A zoom lens that retains the focus setting throughout the zoom range is termed para-focal

My Tokina AT-X 24-200 is parafocal. It works a dream on the Z1, but on the *ist-D it does not - apparently the camera focuses at the hyperfocal distance, which of course changes with focal length.

So, you may find the same with the *ist-DS. Even though the lens may be parafocal, it won't work that way because camera's focusing not quite where you think it is.

Hope that helps
Matt

Thanks for the info.
However, the *ist-DS is not similar IMHO
There are too many features the *ist-D has that make the *ist-DS a non-replacement:
* AF button on the back (I live off this button)
* Finger wheel and thumb wheel for immediate choice between Av and Tv overriding
* Pop-up flash supports wireless to the AF360 (without having two AF360)
* Pop-up flash can be disabled in wireless mode
* PC flash connector (though, ok I could get away with a hotshoe adapter)
* Extra customisation modes (choice of MTF/Normal/Speed/Depth which are not available on the DS)
* Three customisation memories
* Backlit top LCD (which I do use)
* Wider exposure range
* Exposure bar-graph in viewfinder (now that I would be very, very sorry to lose)

.. maybe others... but perhaps I'll stop there, it's already toooo depressing

And I have 3Gb of high speed Lexar Compact Flash cards for the *ist-D.
Some of those things could be addressed with firmware updates, but not the rest

Matt

Just checked Park Cameras web site and they no longer list the *ist-D

Do they know something we don't?? Or are they just stocking DS & DL?
Matt

Ha ha! Now you're really going to have to get into weight training! The Sigma + Metz is going to be one heavy beast

Yes, the 100mm is definitely WOW! The only near equivalent in terms of sharpness is my SMC-F 50mm/f1.7 As a pair they're fab Look forward to some of your work...

Matt

You got it for a pretty reasonable price too, I see
You'll have lots of fun with that I can assure you!
Matt

Hi Brian,
The info you need is here: http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/index.html
All the f2.8 Pentax lenses are 1x magnification. All the non-f2.8 are 0.5x
The f2.8 macros are wonderful. Just amazing
Matt

The 100mm/3.5 is only a 2:1 (or is it 1:2) lens? i.e. half life size.
Don't go for that

Hi Brian,
Well, I have the SMC-F 100mm/f2.8. Cost me £200 from LCE. It's a heavy beast (put it with the Metz 50MZ5 and I need to eat more meat!!).
It does have quite a bit of chromatic aberration when there are serious highlights, but it is just amazingly sharp. It's one of my favourite lenses on the *ist-D - just beautiful for portraits (though I find you have to smooth the skin in PS otherwise it just shows too much detail )

I've ummd and ahhhd over the new 100mm DA - mostly because of the weight. But I can't really warrant the extra expenditure

If you're interested - www.lcegroup.co.uk have a 100mm/f2.8 on the website (in Exeter), and www.ephotozineshop.com have a mail-order returned SMC-DA 100mm for £350.... just to tempt you further

Matt

Just an interesting point regarding this issue...

The Z1, although it has the mechanical "finger" would only read from the electronic contacts. If the lens contacts couldn't be read (if they were dirty etc), it wouldn't report the aperture even when the lens had the mechanical parts.
That being the case, I find it puzzling that the *ist-D can't do the same.
Matt

You are right - the body does not recognise the aperture at all if you adjust the aperture ring manually. The manual makes this clear.
Yes, it is a little disappointing, but at least the finger (and thumb on the *ist-D) dials are very sensible.

I suppose it just makes life a little more confusing when switching between film and digital.

Matt