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Review Summary
2012-01-15T19:00:00
I use all primes and get to know my lenses well. These include the best that Pentax and Zeiss make. Each lens has its exceptional strengths, and the D-FA 100mm has more than most. It does everything well, and most importantly, I love the way it renders image, so I find myself using it even when a different FL makes more sense. The biggest surprise was how good this lens is for portraits. This is not a Limited or * lens, as are all my others, but it is as good as any of these, except for build quality.
Ron K.
2009-11-07T19:00:00
This is a fantastic lens with no faults as I see it. But in the 90 to 100mm macro range, the competition is incredibly fierce and I have to admit that you almost can't go wrong here. But after numerous tests, I found that the Sigma 70mm macro was an infinitesimally small amount more accurate and sharper in focus than this lens – however, it is so close that it defies the unaided human eye to detect the difference without blowing up the shot to an almost 30 inch size enlargement. I have read some reviews that deride the lens because it is plastic, but if it were metal then it would cost more and be heavier and get a negative on those points. So I sometimes wonder if there is any way a lens can navigate the mine fields that constitute these lens review sites. The lens is very resistant to flare and also it has an easier than most capability to control depth of field, which is quite important when you are writing about electronics or hobby crafts and want the photo to look great in the article. Or better yet, for the photo to make the front cover. There is no tendency toward a blue of red warmer color degradation or shift; it is very neutral, so the white color balance is easily used on this lens. I also like its small size that matches the Pentax K7 very well. Granted, it does have a limit switch, but it does have a clamp feature that allows you to obtain a sharp constant focus.
Vaughn
2009-08-08T21:00:00
I love this macro lens, great sharpness for the money and Adorama had the best prices around. Much less expensive than the local Photography stores for the exact same product.
CM P.
2009-03-29T21:00:00
This is a great lens for the price. I use it on my Pentax K10D forMacro photography. Being a 100mm lens, it allows you to stayback from your subject so you don't spook them. In my case that would be insects, bees and butterflies.I've been extremely pleased with Adorama with this purchase andother items I've purchased from them. [...]
jim
2008-09-20T21:00:00
Excellent and consistent image quality paired with K10D, even wide open. Fast focus lock in low light, occasional hunting easily brought back in range with quick shift to manual focus. This lens doesn't really need a hood, the one provided seems to be rather intended to protect the protruded inner element when focusing close to 1:1. The only drawback is the very slight focus advance past infinity, enough to compromise the sharpest focus point when focusing manually. I'm not sure this was from the very beginning or it was a later development.
Alin F.
2008-06-20T21:00:00
it allows convenient distance around the macro subject
Florin
2008-04-24T21:00:00
Lighth weight and small lense.
wood
2008-02-04T19:00:00
I use this lens for close-up work and portraits. It has delivered some of the best images in my collection. Shots look sharp and color is stunning. I have yet found anything that makes me regret my investment.
Jeffrey S.
2008-02-04T19:00:00
I use this lens for close-up work, portraits, and general use. It has never disappointed me with poor results. I'm not a pro but I surprise myself with the images the lens captures. Sharp, detailed, and great color. I am very satisfied with my 100mm macro.
Jeffrey S.
2007-10-31T21:00:00
i've only had it for a couple weeks, and i really like it, pictures are really sharp, and the size is nice and small (for a macro this focal length). i'm still getting used to the tiny dof, but with shake reduction, and quick shift focus, this lens is a winner. i guess the only problem is the autofocus hunting, but it's probably better to manual focus for macro anyway.
dtra
2007-10-04T21:00:00
Some shots I'll say "Wow! Did I take that?!
ANNE H.
2007-07-09T21:00:00
iT'S A GREAT LENS FOR CLOSE UP WORK OR PORTRAITS.hIGHLY RECCOMEND TO SOME ONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A QUALITY MACRO LENS
Kent
2007-02-12T19:00:00
Very sharp lens; great for flowers and insects. Excellent bokeh. Best used on manual focus, as it is a long autofocus from far to near. A bit long, but a great mid distance portrait lens also.
C
PENTAX DFA 100MM MACRO
By Kent
iT'S A GREAT LENS FOR CLOSE UP WORK OR PORTRAITS.hIGHLY RECCOMEND TO SOME ONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR A QUALITY MACRO LENS
Better than rumored
By Alin F.
Excellent and consistent image quality paired with K10D, even wide open. Fast focus lock in low light, occasional hunting easily brought back in range with quick shift to manual focus. This lens doesn't really need a hood, the one provided seems to be rather intended to protect the protruded inner element when focusing close to 1:1. The only drawback is the very slight focus advance past infinity, enough to compromise the sharpest focus point when focusing manually. I'm not sure this was from...
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The PENTAX smc P-D FA 100mm F2.8 macro is designed specifically for digital cameras. It utilizes curvature and positioning of optical elements to virtually eliminate flare and ghosting for clear, high-quality images particularly important to digital photography. This versatile lens can also be used a telephoto lens and features our acclaimed multi-layer coating to lower surface reflection, reduce ultraviolet rays, and deliver clear, high-contrast images.
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