A second vote for the Tamron - excellent lens. My copy is quite sharp wide open, so there may be some sample variation. Also worth looking out for are the Vivitar 24/2.8A or 24/2.0A and Cosina/Chinon versions of the same, although A versions are rarer.

The older, smaller version is manual focus only I think?

Yes, it is a normal 100mm/2.8 lens as well as macro and has coverage for film and digital bodies. One downside of the macro design is that the focusing section of the lens extends while focusing to close distances which makes the lens hood slightly less effective against flare. Probably not a big issue in real world use.

As far as bulk nad weight are concerned - this seems like a nicely constructed lens, about the same size as a manual focus Tamron 90/2.5 macro. I am lookig forward to using it on film as a portrait lens, as well as digital.

The lens arrived today, boxed with hood and a case and a European warranty card. Very fast focusing in the normal range on an itDS and MZ5n. Very happy.

I took the plunge this morning. I'll report back in a few days.

The seller Gavin 22222 on ebay has the DF-A 100mm for £299, the cheapest I have seen anywhere. Also has a strong ebay record though does not look like a photo shop. Slighlty wary but the price is good. Any advice welcome. Thanks

It is possible that the new EVIL cameras will dent Nikon and Canon: this format of camera possibly plays more to electronics companies and smaller players rather than giant SLR makers.

PM sent

Thanks for the interest. Now sold.

Italy should be no problem. PM sent.