Usage of fast lens! Query

Haveing now played with my new 50mm lens, I stil find it really bad in low light , Hunting still as my 28-200, Images in daylight are cracking. What should i be doing to obtain the most from this lens? It does help however having this autofocus as the flash strobes to help with the focusing, but i do hate using the flash

It might be a good idea to post a picture as an example of what you are shooting.

The 50mm f1.4 is ideal for low light, but it does depend on the subject. If the light is really poor manual focus might be better - focusing will certainly be critical as I assume you are using it with a wide aperture so you can hand hold.

You have to ask how low was the light. From f3.5 to f1.4 is only about 3 stops which will not let you take images in the dark.

If your flash can be set so that the focus assist light is used, but no flash, that should help focussing in very low light. The setting on Pentax flashes is SB (Spot Beam).

I got a SMC-F 50mm F1.7 and it hunted for focus as well, Dunno if it being the first implementation of AF plays a role, but I was disapointed as well.

Daylight or sunlight is no problem and the shots are great, But i was useing it last night in the house at about 10pm(shooting my dvd collection) and it just would not focus, It May just be down to it being very low light

i only have the internal flash at the min

It's probably a good idea to get a better definition of what you mean by "low light"

Give us an exposure reading and that will help (e.g. ISO3200, f/2, 1/30)

In all situations you need a good point of reference for focussing - something with some contrast. Personally, I find that I always use centre-only focus point, and make use of the dedicated "AF" button (and disable the "AF on halfpress of shutter" in the custom menu). That way I can point to something that I know has some contrast, then reframe and shoot.

But let's start with the exposure reading to give us an idea of what you are looking at

Matt

ok great thanks for the info i will update the thraed when i get home

Regardless of how fast the lens is, and to a certain extent, how much light there is, if there's no "edge" with a bit of contrast the AF will struggle. In very bright conditions, if I try to AF on something like a plain, smooth white sheet of paper with no texture, the AF will hunt like crazy.

If you've something in hte frame with a contrasty edge, it will work in relatively low light, but not a coal cellar.

Devils Advocate.

Buy a K-7!

Are you on commission?

Maybe Chris let him have to K-7 on condition he pushes it on the forum at every available opportunity

Sorry, I should have said

'Buy a K-7 from SRS!'

Is that better?