I wonder if anyone has a screw drive converted 16-50 for comparison.

OMG yes, the 16-50 is the slowest thing in the world! I think the short travel distance is actually it's downfall as it overshoots too often and has to hunt back and forth even on the K-3 iii.

The 50-135 actually feels faster on the K-3 iii than on my K-5. Not by much but still better because it does not hunt. It has a long travel distance which is the main issue in terms of speed but it seems to nail the focus every time.

What really surprised me was the DA* 300 actually feels fairly snappy at a 'working distance'. It is no 55-300 PLM which felt instantaneous last time I used it with my dad's K-70.

You'll be disappointed with the 16-50 as nothing can seemingly fix that things AF speed, other than a redesign with a PLM or DC motor. The image quality of that lens is still superb though which is why I have kept mine all these years. I know that at f/5.6 it has out-resolved all the sensors on the cameras that I have owned. I'll have to take it out on the K-3 iii to see how its resolving power renders on the 26MP sensor.

I tend to use the 50-135 in situations where AF speed isn't as important but it is better than the 16-50.


Separately, screw drive lenses vary a fair bit mostly depending on their focus throw and gear resistance. The slowest one so far is the 50 f/1.8 which is quite stiff. The 100 f/2.8 WR feels fast within a working range. My collection of DA Ltds seem fine. I've got all bar the 35 Macro, which I gifted to my dad.

I if anyone desperately wants I can set up a focus calibration target at a set distance from a tripod and test the K-5 and K-3 iii off against each other specific lenses. Easy enough to film on a mobile phone.

Now that I've collected mine I can add to the initial thoughts.

Viewfinder I practically fell into. I absolutely love the viewfinder.

AF accuracy seems spot on even in poor light. AF speed is as good as my lenses will allow. AF hunting is negligible to non existent.

Image quality is superb and noise is low. I've taken a few test shots of the cat (black) with auto ISO going to 25600 and they are surprisingly clean and usable.

Construction is rock solid. Comfort is better than my K-5 which I felt didn't have a deep enough grip.

Negatives:
Control layout means I keep ignoring the joystick and trying to change AF points with the 4-way buttons. I'll get used to that...
Can't find any other than USER ERROR...

I was slightly worried live-view AF would be slow because it is CDAF only but it doesn't feel slow in the slightest. But it wouldn't have been the end of the world as I hardly ever use LV.

More to come as I get used to it and discover more.

Picked my K3 iii up from the post office. Holy WOW! I mean the K-5 was (is) a great camera but this thing feels like a whole other level! Only had a chance to set the date and time and take a couple of test shots before abandoning it at home.

The viewfinder is beautiful! The HUD and overlay are a huge improvement over older cameras.

AF is... Seriously limited by my old SDM lenses. Need to get myself some DC and PLM glass. I see lens orders in my future.

I'll do some more testing (playing) later.

Nooooo! I missed a parcel today despatched on the 23rd! I've not ordered anything recently so it can only be one thing. I had no email from SRS confirming despatch though. I did get an email confirming my points though.

Parcel force took it to a "local" post office. Not one nearby but one in a slightly further dodgy area.

Am I dreaming?

Ooh! Nice!

I really like these captures. They make for great artistic compositions.

That's a nope from me!

SRS still have my business though. Much easier for warranty, support, etc. Although if they can get them a little cheaper we wouldn't complain.