Pentax 100mm f/2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro review

The Pentax 100mm f/2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro is a lens that literally grows on you

Pentax 100mm f/2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro
(Image: © Pentax)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Unlike most modern macro lenses, this Pentax is physically short at 64mm in length, but the inner barrel extends at shorter focus distances. And unlike many Pentax K-mount lenses, it’s full-frame compatible so works equally well on K-1 series bodies as well as with Pentax APS-C format DSLRs. Handling, construction and image quality are good but autofocus is noisy, relying on a screw-drive from the host camera body and there’s no range limiter switch.

Pros

  • +

    Compact stowage size

  • +

    Full-frame compatible

  • +

    Extensive weather-seals

Cons

  • -

    Extends at shorter focus distances

  • -

    No internal autofocus motor

  • -

    No autofocus range limiter

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The Pentax 100mm f/2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro bucks the trend of most current macro lenses that deliver full 1.0x or 1:1 magnification, as it lacks an internal focus system. Instead, it extends in physical length as you decrease the focus distance towards its minimum setting. On the plus side, it’s only two-thirds of the length of most 100mm macro lenses at its infinity focus setting.

Specifications

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.