F2.8, 1:1 Macro, Protrait suitability.

Lens extends when focusing, Fousing ring does not disengage AF on Pentax *istD until you switch AF off on body.

These were the pre-purchase reasons I personally decided to buy this lens:

· I wanted a lens with good close focusing ability.

· It was well priced when compared with the Sigma AF 105mm F2.8 EX Macro, around 1/3 cheaper.

· With only basic kit, I had decided to upgrade to middle-of-the-road zoom lenses. Image quality was OK with these lenses, but I wanted to buy at least one good prime lens for portraits. This 90mm lens was a better match when cropped on my Pentax *istD, coming in at 135mm, where as the Sigma is closer to 160mm.

· It cast a full frame image circle (making it more future proof and able to be shared with my film based camera).

· It had a manually selectable aperture ring (backwards compatible with my old SLR).

· It has a non-rotating front element, making it more filter friendly.


My assessment after 12 months of use:

THIS LENS IS A PEACH! Mine is a “Di” version (Digitally Integrated, meaning that it has extra coatings to reduce internal reflections from the sensor). Pretty much every positive observation made by reviewers about this lens is true. It is terrific for portraits, with sharp images that still somehow retain a lovely “feel” and good bokeh. This is the best lens in my bag. Shooting on the same day under the same conditions, changing lenses on the same body, results from this lens are easily recognisable.

Its 1:1 macro ability delivers great outcomes. The best photo in my collection belongs to this lens, it is of a bee, hand held with a hot shoe flash. Finding the “sweet” spot when manual focusing can be a problem on some lenses, particularly where close focusing may impede natural light, but again this lens does an exceptional job; that said it can be a little frustrating when very close using a tripod, as the lens barrel extends out when focusing.

Build quality is fine, it is “plasticky” but on my budget, so is every other lens in my possession. Its external indicators are clear and the brushed gold markings look classy. The lens cap holds and releases well, much less likely to come off in my bag than some other designs. The manual focus ring is smooth but as a consequence of the large “sweet” spot discussed above, it takes an eternity to get from macro to infinity. A “Limiting” switch on the side of the lens remedies this when auto focusing. One frustration (at least on my Pentax *istD) is that the focus ring is designed to disengage from AF to allow quick manual override, but manual focus cannot be achieved unless my Pentax body itself is taken off AF. The front element is recessed around 50mm into the lens, protecting it and negating the need to use a lens hood for flare control.

CONCLUSSION

I am generally reluctant to emphatically endorse any one particular product, preferring people weigh up their own needs and suitability, but with this lens I take exception. If you are looking for a non-dedicated macro lens of this focal length, THIS IS THE LENS FOR YOU!

Price

Not overley impressed with the sample I got. Strange colour ring formations not assoiciated with flare were often evident in photos. Generally speaking a bit soft.