Excellent straight forward bread-n-butter lens
Uses: Professional photography
Camera body: Pentax 645Z
I use this lens for mostly portrait work, partial body shots including very close (1:1) macros, and reproduction/art related work.
I chose this lens over the 90mm f/2.8 macro (not without great contemplation), due to the cost/performance ratio being better with the 120mm f/4, even though I would've much rather had the silent focusing, f/2.8 (less hunting during AF in low light) and shake reduction of the newer lens. Refusing to give into impulse, I found it more prudent for me to pickup the DA 645 28-45mm instead, as it offers greater benefit and cost/performance ratio over the Pentax 35mm prime.
The advantages of the 120mm lens compared to the newer offering are three-fold; True 1:1 macro capability, cost/performance ratio and image quality that isn't discernible from much newer lenses to clients. I was lucky to get a practically new lens at 1/7th the price of the 90mm macro, so the buy was a slam dunk for me.
As with any f/4 lens compared to a faster 2.8 option- there are times, given the distance from the subject of course, where f/4 will not yield the same background separation as a faster lens. This isn't relevant if you're stopped down or close enough to your subject where the background is easily rendered nicely out-of-focus irrespective of aperture.
As anticipated, this lens will 'hunt' and whir back and forth attempting to focus if you're shooting in very low light, such as moving action during a candle lit dinner scene where a tripod isn't practical, or indoor belly dancing promotion work in dim light; in cases like those, you're going to have to rely on, (or develop) your manual focusing skills.
This is one of the prime focal lengths that need a leaf shutter option.
Overall this lens is like a reliable truck. It's sharp and gets the job done well without fanfare or bells/whistles.
I highly recommend this lens.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned