DA* 55mm 1.4 AF Speed

Crosshair · 08-19-2012, 12:39 PM

This question might have been asked too many a time, and I have read quite a few reviews of the lens but I still have to ask. Is this lens fast and accurate in AF? how is the AF speed compared to the FA* 85mm 1.4, Sigma 30mm 1.4, 40LTD ? I am asking compared to these lenses because I myself used them. I also want to know about the AF accuracy, hunting after initial focus etc.

Many people say this lens is slow in focusing due to the SDM feature, many others say it is fast but it 'feels' slow due to the silent focusing. I am kinda unclear in this so please illuminate me. In my opinion the FA*85 is normal and 40 ltd is better than normal in AF speed.

**Rondec** · 08-19-2012, 01:21 PM

It is slower, than the DA 40 or Sigma 30, mostly due to the length of its focus throw. The DA 40, in particular has a really short focus throw and is a small lens with light elements, so it is about the fastest lens to focus that I have used on a Pentax camera. SDM probably doesn't help, but screw driven lenses with long focus throws (like the DA 35 macro or D FA 100 macro) can take pretty long to focus too.

Adam · 08-19-2012, 01:59 PM

We're posting an in-depth comparative review of this lens next week- stay tuned for some detailed AF tests!

Crosshair · 08-23-2012, 09:01 AM

hello,

is the said review done? I really need some advice on the AF speed on this lens. I have a bride-groom shooting day closing by and the remarks and recommendations here will be of great value to me. please fill me in.

Last edited by Crosshair; 08-23-2012 at 09:41 AM.

JerryLime · 08-23-2012, 12:33 PM

Dear Adam,
Please carefully check the QC of your tested copy.I found many people touch the focus ring when the lens is auto-focusing leading to the SDM problem.I suggest that you have to test two or three copies for sure you take a "normal" copy.

JinDesu · 08-23-2012, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by JerryLime

Dear Adam,
Please carefully check the QC of your tested copy.I found many people touch the focus ring when the lens is auto-focusing leading to the SDM problem.I suggest that you have to test two or three copies for sure you take a "normal" copy.

Can you provide a source for this? It would be an interesting information regarding preventing SDM problems.

robgo2 · 08-23-2012, 03:40 PM

Since you are mainly concerned with focusing issues, I strongly recommend that you read this review from Dpreview. It matches my own experience exactly.

Pentax smc DA* 55mm 1:1.4 SDM review: Digital Photography Review

Rob

Dirtistasty2 · 08-23-2012, 03:50 PM

The lens is slower to autofocus than the 40mm f2.8 Limited and a little slower than the Sigma 30mm. If everything you're trying to catch is close to the same distance away, it won't be a huge deal. The lens is sharper than both the 40mm and 30mm in my opinion.

JerryLime · 08-23-2012, 04:47 PM

Originally posted by JinDesu

Can you provide a source for this? It would be an interesting information regarding preventing SDM problems.

You can check lens manual book.Pentax never said the SDM is "full-time" Quick Shift .The difference of Pentax's Quick-Shift and Canon full-time manual is that you can not touch the focus ring when auto focusing .

08-19-2012, 12:39 PM	#1
Crosshair Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Istanbul Posts: 332	*DA 55mm 1.4 AF Speed** This question might have been asked too many a time, and I have read quite a few reviews of the lens but I still have to ask. Is this lens fast and accurate in AF? how is the AF speed compared to the FA* 85mm 1.4, Sigma 30mm 1.4, 40LTD ? I am asking compared to these lenses because I myself used them. I also want to know about the AF accuracy, hunting after initial focus etc. Many people say this lens is slow in focusing due to the SDM feature, many others say it is fast but it 'feels' slow due to the silent focusing. I am kinda unclear in this so please illuminate me. In my opinion the FA*85 is normal and 40 ltd is better than normal in AF speed.

08-19-2012, 01:59 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	We're posting an in-depth comparative review of this lens next week- stay tuned for some detailed AF tests! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-19-2012, 01:21 PM	#2
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	It is slower, than the DA 40 or Sigma 30, mostly due to the length of its focus throw. The DA 40, in particular has a really short focus throw and is a small lens with light elements, so it is about the fastest lens to focus that I have used on a Pentax camera. SDM probably doesn't help, but screw driven lenses with long focus throws (like the DA 35 macro or D FA 100 macro) can take pretty long to focus too.

08-23-2012, 09:01 AM	#4
Crosshair Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Istanbul Posts: 332 Original Poster	hello, is the said review done? I really need some advice on the AF speed on this lens. I have a bride-groom shooting day closing by and the remarks and recommendations here will be of great value to me. please fill me in. Last edited by Crosshair; 08-23-2012 at 09:41 AM.

08-23-2012, 12:33 PM	#5
JerryLime Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: PA Posts: 43	Dear Adam, Please carefully check the QC of your tested copy.I found many people touch the focus ring when the lens is auto-focusing leading to the SDM problem.I suggest that you have to test two or three copies for sure you take a "normal" copy.

08-23-2012, 12:42 PM	#6
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by JerryLime Dear Adam, Please carefully check the QC of your tested copy.I found many people touch the focus ring when the lens is auto-focusing leading to the SDM problem.I suggest that you have to test two or three copies for sure you take a "normal" copy. Can you provide a source for this? It would be an interesting information regarding preventing SDM problems.

08-23-2012, 03:40 PM	#7
robgo2 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico Photos: Albums Posts: 1,125	Since you are mainly concerned with focusing issues, I strongly recommend that you read this review from Dpreview. It matches my own experience exactly. Pentax smc DA* 55mm 1:1.4 SDM review: Digital Photography Review Rob

08-23-2012, 03:50 PM	#8
Dirtistasty2 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 325	The lens is slower to autofocus than the 40mm f2.8 Limited and a little slower than the Sigma 30mm. If everything you're trying to catch is close to the same distance away, it won't be a huge deal. The lens is sharper than both the 40mm and 30mm in my opinion.

08-23-2012, 04:47 PM	#9
JerryLime Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: PA Posts: 43	Originally posted by JinDesu Can you provide a source for this? It would be an interesting information regarding preventing SDM problems. You can check lens manual book.Pentax never said the SDM is "full-time" Quick Shift .The difference of Pentax's Quick-Shift and Canon full-time manual is that you can not touch the focus ring when auto focusing .