Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 3 x 2.7 inches ; 12.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002YE65Y
• Item model number: B0002YE65Y
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 25, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Need to get super close when photographing subjects? Turn to this Pentax P-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. Designed specifically for Pentax and Samsung digital SLR cameras, the lens positions its curved optical elements to virtually eliminate flare and ghosting to create clear, high-quality images. The versatile lens also offers Pentax's acclaimed multilayer coating to lower surface reflection and reduce ultraviolet rays. Also functional as a telephoto lens, the 100mm macro lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

• Focal length: 100mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups
• Angle of view: 24.5 degrees
• Diaphragm: Fully automatic
• Number of diaphragm blades: 8
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• Metering: TTL open-aperture metering
• Minimum focusing distance: 11.93 inches
• Maximum magnification: 1x
• Filter size: 49mm
• Corresponding AF mounts: Pentax and Samsung
• Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter
• Warranty: 1 year

Product Description

LENS PENTAX MACRO PDFA 100mm F2.8

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good fun lens, July 6, 2008

By 

H. Liao "Phresh Phish" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I have made close-up photos with Nikon 60mm f/2.8 and Pentax 100 f/2.8. In comparison, the Nikon 60mm has better resolution. However, I much prefer the 100mm in real life. The Pentax 100mm and other 90mm and 105mm macro lenses allow me to be much further away from the insect so that it doesn't get frightened and move away. The Pentax 100mm is small and light for a macro lens. Given the long working distance and the small lens diameter, I can actually use the built-in flash for a 1:1 macro photo, which is impossible with a 60mm or 50mm macro lens. The 100mm also makes a very decent portrait lens. However, this Pentax lens has two weaknesses. First it is not the sharpest lens I own; the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 is. Second, auto-focus is slow and unreliable, except near infinity. Manual focus is required for close-ups; but the focusing ring is slightly loose and could be more precise.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smaller than I expected. Fantastic results., August 22, 2009

By 

Michael A. Beacom "mbeacom" (Omaha, NE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

My first impression of this lens was that it was much smaller than the pictures make it out to be. Only about 3 inches long by 2 inches in diameter. But boy does it make your photos pop. I've been reading a lot of reviews about the new Pentax K7, considering upgrading from my K10D. But one review I read, criticized consumers for wasting time always upgrading their camera body, when what really matters is the glass. Well, I can say, that guy was right. I took the money I was going to use on a new body and spent it on 2 high quality lenses. One of them was this macro. I'm not disappointed. It's like my camera is brand new and my photographic abilities have been improved. I bought this lens for flowers and insects. It works amazingly. At times the focus does "hunt" a bit, but I think that's my camera more than the lens. I was expecting tight, crisp, high detail close ups and that's exactly what I've been getting. I've heard others say this makes a great portrait lens. Well, they're right. I didn't know why until I gave it a shot. Because this lens is macro and has such shallow focus capabilities, it tends to throw the background into a very soft buttery bokeh. This makes your subject really jump out of the photo. The effect is subtle but very pleasing and your portraits will be much improved I promise. So this is a double duty lens and it works great for both. Add to that, it's small and light and it's easy to toss in the camera bag for when you need it. Someone else mentioned the focus action is a bit "crunchy" but I think they may have the focus clamp on. If you accidentally bump that to "on" position, it tried to hold the focus. You can still turn the focus ring though but it requires more effort and makes a slight grinding noise. Don't do this and you'll be just fine.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A difficult lens to review, September 18, 2009

By 

ssgman "ssgman" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens is hard to review since it does have some significant weaknessnes so let me get those issues out of the way:

1) Not a good low light performer. Don't think you are going to set this up in a low lit room and a tripod and get the AF to cooperate unless you provide additional light. You will have to manual focus.

2) No AF limiter, which wouldn't be a problem if 1) wasn't a problem.

Ok, bad news out of the way, lets go over the good news:

1) This lens is TACK SHARP. You won't find a sharper lens. This thing could resolve out to 200mp is my guess, but we won't know about that given the current state of sensors.

2) With well lit situations this lens is an AWESOME macro AND portrait lens.

So the dilemna is how much to punish it for the low light performance. In my view, not much and here's why: For what this lens does well you are not going to find a lens that does better. This lens max's out the categories it does well in (sharpness, color, contrast) when properly lit so I'm going to give it 5 stars. To do otherwise would be like taking points off the Canon 300mm 2.8 because it didn't take decent picures in the house at the last birthday party. One lens cannot be all things to all people.