Silent focusing, any ideas?

MartinsB · 05-05-2015, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by rrstuff

Here are my options: - use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens

Olympus has a loud shutter. Much louder than Pentax K-{7,5,3} DSLR's.

bdery · 05-05-2015, 07:04 AM

I'd use your DA40 or DA50. Focus on the prop before the presentation starts, the micro adjustments should not generate any noticeable noise. The 18-135 is not suited for this kind of lighting.

By the way, congratulations on your thesis! I remember my defense quite well, sadly I didn't think to ask anyone to take pictures.

stevebrot · 05-05-2015, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by JinDesu

You could also consider selling the 16-45 for the 18-50 DC WR collapsible lens if you are worried about price.

The main problem would be that the 16-45 is much better optically.

Steve

stevebrot · 05-05-2015, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I'd use your DA40 or DA50. Focus on the prop before the presentation starts

Agreed. The last time I photographed a presentation, I went manual on the exposure (much more predictable and you can determine the setting ahead of time) and, eventually, also on the focus. Stage lighting allows for a reasonable aperture for adequate DOF.

Steve

IchabodCrane · 05-05-2015, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by rrstuff

Hi,

I typically use the DA16-45, but I ended up with a total of 1 photo of my Ph.D. defense, because my wife was too self-conscious about the focusing noise, claiming she was taking everyone's attention every time the lens autofocused. Which is too bad.

I have some friends defending soon and I am trying to see if it would be worth to buy something with SDM or DC motor. This is a very specific application, so I would rather spend as little money as possible. I would be buying everything on ebay or keh. Many of those things are a bit hard to come buy.

Here are my options:
- use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens
- use manual focus on the DA16-45, which is a bit difficult, but possible in live-view
- get the DA18-135, which is costlier than any lens I own so far and a bit more than I would like to spend.
- Get a sigma 17-50 or 17-70 HSM, which are even more expensive.
- Get a canon 20D/30D and an apparently pretty good 18-55 IS STM or a 24mm F2.8 STM. That is cheaper than the 18-135 or the sigmas.

An alternative would be to just sell the 16-45 and buy a 16-50, but the former is my favorite lens and I am worried about the SDM motor.

The lecture halls are typically quite dim, so better low light capabilities would be a plus. I am leaning to just using MF, but I am also thinking there will be other cases in which it would be nice to have a silent focusing and low light capability.

Here's my kit so far: 10-20 F4-5.6, DA16-45, Sigma 28mm F2.8 MF, DA 40, DA 50 F1.8, Tamron 90mm F2.8 172E, 55-300, Olympus E-PM2 with kit zooms, Olympus E-1 (silent shutter!) without anything at the moment.

Consider the Sigma 17-70 "C". Focus is quieter then the DA 18-135 (I have both) though neither is a problem in that regard. Most important, it's a faster lens and you can buy it right now in the USA for $399 as Sigma is having a sale.

mikeSF · 05-05-2015, 08:27 AM

was she walking around the room alot to get multiple angles? If not, just use AF once before shooting several shots from the same spot. Try back button focus or switch off the AF after focusing.
The SDM lenses are certainly quiet, so worth a try

CIF would be my choice

Regarding the shutter noise, don't some cameras have a mirror up burst mode that relies on electronic shutter? I remember using that years ago on my K20D for bees in flight (bIF).

good luck and if all else fails, smartphone it in!

danny09 · 05-05-2015, 09:33 AM

Congrats on your PhD!! When I presented my thesis there werent so many affordable digital cams.Regret that very much.
Your best bet is indeed 18-135 rather than a prime. Why? range and reach; unpredictable composition choices etc.
If you can afford can you rent the 16-50 2.8? Else a used 18-135 for US$ 300 shipped would be awesome.

rrstuff · 05-05-2015, 03:47 PM

Hi, thanks for all the suggestions. I was wondering if I missed an elephant in the room, like an old sigma lens with HSM that I overlooked.
Problem with second-hand lenses for Pentax is that there aren't many around.

I am a bit worried about DA18-135 because of sharpness, but it seems to have a very nice usability. The new one on amazon costs $340, so it probably makes more sense to buy it there, rather than a used one for $300. Sigma 17-70 and 17-50 are great, if I can ever find some used ones, but DA16-45 is quite good, cheap, and fills 99% of my needs, so replacement would be a pure LBA.

What I am thinking of now is MF-ing for friends' defenses and talks, buying a 14-54mm for $80 for my olympus E-1, so I have a cheap, weatherproof and disposable system. The DA18-135 would be the best in good light, just like the E-1 is and if I fall into the water with an E-1 and 14-54, I won't worry too much.

rawr · 05-05-2015, 07:13 PM

It has to be asked: what about just shooting video instead?
Should be pretty quiet.

bassek · 05-06-2015, 02:26 AM

Originally posted by bdery

I'd use your DA40 or DA50.

Or your Sigma MF 28/2.8 if you need wider. The DA35/2.4 may be an option, slightly wider and faster than the DA40/2.8. And easier to MF I guess.
I don't know about the Sigma 30/1.4 but it's faster.

Seb

shuttles12000 · 06-19-2015, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by rrstuff

Hi,

I typically use the DA16-45, but I ended up with a total of 1 photo of my Ph.D. defense, because my wife was too self-conscious about the focusing noise, claiming she was taking everyone's attention every time the lens autofocused. Which is too bad.

I have some friends defending soon and I am trying to see if it would be worth to buy something with SDM or DC motor. This is a very specific application, so I would rather spend as little money as possible. I would be buying everything on ebay or keh. Many of those things are a bit hard to come buy.

Here are my options:
- use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens
- use manual focus on the DA16-45, which is a bit difficult, but possible in live-view
- get the DA18-135, which is costlier than any lens I own so far and a bit more than I would like to spend.
- Get a sigma 17-50 or 17-70 HSM, which are even more expensive.
- Get a canon 20D/30D and an apparently pretty good 18-55 IS STM or a 24mm F2.8 STM. That is cheaper than the 18-135 or the sigmas.

An alternative would be to just sell the 16-45 and buy a 16-50, but the former is my favorite lens and I am worried about the SDM motor.

The lecture halls are typically quite dim, so better low light capabilities would be a plus. I am leaning to just using MF, but I am also thinking there will be other cases in which it would be nice to have a silent focusing and low light capability.

Here's my kit so far: 10-20 F4-5.6, DA16-45, Sigma 28mm F2.8 MF, DA 40, DA 50 F1.8, Tamron 90mm F2.8 172E, 55-300, Olympus E-PM2 with kit zooms, Olympus E-1 (silent shutter!) without anything at the moment.

What about a Pentax 17-70mm F4 lens? You only give up 1 stop of light and it's a great walk around lens. All of the SDM issues have been fixed on new models.
I have one and it's my go to lens.

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05-05-2015, 06:34 AM	#16
MartinsB Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 67	Originally posted by rrstuff Here are my options: - use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens Olympus has a loud shutter. Much louder than Pentax K-{7,5,3} DSLR's.

05-05-2015, 07:04 AM	#17
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I'd use your DA40 or DA50. Focus on the prop before the presentation starts, the micro adjustments should not generate any noticeable noise. The 18-135 is not suited for this kind of lighting. By the way, congratulations on your thesis! I remember my defense quite well, sadly I didn't think to ask anyone to take pictures.

05-05-2015, 07:50 AM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by JinDesu You could also consider selling the 16-45 for the 18-50 DC WR collapsible lens if you are worried about price. The main problem would be that the 16-45 is much better optically. Steve

05-05-2015, 07:54 AM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by bdery I'd use your DA40 or DA50. Focus on the prop before the presentation starts Agreed. The last time I photographed a presentation, I went manual on the exposure (much more predictable and you can determine the setting ahead of time) and, eventually, also on the focus. Stage lighting allows for a reasonable aperture for adequate DOF. Steve

05-05-2015, 08:03 AM	#20
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by rrstuff Hi, I typically use the DA16-45, but I ended up with a total of 1 photo of my Ph.D. defense, because my wife was too self-conscious about the focusing noise, claiming she was taking everyone's attention every time the lens autofocused. Which is too bad. I have some friends defending soon and I am trying to see if it would be worth to buy something with SDM or DC motor. This is a very specific application, so I would rather spend as little money as possible. I would be buying everything on ebay or keh. Many of those things are a bit hard to come buy. Here are my options: - use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens - use manual focus on the DA16-45, which is a bit difficult, but possible in live-view - get the DA18-135, which is costlier than any lens I own so far and a bit more than I would like to spend. - Get a sigma 17-50 or 17-70 HSM, which are even more expensive. - Get a canon 20D/30D and an apparently pretty good 18-55 IS STM or a 24mm F2.8 STM. That is cheaper than the 18-135 or the sigmas. An alternative would be to just sell the 16-45 and buy a 16-50, but the former is my favorite lens and I am worried about the SDM motor. The lecture halls are typically quite dim, so better low light capabilities would be a plus. I am leaning to just using MF, but I am also thinking there will be other cases in which it would be nice to have a silent focusing and low light capability. Here's my kit so far: 10-20 F4-5.6, DA16-45, Sigma 28mm F2.8 MF, DA 40, DA 50 F1.8, Tamron 90mm F2.8 172E, 55-300, Olympus E-PM2 with kit zooms, Olympus E-1 (silent shutter!) without anything at the moment. Consider the Sigma 17-70 "C". Focus is quieter then the DA 18-135 (I have both) though neither is a problem in that regard. Most important, it's a faster lens and you can buy it right now in the USA for $399 as Sigma is having a sale.

05-05-2015, 08:27 AM	#21
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	was she walking around the room alot to get multiple angles? If not, just use AF once before shooting several shots from the same spot. Try back button focus or switch off the AF after focusing. The SDM lenses are certainly quiet, so worth a try CIF would be my choice Regarding the shutter noise, don't some cameras have a mirror up burst mode that relies on electronic shutter? I remember using that years ago on my K20D for bees in flight (bIF). good luck and if all else fails, smartphone it in!

05-05-2015, 09:33 AM	#22
danny09 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 417	Congrats on your PhD!! When I presented my thesis there werent so many affordable digital cams.Regret that very much. Your best bet is indeed 18-135 rather than a prime. Why? range and reach; unpredictable composition choices etc. If you can afford can you rent the 16-50 2.8? Else a used 18-135 for US$ 300 shipped would be awesome.

05-05-2015, 03:47 PM	#23
rrstuff Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Pasadena, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,126 Original Poster	Hi, thanks for all the suggestions. I was wondering if I missed an elephant in the room, like an old sigma lens with HSM that I overlooked. Problem with second-hand lenses for Pentax is that there aren't many around. I am a bit worried about DA18-135 because of sharpness, but it seems to have a very nice usability. The new one on amazon costs $340, so it probably makes more sense to buy it there, rather than a used one for $300. Sigma 17-70 and 17-50 are great, if I can ever find some used ones, but DA16-45 is quite good, cheap, and fills 99% of my needs, so replacement would be a pure LBA. What I am thinking of now is MF-ing for friends' defenses and talks, buying a 14-54mm for $80 for my olympus E-1, so I have a cheap, weatherproof and disposable system. The DA18-135 would be the best in good light, just like the E-1 is and if I fall into the water with an E-1 and 14-54, I won't worry too much.

05-05-2015, 07:13 PM	#24
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	It has to be asked: what about just shooting video instead? Should be pretty quiet.

05-06-2015, 02:26 AM	#25
bassek Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 706	Originally posted by bdery I'd use your DA40 or DA50. Or your Sigma MF 28/2.8 if you need wider. The DA35/2.4 may be an option, slightly wider and faster than the DA40/2.8. And easier to MF I guess. I don't know about the Sigma 30/1.4 but it's faster. Seb

06-19-2015, 03:46 PM	#26
shuttles12000 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hobart TAS Posts: 87	Originally posted by rrstuff Hi, I typically use the DA16-45, but I ended up with a total of 1 photo of my Ph.D. defense, because my wife was too self-conscious about the focusing noise, claiming she was taking everyone's attention every time the lens autofocused. Which is too bad. I have some friends defending soon and I am trying to see if it would be worth to buy something with SDM or DC motor. This is a very specific application, so I would rather spend as little money as possible. I would be buying everything on ebay or keh. Many of those things are a bit hard to come buy. Here are my options: - use an MFT camera (EPM2) and a kit lens - use manual focus on the DA16-45, which is a bit difficult, but possible in live-view - get the DA18-135, which is costlier than any lens I own so far and a bit more than I would like to spend. - Get a sigma 17-50 or 17-70 HSM, which are even more expensive. - Get a canon 20D/30D and an apparently pretty good 18-55 IS STM or a 24mm F2.8 STM. That is cheaper than the 18-135 or the sigmas. An alternative would be to just sell the 16-45 and buy a 16-50, but the former is my favorite lens and I am worried about the SDM motor. The lecture halls are typically quite dim, so better low light capabilities would be a plus. I am leaning to just using MF, but I am also thinking there will be other cases in which it would be nice to have a silent focusing and low light capability. Here's my kit so far: 10-20 F4-5.6, DA16-45, Sigma 28mm F2.8 MF, DA 40, DA 50 F1.8, Tamron 90mm F2.8 172E, 55-300, Olympus E-PM2 with kit zooms, Olympus E-1 (silent shutter!) without anything at the moment. What about a Pentax 17-70mm F4 lens? You only give up 1 stop of light and it's a great walk around lens. All of the SDM issues have been fixed on new models. I have one and it's my go to lens.