Pentax-A 100mm f/2.8 SMC Macro. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd
Barrel
Metal.
Weight
16.5 oz (468g)
Focus Type
Manual Focus.
Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.
Close Focus
1 foot (0.31 meters).
Filter Threads
58mm, Metal.
Pleather Hard Case
Aperture Ring
Metal.
Diaphragm
8 blades stopping down to f/22.
Mount
Metal Pentax K.
Made in
Japan.
Corner at f/2.8
Macro Close Focus
Sharpness
f/2.8 Nicely sharp at f/2.8 with high contrast and with very tiny spherical aberration.
f/3.5: Very sharp all over with really good contrast and almost no spherical aberration.
f/4: Just gets better.
f/8: And even better!
Vignetting
A little bit of vignetting at f/2.8 and almost gone already by f/3.5
Bokeh
The blur is not the best but not terrible either just a little distracting.
Distortion
Very low level of pincushion distortion.
Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★ ★ ★
Availability: ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★
On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★
Out of 5
If money is not an issue, then this is one of the best macro lenses I have ever used. It lacks Auto Focus, but for most macro work manual focus is better because your camera won’t hunt to lock focus. This lens is just amazing at all stops and is surprisingly sharp a f/2.8!
Really close focusing, hardly any spherical aberration, amazing optics, low distortion, nice bokeh, tons of f/2.8 light, and sturdy build. This lens is a true gem and hardly lacks anything.
If you want to do serious macro work with a manual focus lens then this is a lens worth hunting down!
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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!
Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd
