In most side by side tests I have seen there is very little if no difference between the K5 and K5ii focusing speed and accuracy in good lighting conditions.

I would say that the problem here is the lens as Pentax's SDM drive is known to be on the slow side compared to other manufacturers 'silent' drives. It also lacks a focus limiter which seems to be a large part of your problem.

I use my old Sigma 300 APO f4 for airshows, sometimes with a x1.4 tele-convertor. The AF for this is driven by the camera and is pretty responsive plus this lens has a focus limiter which prevents it close focusing. I still am probably only happy with 20-30% of my shots though as these are fast moving objects which are pretty testing for an AF module and photographer alike!

I'm not sure if anyone has already mentioned this but as standard the K5 processes it's JPEG's in a 'Bright' setting which is known to be too punchy for some and blow out reds. When shooting in JPEG my K5's JPEG setting is always set to 'Natural' which can be a bit flat for some but with minimal post processing can be given some oomph without resulting in unnatural colours. I also always have -0.5EV dialed in as standard too.

I agree that for ultimate control RAW is best but for less important shots I use JPEG's so I'm not chained to the PC for hours.....

Pat

Of course it will happen. One of the K mounts biggest attractions is it's legacy glass which, to date, can't be fully exploited in the digital era. Now 35mm sensors aren't prohibitively expensive there is no reason left for Pentax/Ricoh not to release a FF body apart from corporate suicide! I would think that a competitively priced (not necessarily cheaper) 24mp FF body from Pentax would see far more K5/K5II up-graders than any 24mp APS-c body would. I would also think, however, that it's approximately 12 months away yet.

Pat

Hello all,

My name is Pat and I've recently joined PU despite being a user for a couple of years now! I have had my K5 Silver for roughly that long. I made a decision when I moved back into SLR's that I would shot only primes this time and despite temptation that's what I've kept to. I own a rag tag of primes from a 17mm Tamron Adaptall SP to a 300mm Sigma APO with a couple of Pentax lenses in the lineup too. My lenses are largely older models to fit my budget. I wish I had more time taking pictures than I have.

Keep well,

Pat

Hello, very interested in this lens as my budget doesn't stretch to a DA55*. Would you be tempted to part with it for £275? If so I am happy to pay by PayPal ASAP.

Cheers.