[slip]

I was reading that some of the usm glass is slower to focus with the k5II /iis, in particular the 50-135 2.8. It was one that was near the top of my list, but I want fast focus for indoor sports as well as the main purpose...as a portrait lens.
Will or can a firmware update address this issue?

Thanks

Randy

[Adam]

I was reading that some of the usm glass is slower to focus with the k5II /iis, in particular the 50-135 2.8. It was one that was near the top of my list, but I want fast focus for indoor sports as well as the main purpose...as a portrait lens.
Will or can a firmware update address this issue?

Thanks

Randy

There are currently no firmware updates for the K-5 IIs. The AF isn't uber-fast for sports, but it should get the job done, an fortunately, it's very decisive in low light.

But one very fast-focusing lens is the Sigma 70-200mm! Their HSM is much better than Pentax's SDM both when it comes to reliability and speed.
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM for Pentax 589109 B&H

[DSims]

Also the screw-drive FA135 focuses quite quickly on the K-5 IIs. The FA*85 does well also. The DA*50-135 is a great lens, but its slow focusing speed is difficult to use for action on either the K-5 or K-5 IIs. For this reason I've been using the aforementioned primes, as well as the F*300/4.5. But the DA*50-135 works great for portraits and most other uses, I've found. For example, the DA*50-135 was just fast enough in focusing (on the K-5 IIs) to use for the Holiday Parade I shot last weekend, but too slow for a running race. Primes work great for running races because the athletes follow a predictable path at a relatively steady pace, only veering a little as they jockey for position. They may not be as suitable for some other sports, such as soccer. But it's surprising how well primes can work out in many situations.

I don't have the Sigma 70-200 that Adam mentioned (you need to specifically get the latest one he linked to, not an older, less expensive version), but many on the forum here love it for sports. Have you seen this thread? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5/115277-k-5-sports-photography.html

[creampuff]

My friend has a new DA* 50-135mm (recent production batch) on the K-5IIs and according to him, the SDM focusing definitely feels quicker than before. The AF of the K-5IIs does show noticeable improvement over the K-5, not just in low light.

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Last edited by creampuff; 12-18-2012 at 07:23 AM.

[goubejp]

My friend has a new DA* 50-135mm (recent production batch) on the K-5IIs and according to him, the SDM focusing definitely feels quicker than before. The AF of the K-5IIs does show noticeable improvement over the K-5, not just in low light.

Agreed, the slow speed of the 50-135 is caused mainly by the lack of power of the SDM engine; it can't be fixed by software; apparently they have improved this aspect in recent production batches

[goubejp]

The only firmware improvement that could be done would be to allow the camera to AF with the screw drive even with SDM lenses; this kind of firmware imporvements have been asked for ages by many of us...

[lightbulb]

Side by Side between 16 50 and 18 135 the former focuses faster on k5iis. No more indecisive lock.

[Alizarine]

OP, am not sure when you plan on buying but I'll post here some findings when my 50-135 arrives. Good luck on your decision