Mine has a tiny amount of movement, but nothing to worry about. The 55-300 is a magical lens, it never seems to disappoint when I use it.

Regards
David

Edit: Oops, just noticed this thread is 7 years old!!!!!!

Here's mine, BTW it was cloudy all night but I think I have managed to achieve a very high level of blackness detail

Hi Lev

There were no issues when I first got the lens, they started to occur about 12-18 months ago. I don't use the lens heavily, so it is stored for periods of time, which appears to be one of the problems. I've been storing it upright for the last 6 months or so and I don't think it has got noticeably worse during this time. It usually wakes up after being on the camera for about 30 seconds, it helps to manually focus it a few times to free it up.

Regards
David

Ah, OK didn't realise the DA*300 was full frame! I bet it is stellar on a K-1 isn't it? The 50-135 wouldn't be any good though would it? Anyway, if you've read the 'SDM failure' thread which includes reference to focusing issues with my 50-135 at wide apertures, I suspect this problem might be worse on a K-1 than it is o a K-3 due to even less DOF.

Regards
David

Regards
David

Hi Lev

I don't have any backlash at all in the focusing ring, it is just fine. The lens was bought approx. 3 years ago, but it wasn't new. When I bought it the motor had just been replaced with a so-called 'updated' motor that didn't have the reliability issues, but that is not the case, even the new motors suffer the same problems, mine is starting to show signs of failure now, but still works at the moment. I have learned that it is best to store this lens in an upright position if not being used for a period of time, as this puts less stress on the motor. It does seem to help, but I don't think anything will solve the erratic focusing at wide apertures. When I say erratic I mean that focusing tolerances have to be very small when using F2.8 at telephoto focal lengths, due to the wafer-thin DOF and the truth is my lens does not have the required accuracy to be reliable enough at focusing in these circumstances. As stated though, I would not sell it, I like it too much.

Regards
David

EDIT: The advice to store the lens upright is from a former Pentax engineer who worked on the design of the SDM lenses and who has stated publicly that the motors are a flawed design. They are so sensitive to alignment that even gravity over a period of time can cause friction to occur, which the weak motors cannot cope with. Since I started storing the lens upright, the problems with it 'not waking up' have not got any worse, but I am sure it will fail altogether eventually.

Hi Lev

I think it is a bit of both, mostly the lens design, specifically the motors, but it also is affected by the camera. For example, regarding my DA*300, which also a SDM lens, it focuses much more accurately with my K-3 than it does with my K-5iis. My DA*300 is miles more consistent than my DA*50-135, but still varies a bit. The funny thing is I think the DA*50-135 is more consistent on my K-5iis than it is on my K-3, which is the opposite of what I would expect. However, it is a definite trait of my 50-135 that I cannot rely on it when shooting wide apertures, unless I take a lot of shots and re-focus every time. I don't need this when shooting gigs, particularly as the organisers rely on my images and I am working so fast I don't have time to waste loads of shots.

I still would not part with the 50-135 though, it is one of my favourite lenses, I won't say my absolute favourite due to the erratic and slow focusing, but it's definitely up there with the best in terms of image quality. If I were you I would get another one and hope that it's a good one.

Regards
David

Hi Lev

Sorry to hear of your SDM issues, some of which also affect my DA*50-135 and some of which also affected another SDM I used to own. The biggest frustration I have is not the motor failing (although I think it is on its way out as it takes longer and longer to 'wake it up'). No, the biggest issue is exactly what you have noticed - the variation in focusing accuracy at wide apertures. I find it virtually impossible to calibrate the 50-135 to my camera bodies, because sometimes it back focuses and sometimes it front focuses. I have to try and get a 'happy medium', which really is not acceptable for a lens that costs close to £1000. The same issue afflicted my former DA 17-70, more so with some camera bodies than others.

The problem is worst when shooting in low light, which I suppose is to be expected, but that's what I need this lens for! I suppose we all have to live with it if we want to own a DA*50-135, which I certainly do because when it is good, it is stellar, I've taken some of my best shots with this lens.

Regards
David

I've enjoyed reading this thread, especially the lens discussions. To be honest, one of the things that has put me off upgrading to a K-1 is the amount I would have to invest in glass to get the most from it. I have some really nice lenses for my crop sensor cameras that I know and love, they work reliably for what I want / need them to do. I don't think I could do without a F2.8 zoom, or indeed my DA*300 F4, so to get similar performance on a K-1 I would be spending thousands. I think I would rather stick with what I have and put my money into some nice upgrades for my MX-5 (car that is, not a camera)

Cheers
David

Hi Darkskies, Apologies, I can see you have mentioned 1/250 in a few places, but the bit I read was one of your replies about 2/3 down page 2, which does say 1/25 secs, see text below:

Firstly, the artists are moving. Bit of a bugger, I know, but it does mean that a minimum shutter speed to freeze the movement is required. Although this can be reduced for the less-lively performers, a shutter speed of 1/25 secs gives you a reasonable chance of getting sharp images, although if there are multiple performers all doing their thing, even that can be difficult. Take quite a few shots, get a few keepers. Nobody mentioned shutter speed, but at gigs it's most important.

Regardless, I think we agree, but we have hijacked the original point of the thread i think! Apologies to anyone who isn't interested in gig photography or what shutter speeds we need to use!

Regards
David

Looks like I will have to start up a camera club so I can invite Bill! Looks as though a great time was had by all, I am very jealous! I've always loved Bill's images, very rarely is there one I don't like and I think it's great that Bill gives his time to attend local events like this. Thumbs up from me.

Cheers
David