DA* 300mm focus ring

Black Magic · 06-29-2009, 11:43 AM

I received the DA* 300mm in the mail from prodigital2000 a couple of days ago, and have been testing it out. Great lens so far. But, I've noticed that the focus ring has a very slight wobble. I don't notice it when manually focusing, turning the ring either left or right, but I do notice it when I rest the focus ring on my left hand for support, and when removing my left hand. Can anyone else with the DA* 300 test theirs to see if theirs is the same? Is this normal, and if not will it affect weather sealing?

GLXLR · 06-29-2009, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Black Magic

I received the DA* 300mm in the mail from prodigital2000 a couple of days ago, and have been testing it out. Great lens so far. But, I've noticed that the focus ring has a very slight wobble. I don't notice it when manually focusing, turning the ring either left or right, but I do notice it when I rest the focus ring on my left hand for support, and when removing my left hand. Can anyone else with the DA* 300 test theirs to see if theirs is the same? Is this normal, and if not will it affect weather sealing?

I have the same problem with my 50-135mm. I think you should go to them and get a refund for a defective product. If you can't, try going to the store and compare it with another 300mm.

borno · 06-29-2009, 12:59 PM

Mine has always had a little play also, and others have also said the same when the lens came out last year. You may be able to find the old thread, but I seem to recall the consensus was it was normal for the DA300 to have a little play. I'd guess the focus ring is turning a gear underneath that is coupled to the focus clutch and the gear is probably what has the seals. (just a guess though)

philbaum · 06-29-2009, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by borno

Mine has always had a little play also, and others have also said the same when the lens came out last year. You may be able to find the old thread, but I seem to recall the consensus was it was normal for the DA300 to have a little play. I'd guess the focus ring is turning a gear underneath that is coupled to the focus clutch and the gear is probably what has the seals. (just a guess though)

I got my 300 about 7 months ago, and its always had the slight wobble too. I love the lens!!!

I think borno is right, it doesn't affect sealing because there likely is an inner mechanism that is sealed instead. Sealing that very large focus ring would likely lead to a lot of friction. But in any case it seems normal to me.

Phil

**pentaxman** · 06-29-2009, 09:44 PM

I haven't noticed any wobble in my focusing ring. I normally take the tripod mount off when I am hand-holding my camera and rest my hand on the part of the lens the tripod mount attaches to. The tripod mount comes off very easily and quickly - it is an excellent design. It seems like the lens and camera would be front heavy, but it actually balances very nicely like this. I love this lens. Look at the bokeh on this picture. This was handheld at F5.6:

06-29-2009, 11:43 AM	#1
Black Magic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 107	*DA 300mm focus ring** I received the DA* 300mm in the mail from prodigital2000 a couple of days ago, and have been testing it out. Great lens so far. But, I've noticed that the focus ring has a very slight wobble. I don't notice it when manually focusing, turning the ring either left or right, but I do notice it when I rest the focus ring on my left hand for support, and when removing my left hand. Can anyone else with the DA* 300 test theirs to see if theirs is the same? Is this normal, and if not will it affect weather sealing?

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06-29-2009, 11:52 AM	#2
GLXLR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 684	Originally posted by Black Magic I received the DA* 300mm in the mail from prodigital2000 a couple of days ago, and have been testing it out. Great lens so far. But, I've noticed that the focus ring has a very slight wobble. I don't notice it when manually focusing, turning the ring either left or right, but I do notice it when I rest the focus ring on my left hand for support, and when removing my left hand. Can anyone else with the DA* 300 test theirs to see if theirs is the same? Is this normal, and if not will it affect weather sealing? I have the same problem with my 50-135mm. I think you should go to them and get a refund for a defective product. If you can't, try going to the store and compare it with another 300mm.

06-29-2009, 12:59 PM	#3
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	Mine has always had a little play also, and others have also said the same when the lens came out last year. You may be able to find the old thread, but I seem to recall the consensus was it was normal for the DA300 to have a little play. I'd guess the focus ring is turning a gear underneath that is coupled to the focus clutch and the gear is probably what has the seals. (just a guess though)

06-29-2009, 07:20 PM	#4
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by borno Mine has always had a little play also, and others have also said the same when the lens came out last year. You may be able to find the old thread, but I seem to recall the consensus was it was normal for the DA300 to have a little play. I'd guess the focus ring is turning a gear underneath that is coupled to the focus clutch and the gear is probably what has the seals. (just a guess though) I got my 300 about 7 months ago, and its always had the slight wobble too. I love the lens!!! I think borno is right, it doesn't affect sealing because there likely is an inner mechanism that is sealed instead. Sealing that very large focus ring would likely lead to a lot of friction. But in any case it seems normal to me. Phil

06-29-2009, 09:44 PM	#5
pentaxman Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Washington Photos: Gallery Posts: 250	I haven't noticed any wobble in my focusing ring. I normally take the tripod mount off when I am hand-holding my camera and rest my hand on the part of the lens the tripod mount attaches to. The tripod mount comes off very easily and quickly - it is an excellent design. It seems like the lens and camera would be front heavy, but it actually balances very nicely like this. I love this lens. Look at the bokeh on this picture. This was handheld at F5.6: