The Pentax 100mm Macro looks like an old-school lens, with its lockable aperture ring at the back and a huge 'clamp' switch on the side, for locking focus.

This is Pentax's longest digital macro lens offering 1:1 magnification from a minimum distance of 30.3cm. It features much the same specification as the shorter 50mm, and it's compatible with both digital and film SLRs using the Pentax KAF lens mount.

Great sharpness at this focal length; focus clamp; AF/MF

Higher corner fringing than is ideal

This lens is Pentax's offering in the popular group of circa 100mm Macro Lenses. For those interested in close up work all the SLR camera manufacturers as well as the independent lens manufacturers offer a lens in this area due to the handy working distance from the subject.

Good build and finish; Performance peaks in the right place; Lightweight in keeping with system

Disappointing performance wide open; Lack of focus limiter; which is needed; Extending front element negates effectiveness of the hood

Opposite the long-range lenses, there is the SMC PENTAX D FA 100MM F2.8

The Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 macro is a very good lens which is capable to provide very high sharpness till f/16. However, the resolution could be a little better at f/2.8 whereas the contrast level is already excellent here.

This lens is Pentax's offering in the popular group of circa 100mm Macro Lenses. For those interested in close up work all the SLR camera manufacturers as well as the independent lens manufacturers offer a lens in this area due to the handy working distance from the subject.

Good build and finish; Performance peaks in the right place; Lightweight in keeping with system

Disappointing performance wide open; Lack of focus limiter; which is needed; Extending front element negates effectiveness of the hood

I've had the F, FA, and DFA versions of the 100mm macro. Whereas the FA was a bit lighter and made of plastic, there is a weight to the F that surprised me (maybe because it's made of metal... don't let the grey color fool you, this is a hefty metal beast). It feels solid when mounted on my k-5.

IQ; autofocus

narrow focus ring; weight

I've used this lens on a K200 and a K7 and am nothing but impressed with this lenses abilities. Sharp corner to corner from F2.8 all the way to F32. Diffraction You'd have to do some serious pixel peeping to find it.

Sharp!!; Nice fat focus ring makes fine focus a breeze; Good contrast; Excellent color; Smooth as silk bokeh; Lightweight; 49mm filter

Auto focus can be a crap shoot; Focus lock switch is a bit too easy to set accidentally

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Well Made

Front moves wfocus

My wife & I use this lens almost daily for both macro & nature photography on both K20D & ist DS. Works exceptionally well on both. Macro is supurb colors are bright with 3D effect. Bokeh is excellent. I have only good to say about this lens.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction