfect macro lens.
   
Banned

Registered: May, 2011
Location: Earth
Posts: 10

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 8, 2011 Recommended | Price: $325.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: aperture ring, big rubber focusing ring, IQ no less than DFA WR, ready for FF
Cons: plastic, don't buy for the AF capability...
New or Used: Used   

I currently have three macro lens setups. The DFA 100mm, DFA 100mm WR, & a vivi 2x macro focusing ring with a 50 1.4 mounted to compare it to the DFA.

DFA and DFA WR. IQ is eqaul to my eye. Focusing is easier with the ring on the DFA.
The real big advantage of the DFA to some may be it has a aperture ring and the WR does not. For the used price I paid the DFA is way more bang for the buck. Since the only advantage of the WR is WR. Plastics on DFA could be a negative for some. Typical Macro AF could use a limiter. Only comment when comparing this lens to my vivi setup, save for a mid to high end macro prime if you want execlent results.
   
Senior Member

Registered: August, 2007
Location: new jersey
Posts: 112
Review Date: July 30, 2011 Recommended | Price: $400.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Fast to focus very sharp
Cons: none
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 6    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 5    Handling: 6    Value: 10    New or Used: New   

I keep this on my 20d all the time with a PENTAX AF 160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash on it.

   
Site Supporter

Registered: July, 2008
Location: Detroit
Posts: 3,491
Review Date: April 14, 2011 Recommended | Price: $370.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: sharp, sturdy, light weight
Cons: none

I bought this lens used just before the price increase.
I've never been sorry.
This has to be one of the most versatile lenses ever made in this length.
Always sharp, great contrast and color.
Perfect for macro and anything else you would use this FL for.
The only thing that annoys me from time to time is the focus lock, which I sometimes engage by accident, and then wonder why it won't focus.
My silliness, not the lenses.
It would work fine on a focus rail. I just have to get one of those to get full use of this gem.
If you can find one for a reasonable price......buy it!
   
New Member

Registered: August, 2010
Posts: 20

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: August 19, 2010 Recommended | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: sharp, bright colours and simple.
Cons: none

An excellent score all round. Sharp, detailed results. Most complained about the absence of a focus limiter but it has a manual focus ring which helps considerably so I don't really consider that not having a focus limiter is a drawback.

It is lightweight an very practical. Great for macros and portraits and architectural details

Go ahead and buy it!
   
Review Date: February 26, 2009 Recommended | Price: $450.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: sharp, contrast, handling
Cons: none

I bought this lens as a Schneider-Kreuznach, but its exactly the same as the Pentax DFA. I think the lens isn't nearly perfect, it is perfect. Look at this picture, this was my first one with this nice glass.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: February, 2009
Location: egypt
Posts: 435
Review Date: February 7, 2009 Recommended | Price: $520.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: great in macro,portrait
Cons: na

it is the best in the macro range.
ibought it for macro issues but i find it is very sharp in portrait.
light,sharp results,excellent colors.
   
Senior Member

Registered: February, 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 173

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: June 19, 2007 Recommended | Price: $480.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: bokeh, speed, size, sharpness, contrast and overall IQ
Cons: lack of focus limiter maybe

IMO this is the best 100mm Macro lens to get for Pentax dSLR's. It is very compact and lighweight for a 100mm f/2.8 lens. It is perfectly fine wide-open and extremely sharp in the usual macro range of f/4-f/13 - its overall a very very good lens with superb IQ - great contrast, awesome (smooth and buttery) bokeh and lovely color rendition. The focus clamp is a very good idea and quick shift focusing is great and due to the large focusing reach manual focusing is very easy and precise. A focus limiter is lacking but even without it this lens deserves a 10 for its IQ and compact size/weight.
   
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2020
Location: Wrocław
Posts: 33

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: March 13, 2020 Recommended | Price: $290.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: size, image quality, sharpness, bokeh, weight
Cons: AF speed
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 6    Handling: 10    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K20d   

I love this lens. This lens is one of those Pentax glasses, that you know third-party manufacturers may do better, but in almost every single considerable way it is well-thought product, in better image quality and lot of advantages.
I have sold that lens, but 8-10 years ago I used to use it for portraits and macro.
In portrais it doesn't require stopped down. It makes nice, creamy bokeh. Sometimes it is to sharp, but I wouldn't consider that as a negative aspect.
In macro it depends how you do it, but I used to use it without AF and withone home-made lamp diffusor.
To be honest, I prefer this insted of FA/DFA 50 macro. Because of its weight and size and portrait capabilities. The only thing that spoils the overall score is slow AF, but I undertand that this product is not design for fast AF-actions.
Agata at f/3.5 by Campanelli, on Flickr

Aeshna cyanea female at f/9.0 by Campanelli, on Flickr
   
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 32

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 28, 2017 Recommended | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharpness!!! ; Light weight
Cons: Built quality
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 9    Handling: 9    Value: 10    New or Used: New    Camera Used: Pentax K30   

Ultra-sharp lens, Very Good from center to corners at full aperture, Excellent above!
Low distortion, low vignetting, low flare, very good colors.
It is also very light, good for my shoulders!
What I don't like is the built quality, especially the focusing: it is 'lose'.
   
New Member

Registered: October, 2015
Posts: 1

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 21, 2015 Recommended | Price: $460.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: sharp, bokeh
Cons: autofocus
Sharpness: 10    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 10    Autofocus: 7    Handling: 8    Value: 9    New or Used: Used    Camera Used: k5   

great lens, love the minimum focusing distance (12") . solid, but light lens only real complaint is the auto focus. It is loud and can hunt when focusing in close, bu a great lens over all, absolutely recommend this for anyone who does macro.
   
New Member

Registered: October, 2008
Posts: 1
Review Date: February 8, 2013 Recommended | Price: $360.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Sharp, good contrast
Cons: Build quality not as good as my other Pentax lenses
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 9    Bokeh: 9    Autofocus: 6    Handling: 7    Value: 8    New or Used: New    Camera Used: GX-20, K-30   

A very sharp lens (from f4 up, 2.8 is certainnly softer on mine).
The focal length isn't one I turn to often but it can serve well in non-macro situations, particularly if you want to stand back from the family and observe more.
Contrast is good and very rarely needs increasing in post.

The clamp function is wasted on me, a focus range limiter would have been better (particularly when it decides to go the wrong way through the range, I should probably use MF more).
Also the focus ring will turn past the end 'stops', whether this is damaging I don't know but certainly is strange.

At the price I bought this it is a must have.
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