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Lia Photo · 11-23-2012, 12:23 PM

I bought one of these from KEH used. I find the autofocus is slow, I am using on older k-x body. I like fast autofocus as I shoot alot of kids who dont stay still, and I dont have the greast vision. I use manual focus for still subjects. I have heard the autofocus isnt the best, but also that some of the lenses have an actual problem. I have another 30 days to send it back to KEH (no refund but will repair if needed). How do I know if this is the "typical slow autofocus" of this lens or a problem? do yoi think ti will be faster on a more advanced or newer body? thank you for any help

Adam · 11-23-2012, 12:47 PM

I think it's typical for this lens. The Sigma 70-200mm is much better in this respect if you'd like faster AF:

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H

JohnX · 11-23-2012, 01:20 PM - **1 Like**

I use Quickshift to get approximate focus, and tweak with AF. Makes focussing with this lens much quicker. Give it a try before you return it.

Not teaching you to suck eggs I hope, but assuming you're right handed, hold the camera with your right hand, have the AF set to half press of the shutter button, lay the lens across your left hand and use thumb and forefinger to adjust zoom/focus, use half press of the shutter button to AF, then follow through and take the shot!

Lia Photo · 11-23-2012, 01:27 PM

thanks for your reply. what is quick shift?

lytrytyr · 11-23-2012, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by Lia Photo

what is quick shift?

It's that amazing feature of the more convenient Pentax autofocus lenses
that lets you focus them manually (just turning the focus ring) at any time,
even when the autofocus is cut in.

Adam · 11-23-2012, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

It's that amazing feature of the more convenient Pentax autofocus lenses
that lets you focus them manually (just turning the focus ring) at any time,
even when the autofocus is cut in.

Most other brands have it too, including the Sigma 70-200mm. But it's definitely a great feature to have!

lytrytyr · 11-23-2012, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Most other brands have it too

Unfortunately their implementations aren't always as good,
especially with screw drive,
involving a shove of the focus ring first.

Adam · 11-23-2012, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Unfortunately their implementations aren't always as good,
especially with screw drive,
involving a shove of the focus ring first.

No complains with Sigma HSM-only lenses, though. Canon and Nikon lenses also have nice QS systems.

Lia Photo · 11-23-2012, 11:41 PM

Do anyone find that the body model increases speed of autofocus of this lens?

11-23-2012, 12:23 PM	#1
Lia Photo New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 3	*pentax 50-135/2.8 D zoom lens autofocus** I bought one of these from KEH used. I find the autofocus is slow, I am using on older k-x body. I like fast autofocus as I shoot alot of kids who dont stay still, and I dont have the greast vision. I use manual focus for still subjects. I have heard the autofocus isnt the best, but also that some of the lenses have an actual problem. I have another 30 days to send it back to KEH (no refund but will repair if needed). How do I know if this is the "typical slow autofocus" of this lens or a problem? do yoi think ti will be faster on a more advanced or newer body? thank you for any help

11-23-2012, 12:47 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	I think it's typical for this lens. The Sigma 70-200mm is much better in this respect if you'd like faster AF: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H 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:

11-23-2012, 01:27 PM	#4
Lia Photo New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 3 Original Poster	quick shift thanks for your reply. what is quick shift?

11-23-2012, 01:44 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by lytrytyr It's that amazing feature of the more convenient Pentax autofocus lenses that lets you focus them manually (just turning the focus ring) at any time, even when the autofocus is cut in. Most other brands have it too, including the Sigma 70-200mm. But it's definitely a great feature to have! 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:

11-23-2012, 02:00 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by lytrytyr Unfortunately their implementations aren't always as good, especially with screw drive, involving a shove of the focus ring first. No complains with Sigma HSM-only lenses, though. Canon and Nikon lenses also have nice QS systems. 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:

11-23-2012, 01:20 PM - 1 Like	#3
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	I use Quickshift to get approximate focus, and tweak with AF. Makes focussing with this lens much quicker. Give it a try before you return it. Not teaching you to suck eggs I hope, but assuming you're right handed, hold the camera with your right hand, have the AF set to half press of the shutter button, lay the lens across your left hand and use thumb and forefinger to adjust zoom/focus, use half press of the shutter button to AF, then follow through and take the shot!

11-23-2012, 01:37 PM	#5
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Lia Photo what is quick shift? It's that amazing feature of the more convenient Pentax autofocus lenses that lets you focus them manually (just turning the focus ring) at any time, even when the autofocus is cut in.

11-23-2012, 01:57 PM	#7
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Adam Most other brands have it too Unfortunately their implementations aren't always as good, especially with screw drive, involving a shove of the focus ring first.

11-23-2012, 11:41 PM	#9
Lia Photo New Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 3 Original Poster	autofocus Do anyone find that the body model increases speed of autofocus of this lens?

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