All Forum Comments
Comment by Defragged posted on 55-300 PLM at 25/06/2018 - 12:48
jeallen01 wrote:
The only problems I've seen so far in limited usage of the PLM is that, on the K-3 or K-3 II at an airshow, when it lost focus lock it just went "haywire" and focused "anywhere" - whereas the Sigma 100-300 F4 on "the other body at the same time" fairly quickly re-established focus. Won't be an issue in most situations but, so far, I wouldn't recommend the PLM for situations where the subject is moving very quickly towards or away from the camera!
PS: and it won't work properly on any K-5 because Pentax have never released suitable updated f/w.
Thanks for that observation about losing focus. I have used my DA 55-300 at airshows on several occasions but it was very slow to focus if at all on the K5 far better on the K3 but like yourself I'm very fortunate to own a splendid Sigma 100-300 f4, though it's not really conducive as a walk around lens.The only problems I've seen so far in limited usage of the PLM is that, on the K-3 or K-3 II at an airshow, when it lost focus lock it just went "haywire" and focused "anywhere" - whereas the Sigma 100-300 F4 on "the other body at the same time" fairly quickly re-established focus. Won't be an issue in most situations but, so far, I wouldn't recommend the PLM for situations where the subject is moving very quickly towards or away from the camera!
PS: and it won't work properly on any K-5 because Pentax have never released suitable updated f/w.
Comment by Defragged posted on 55-300 PLM at 25/06/2018 - 12:29
rickhanson wrote:
I've owned three variants, smc da, hd & plm. Although I do believe there's a marginal optical improvement as they progressed, it's not massive. The focus on the plm is a vast improvement and virtually silent, although occasionally it still does hunt, it's far less annoying. The girth on the plm is thicker which might be a consideration, but then it also retracts, so a bit of give and take. Build quality is great, and nothing to worry about.
If you currently pre focus using quickshift and then snap autofocus using your current 55-300 as a technique then I don't think you'll notice a massive difference in focusing speed. However if you just want to point and shoot is a major improvement. I can't speak of the stability of the new plm motor, other than I haven't had any issues with it.
Grateful thanks for your input on this, that's just the sort of real-world information I was looking for. And it's in the real world that I have to decide if the upgrade (as good as the price may be) is worth the investment. From the photographic viewpoint, would I really notice a difference in a side-by-side comparison of photo's taken with each of the three models - and if I'm honest - probably not. So it comes down to end user experience and whether I can get by without faster auto focus - and the honest answer to that is probably yes!I've owned three variants, smc da, hd & plm. Although I do believe there's a marginal optical improvement as they progressed, it's not massive. The focus on the plm is a vast improvement and virtually silent, although occasionally it still does hunt, it's far less annoying. The girth on the plm is thicker which might be a consideration, but then it also retracts, so a bit of give and take. Build quality is great, and nothing to worry about.
If you currently pre focus using quickshift and then snap autofocus using your current 55-300 as a technique then I don't think you'll notice a massive difference in focusing speed. However if you just want to point and shoot is a major improvement. I can't speak of the stability of the new plm motor, other than I haven't had any issues with it.
Thanks again.
Comment by Defragged posted on 55-300 PLM at 25/06/2018 - 11:51
Algernon wrote:
You don't see much interest in this lens from Pentaxians probably because it's FAST AND QUIET so seen as two less things to moan about which would be very sad.
I almost bought it myself this morning, but SRS's site wouldn't work so I left it. Probably a good thing because I only have a K-1 to use it on. I don't think it will work with my K-5.
Thanks for that Algi. You don't see much interest in this lens from Pentaxians probably because it's FAST AND QUIET so seen as two less things to moan about which would be very sad.
I almost bought it myself this morning, but SRS's site wouldn't work so I left it. Probably a good thing because I only have a K-1 to use it on. I don't think it will work with my K-5.
I believe the site may have been down because it was swamped by closet canikon and sony users who tempted by SRS's excellent deals and Pentax's superb equipment could no longer resist coming out!
Out of curiosity, did you try to purchase later?
Comment by Defragged posted on 55-300 PLM at 25/06/2018 - 11:30
The very generous double discount offer from SRS this weekend is tempting me to purchase the PLM version of the 55-300mm lens. I already have the original green ring version and so I'm asking if there is anyone here who has had experience of both and who is willing to share their thoughts to help me decide if it's worth taking advantage the SRS offer. I am aware that its auto focus capabilities are far superior to it's predecessor, however, the screw drive AF is reliable if somewhat slow. Will the pulse motor prove to be more robust than the 'self destruct motor' it has replaced?
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks in advance.
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks in advance.
Comment by Defragged posted on 55-300 PLM at 23/06/2018 - 15:09
The ones depicted in the link do appear to show an auto focus screw drive pin though, unless my poor eyesight deceives me!
Comment by Defragged posted on Macro Extension Tubes at 21/06/2018 - 22:42
Lovely photo's Derek.
My wife's family lived in Newtown Mount Kennedy and we visited Glendalough many times. These photo's bring back memories of happier days.
My wife's family lived in Newtown Mount Kennedy and we visited Glendalough many times. These photo's bring back memories of happier days.
Comment by Defragged posted on A few from today at 10/06/2018 - 17:11
Superb! Particularly like 1, 4 & 8.
Comment by Defragged posted on Outer Hebrides - Infra Red at 04/06/2018 - 22:56
Very artistic indeed and worthy of any gallery wall.
Comment by Defragged posted on Outer Hebrides - ICM/Multiple Exposures at 25/05/2018 - 21:56
HarisF1 wrote:
Putting that wallet on a weightwatchers plan!
Photography and anorexic wallets seem to go hand in hand!!!cardiffgareth wrote:
So my new standard zoom lens is here, plus a little gift from Steve Everitt for shooting his daughter's wedding
Mental less than a month ago I thought full frame was out of my reach but now I'm fully full framed up with the K3ii kept as a back up camera.
Congrats 
So my new standard zoom lens is here, plus a little gift from Steve Everitt for shooting his daughter's wedding
Mental less than a month ago I thought full frame was out of my reach but now I'm fully full framed up with the K3ii kept as a back up camera.
Putting that wallet on a weightwatchers plan!
Comment by Defragged posted on Standard zoom options for the K1 at 25/05/2018 - 17:57
I had the screw drive lens back on my K5. I had the 300mm star F4 and tele adapter and now a K3II and the 55 - 300mm PLM.
The first used to hunt noisily, might have been the camera.
The star lens was great BUT focused slowly and too heavy/bulky for my travels.The tele adapter made focus too critical, cropping achieved much the same image.
The PLM lens failed several times due to the retraction button failing to lock at 55mm. My current copy I live with (Amazon replaced twice but only offered the £249 back this time) but would have preferred no retraction mechanism.
The PLM lens does focus quickly and quietly in good light BUT is not great in flat overcast light and does not cope well in the third plane near to far with movement. This i put down to the Pentax AF on my K3II. I gather some attempts have been made to improve this in current models. I'm sceptical.
My gallery on here has pics from all three lenses over time with some success of dogs, whales, dolphins, raptors etc. I doubt I have the keep rate of say a Nikon D500 but that's outside my buying budget!
I was on the point of pulling the trigger to buy this weekend, but having mulled over the thoughts and the experiences of people here, for which by-the-way I am most grateful, I think I shall save my money, stay with what I have and reappraise when the much anticipated Pentax 70-210 f4 is finally released.
Thanks again everyone and enjoy the summer.