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

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.

it takes some time to get used to shallow DOF when taking photos on high magnification with wide aperture. auto focus speed is acceptable.

you can use it for portraits and other photos, not only for macro.

check some photos taken with this one at: www.pentaxphotogallery.com (filter by Image Data > Lens...)

This is an excellent lens addition to my Pentax D camera.
The MACRO is sharp and easy to use. I highly recommend this lens

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.

I really love this lens, The closeups are great. Iv been into photography for years and always wanted a macro lens, and I don't regret getting this one. The sharpness blows me away. I do recommend this lens.