Low light AF/AL speed test

Hey Elwood · 02-07-2012, 09:26 AM

Hello everyone,

I currently have a k20d with a Pentax DA* 50-135 mm 2.8 lens and a Tamron 16-50mm 2.8 lens. I'm not happy at all with how the speed and accuracy of the AF/AL system. It takes almost 2 to 3 seconds for the camera to lock onto an object and the pictures are usually out of focus. I'm concidering picking up a K-5 since I've heard that the AF system is better then the K20d. I'm really concerned that the AF system is still going to be way too slow and inaccurate.

I'm asking to see if anyone who owns a k-5 can produce a video simular to the one listed below but showing how it functions in a low light environment (please note, I'm looking for a video to see how fast and accurate the AF system is for still photos not for video). I know how much faster the AF system is in the Nikon d7000 and I'm thinking about changing systems for that very reason (I've lost a few gigs because of the slowness of the AF system).

You Tube

Anvh · 02-07-2012, 10:40 AM

The K5 has some isseus with low light and accuracy so maybe you want to hold out a month or two to see what the new pentax will bring.

However i've done some concert shooting with the K5 with the 16-50 and 50-135 lenses and it worked out for me though.

wlachan · 02-07-2012, 02:41 PM

That video appears cool but you can't tell if the combo really nailed the focus or just almost. Something you can't tell until seeing the full frame pics. If AF performance is your primary concern, maybe you are in the wrong system.

Hey Elwood · 02-07-2012, 02:50 PM

Exactly my point for asking the question. I've been very disappointed with the k20 and I want to determine if I should move to a Nikon d7000 or pick up a K-5 since I have 2 2.8 lenses that I can use with it (k-5)

RustyToyotaVT · 02-07-2012, 09:05 PM

The K5 autofocus speed is great in proper lighting. It does tend to be a bit slower in low light (church, during dancing at receptions) but it's not night and day worse than my Nikons. The Nikon probably has a better threshold for how much light it NEEDS to focus though, but if you're pushing those limits you're in the minority of all users.

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02-07-2012, 10:40 AM	#2
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	The K5 has some isseus with low light and accuracy so maybe you want to hold out a month or two to see what the new pentax will bring. However i've done some concert shooting with the K5 with the 16-50 and 50-135 lenses and it worked out for me though.

02-07-2012, 02:41 PM	#3
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	That video appears cool but you can't tell if the combo really nailed the focus or just almost. Something you can't tell until seeing the full frame pics. If AF performance is your primary concern, maybe you are in the wrong system.

02-07-2012, 02:50 PM	#4
Hey Elwood Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Highland, MI Posts: 336 Original Poster	Exactly my point for asking the question. I've been very disappointed with the k20 and I want to determine if I should move to a Nikon d7000 or pick up a K-5 since I have 2 2.8 lenses that I can use with it (k-5)

02-07-2012, 09:05 PM	#5
RustyToyotaVT Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Posts: 103	The K5 autofocus speed is great in proper lighting. It does tend to be a bit slower in low light (church, during dancing at receptions) but it's not night and day worse than my Nikons. The Nikon probably has a better threshold for how much light it NEEDS to focus though, but if you're pushing those limits you're in the minority of all users.