Pentax D FA 100mm F 2 8 Macro WR Review | 54 Data compared

The PentaxForums review highly praises the SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR lens for its incredible sharpness, superb value, and robust, weather-resistant aluminum construction. It delivers outstanding 1:1 macro magnification, smooth bokeh, and features a Quick-Shift focus system, making it an excellent, versatile choice for both close-up work and portraits. YouTube · Conversely, the review notes the omission of a focus limiter switch, which can lead to autofocus hunting, and points out that the older screw-drive system is noisy and slower than modern alternatives. Furthermore, the lens lacks internal focusing, causing the barrel to extend during close-up shooting. Despite these, the lens is highly recommended for its exceptional optical performance and budget-friendly price.

The ePHOTOzine review of the Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR lens highlights its outstanding optical performance, featuring exceptional sharpness and negligible distortion. Its robust, weather-sealed metal construction makes it a durable choice for outdoor photography, offering great value for money. However, the lens relies on older screw-drive autofocus mechanics that are loud, slow, and prone to hunting at close distances, and it lacks a dedicated focus limiter switch. Additionally, the barrel extends during focusing rather than utilizing an internal focusing design.

The PCMag review highlights the Pentax D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR as a durable, weather-sealed, and exceptionally sharp lens, capable of producing high-resolution images with 1:1 macro magnification. Its key pros include impressive edge-to-edge resolution at f/2.8 and a precise 270-degree manual focus ring. Conversely, the lens suffers from notable cons, including heavy purple/green chromatic aberration requiring post-processing, and a loud, slow screw-drive autofocus system. Furthermore, it lacks a focus limiter switch, which can lead to significant focus hunting.

The What Digital Camera review commends the Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR as an exceptional, budget-friendly choice for full-frame and APS-C close-up photography. Optically, the lens delivers impressive real-world MTF sharpness across most settings, though it drops slightly below the critical resolution threshold when shot completely wide-open at f/2.8. Interestingly, the reviewer notes this slight wide-open softness as an accidental advantage for portrait photography, as it helps create flattering, less harsh images of human skin. The lens earned remarkably high final scores, notably a 95 out of 100 for its image quality, technical performance, and specialized features. In terms of physical design, the lens introduces distinct pros and cons compared to its predecessor. Key advantages include a durable, weather-resistant build outfitted with an orange O-ring and five internal seals to block dust and moisture. It also features a massive 270° manual-focus throw for precise focus tuning and "Quick-Shift" autofocus override. However, a significant drawback is that the manual-focus ring still rotates automatically during autofocus mode, requiring users to keep their hands clear to prevent obstruction. Additionally, the barrel...

On the downside, the lens lacks several functional features that photographers often rely on, most notably an aperture ring, which makes it highly difficult to use with standard extension tubes. Furthermore, there is no focus range limiter or focus lock button to prevent the autofocus from hunting through its long macro stroke. Because it relies on the camera body's screwdrive mechanism rather than an internal motor, the autofocus is both slow and loud, posing a potential issue when photographing skittish wildlife or insects. It also misses out on modern HD or AeroBright lens coatings. Despite these mechanical and handling limitations, the reviewer awards the lens an overall rating of 95/100, concluding that its exceptional optical output is well worth the €599 price tag.

The HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 ED AW is a refreshed macro lens that excels in optical performance while retaining an antiquated exterior design. Built with a sturdy combination of aluminum and polycarbonate, this weather-sealed lens offers true 1:1 macro magnification and features a 49mm filter thread. Its standout strength is exceptional image quality, producing incredibly sharp, clear images from f/2.8 to f/11 with highly minimized chromatic aberration, ghosting, and flare. Additionally, it provides a unique Quick-Shift Focus System for seamless adjustments and yields creamy bokeh that makes it a versatile tool for portrait photography. However, the lens is heavily held back by its outdated mechanical design and frustrating performance bottlenecks. Its screw-driven autofocus system is slow, loud, and prone to hunting or failing completely in low light and low-contrast settings. It also features a telescoping inner barrel that extends significantly during close focus, which can complicate on-lens macro lighting setups. Finally, the physical lens lacks a dedicated focus limiter switch, relying instead on in-camera firmware functions to restrict focus ranges.