I don't think this is due to the SDM 'going to sleep'.

Pentax DSLR's are prone to hunting on small subjects due to the AF configuration, which is aligned more to accuracy on larger subjects than it is to focussing quickly on small moving targets. This happens on some lenses more than others and is also more prevalent on camera models prior to the K-3. I have both a K-3 and a K-5iis and I notice a huge difference when photographing birds on the K-5iis vs. the K-3 with the same lenses. The K-3 will lock on where the K-5iis will hunt.

I haven't used the 50-135 for wildlife shooting, but I do own this lens and would imagine it will be very prone to hunting on small moving objects like birds.

Hope this is useful info.

Regards
David

I'm not normally a fan of Airshow Shots, but these are a cut above, particularly the Typhoon ones. Impressive.

Regards
David

I wouldn't publish pictures like this if I were you, you might have the Police knocking on the door!

Great shot, very amusing.

Regards
David

- It's made of metal, not plastic
- It has higher resolution - 24mp vs 16mp
- It has a better shutter mechanism
- It has a better viewfinder
- It has a better rear screen
- It has more features
- It has a better motordrive for screw drive lenses
- It will not suffer from the Aperture Motor issues that have been reported on the K30
- It has better autofocus
- It has better white balance and exposure control
- It is better all round than a K30 and is also better than a K-5ii

Regards
David

Very nice shots Gareth, number 3 is the standout for me.

Regards
David

Hi Richard, I don't doubt you, obviously some users do have issues and that applies to any camera on the market. I was just trying to reassure Louise that there's no point in worrying about something that might never happen.

Regards
David

Whilst there may be issues with certain models, which probably affects a very small percentage of the number of manufactured units, I think you should avoid getting too worried. If you google the internet you can find 'problems' with almost anything you care to mention. I once owned a Saab 9-3 and the Internet forums were full of doom about various issues on these cars. I loved mine and had 120,000 miles of great motoring from it, with very few minor problems. I now have a Vauxhall Insignia, which according to the Internet also has many serious issues, but 65,000 miles later I have had no problems at all. My wife also has an Insignia - guess what - no issues!

Any mechanical items can have faults, I'm sure Pentax cameras are as reliable (if not more so) as the rest. Just enjoy using your camera(s) and if it (they) go wrong put a claim in if it is under warranty or just outside. You may regret buying another brand if that goes wrong!

Regards
David

I think you're right Neil, it is front focussing very slightly. At this focal length that will make all the difference between 'sharp' and 'not sharp', which is one of the reasons why I stick with the DA*300mm. With Primes, there's no variable focussing dependent on focal length, an issue that has plagued me on zooms. You can adjust, but will invariably end up with accurate focussing at one focal length and inaccurate at another.

However, I would add that it's worth repeating your test several times, as I have found with my lenses that I often get variances on the same lens at the same focal length on the same target! If you get this all you can do is take the best average.

Regards
David

PS I disagree with Algi, I don't see a problem with the subject you are using to test this.

Beautiful Alan, so cute! Up until about 2 weeks ago (when you posted the image of the mouse on the milk thistle), I had never seen one of these creatures in the flesh. Then, shortly after viewing your image (it was either on the same night or the night after) our cat Hamish brought one into our garden. It was uninjured, but very scared and proceeded to hide behind some roofing slates we have stacked up. We had to rescue it by catching it in a plant pot and returning it to the fields. I don't know if it is resident in our garden or not (we have a wild area), but is must be from somewhere very close. Such beautiful little creatures.

Regards
David

Great shots, I thin the second one is possibly the best aircraft shot I have seen on the Forum.

Regards
David