[WillWeaverRVA]

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So I'm looking at lenses for my sports kit (namely, basketball) since I'm not going to be getting a K-1 any time soon. I've heard about the DA*50-135's notorious slow AF, but I was wondering if the AF is any faster after it's converted to screwdrive (I'm using a K-3). How does it compare to the Sigma 50-150 that's crazy hard to find?

(I've had some pretty good results with non-HSM/non-SDM screwdriven lenses - for example, I use a Tamron 28-75 for a good deal of my college basketball photography.)

[slip]

I don't own the 50-150 but can tell you Sigma brand lenses (I have the older 70-200 2.8) have quite a bit faster auto focus then my 50-135 converted to screw drive. The conversion does improve the autofocus speed of the 50-135.

Randy

[clackers]

I'd have no reservation shootibg anything courtside (tennis, basketball) with my 50-135 now it's screwdrive.

Have no idea about the Sigma other than it's apparently a very good lens.

[ScooterMaxi Jim]

I've been keeping an eye out for the Sigma 50-150 - and we might be waiting a good long time for one to show up. The images and reviews have been very positive. This is the older, smaller lens that came out before the much-larger unit with OS that never was produced in K-mount.

The only nitpicks I heard is that the Sigma isn't really 150 - probably has quite a bit of focus breathing. Of course, the focus ring turns in the "wrong" direction, and you don't have WR. However, the quicker AF speed is an important consideration - especially if action shooting is a priority.

[nomadkng]

I once owned the 50-135, I currently own the 50-150. I cannot tell you how much converting to screwdrive will improve the 50-135, but I can tell you the 50-150 is significantly faster than the 50-135 was. It's why I sold my 50-135, it could not keep up with ANY movement at all of the subject, especially at f2.8.

Since there is no appreciable difference in IQ between the 2, I'd hold out for the 50-150. I see about 1 a month on ebay or the Marketplace. In fact here is one:

sigma 50-150 pentax | eBay

I love my 50-150 so much, I'm not sure I will part with it, even though it will see limited use with my K1.

[realitarian]

Second the Sigma 50-150. I use it for (indoor) roller derby shooting. AF is fast enough and the f2.8 is nice so that I don't have to bump up the ISO too much on my K3. IQ is great. It does cost a pretty penny though. The eBay link above...is about how much I paid last year.

Dunno about the AF speed on Pentax 50-135.

I needed practice to get proper shots with the sigma, initial ones were blurry in different parts of the picture. But that was probably just me learning how to work with the SR system and a monopod (sometimes leaving SR on with a tripod and not getting good shots).

[WillWeaverRVA]

I once owned the 50-135, I currently own the 50-150. I cannot tell you how much converting to screwdrive will improve the 50-135, but I can tell you the 50-150 is significantly faster than the 50-135 was. It's why I sold my 50-135, it could not keep up with ANY movement at all of the subject, especially at f2.8.

Since there is no appreciable difference in IQ between the 2, I'd hold out for the 50-150. I see about 1 a month on ebay or the Marketplace. In fact here is one:

sigma 50-150 pentax | eBay

I love my 50-150 so much, I'm not sure I will part with it, even though it will see limited use with my K1.

Huh, that one wasn't there the other day! I might have to think about it...noticed this is the same seller as another listing from last month.

Thanks for the insight. I have the old Sigma 70-200 HSM II and I like its AF speed, I was looking for something like this to keep me from having to use two bodies as often as I do for closer action. (I plan to keep that lens in case I do get a K-1 later.)

[nomadkng]

Huh, that one wasn't there the other day! I might have to think about it...noticed this is the same seller as another listing from last month.

Thanks for the insight. I have the old Sigma 70-200 HSM II and I like its AF speed, I was looking for something like this to keep me from having to use two bodies as often as I do for closer action. (I plan to keep that lens in case I do get a K-1 later.)

Honestly, on an APS-C body, you aren't going to see a whole lot of advantage of 50 vs 70mm.

I have the Sigma 100-300 f4 and I purchased the 50-150 over the 70-200 at the time because of price and weight. Unless you find yourself NEVER using 200mm in your shoots, I'd honestly suggest you stay with 2 bodies since there is no 24/28-105 f4 in k-mount. The 70-200 is going to be faster than the 50-150 (my 100-300 f4 is also faster), just because it (they) have been optimized for action shooting. It's the next step above the 50-150.

[seventysixersfan]

I don't know about the screwdrive speed of the DA* 50-135, but here is an older thread that compares the Sigma 50-150 with the DA* 50-135. It may still be of interest:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/53035-sigma...-shootout.html

[pearsaab]

So I'm looking at lenses for my sports kit (namely, basketball) since I'm not going to be getting a K-1 any time soon. I've heard about the DA*50-135's notorious slow AF, but I was wondering if the AF is any faster after it's converted to screwdrive (I'm using a K-3). How does it compare to the Sigma 50-150 that's crazy hard to find?

(I've had some pretty good results with non-HSM/non-SDM screwdriven lenses - for example, I use a Tamron 28-75 for a good deal of my college basketball photography.)

Will we have a 50-135 that hasn't been converted to screwdrive if you want to play around with it to see how fast or slow it is...I have used it for running photos and thought it did a pretty good job

[WillWeaverRVA]

Will we have a 50-135 that hasn't been converted to screwdrive if you want to play around with it to see how fast or slow it is...I have used it for running photos and thought it did a pretty good job

You do?! I might have to borrow that from you sometime! :P