[PJay]

I love its rendering but the AF is just toooooo slow So now I'm looking for a used sigma 50-150. too bad its not wr

Hi Danko,

I would like to get my hands on the 50-135mm and your comment is inline with my thoughts (that is, also looking for a used 50-150). Main reason being is that I am a little concerned about focusing speed (to be used on a K5-ii with waterhousing...makes manual focusing cumbersome).

I see that the upgraded Sigma 50-150 (with OS) Is not available in a Pentax mount. Bummer...hence the reason why you're looking for an earlier version?

I would love to stand corrected on the speed of focusing of the DA* 50-135mm.

Posted pics are great!

[PJay]

"I would love to stand corrected on the speed of focusing of the DA* 50-135mm."

In particular when used on the K5-ii

Thank you.

[dankoBanana]

Hi Danko,

I would like to get my hands on the 50-135mm and your comment is inline with my thoughts (that is, also looking for a used 50-150). Main reason being is that I am a little concerned about focusing speed (to be used on a K5-ii with waterhousing...makes manual focusing cumbersome).

I see that the upgraded Sigma 50-150 (with OS) Is not available in a Pentax mount. Bummer...hence the reason why you're looking for an earlier version?

I would love to stand corrected on the speed of focusing of the DA* 50-135mm.

Posted pics are great!

the new versions weight and size defeats a purpose of having a 50-150 instead of a 70-200 lens. its huge and heavy
I once borrowed the 50-135 to shoot animals in the ZOO. It was too slow to track rabbits hopping. when it succeded, the image was GREAT, but its too god damn slow.

[PJay]

Danko,

Appreciate your reply. Yes I saw the specs of the updated version (with OS) and agree with your comments. Guess that's why I'm chasing exactly what you are!

Seriously? 50-135mm Too slow to track a waskily wabbit?? That sounds too hard to believe. Mind you, they're quite nimble.

Would love to hear from someone else who has used this lens for 'action' shots using a K5-II.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

[philbaum]

By the way, does anyone know how to get a new hood for the DA 50-135. Mine no longer locks very securely on the lens :-(

IMO, Pentax needs to do a spruce-up on this remarkable lens - faster focus motor and new coatings. But i love this lens.

[Lurch]

My 50-135 arrived this afternoon!

First thoughts are that yeah; 'Dang the AF is slow". It feels like the lens is trying to focus through mud.
But; 'Wow it takes a nice shot'

[PJay]

My 50-135 arrived this afternoon!

Lucky You!

[jaywes]

My 50-135 arrived this afternoon!

First thoughts are that yeah; 'Dang the AF is slow". It feels like the lens is trying to focus through mud.
But; 'Wow it takes a nice shot'

I am 2 secs from pulling the trigger on a 50-135. Is the AF, THAT bad/slow? I am getting very skeptical. I plan to use it to photograph my kids as well as architecture & automotive. I do not have a WR lens to pair with my K-5 either so this would be a great addition.

[langkata]

I've never thought the af was that slow, as quick for me as my primes using center point focus. I've used it to catch dogs chasing tennis balls pretty well so doubt kids would be a problem. But there are alot of complaints so there must be something to it. Maybe I just have a good copy? Here's a pick of some pelicans I caught:

Flickr

[jaywes]

I've never thought the af was that slow, as quick for me as my primes using center point focus. I've used it to catch dogs chasing tennis balls pretty well so doubt kids would be a problem. But there are alot of complaints so there must be something to it. Maybe I just have a good copy? Here's a pick of some pelicans I caught:

Flickr

Thanks for the response. I am more toward actually purchasing it as the most action it will see is my kids and panning shots of auto racing but that a different animal all together. Most will be street shooting, architecture and still autos & vehicles.

[philbaum]

I am 2 secs from pulling the trigger on a 50-135. Is the AF, THAT bad/slow? I am getting very skeptical. I plan to use it to photograph my kids as well as architecture & automotive. I do not have a WR lens to pair with my K-5 either so this would be a great addition.

If anything happened to my DA 50-135, i would buy another one. Nope, its not a fast focusing lens but the optics more than make up for it, IMO. Its the lens i shift to when its raining or snowing or i'm at 5200 feet , bundled up and snowshoeing. I don't badmouth the lens that makes me look good :-)

[VladM]

I got the 50-135 and love the IQ. The SDM got slower, and failed recently. I disabled the SDM and it seems a little faster focusing with the screw (I cannot quantify this since I never timed it with SDM working), just my impression. Focus accuracy is just as good.
I will never give this lens up.

[Driline]

Thanks for the response. I am more toward actually purchasing it as the most action it will see is my kids and panning shots of auto racing but that a different animal all together. Most will be street shooting, architecture and still autos & vehicles.

I shoot my nieces softball games with it and and never had a problem getting the shot. Now drag racing or professional sports that's all together something different

I also will never give up this lens. It's that good. Pixie dust by the gallons.

[jaywes]

OK. Thanks guys. I am fully convinced (as if I wasn't already). I will be purchasing this lens very soon. Hopefully by next week. Thanks and back to the amazing photos with this gem..

[jkobleur]

I disabled the SDM and it seems a little faster focusing with the screw

I have the same problem but don't know how to disable SDM and switch to screw drive. Can you explain how, please? Thanks.

NM. I scrolled down and found the thread telling how to do it. Now to find the courage to actually try it!