Slow lens focus on K5II/s

derekkite · 03-19-2013, 11:33 PM

One of the improvements of the II pair are low light focus. There is a thread where someone is testing the Sigma 500mm 4.5 with the Sigma 2x tc and found that the K5 focuses much better than his K5IIs in similar adequate light. I would have thought the opposite. I find my K5 has trouble in low light with my DA*300 which is F4 and was considering the K5IIs for improved autofocus. I'm wondering if that would indeed be the case. Any experiences?

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/217502-sigma-5...nverter-2.html

**bjdavey** · 03-20-2013, 01:05 AM

I have a both a K5 and K5 IIs. The IIs focuses significantly faster and more decisively, especially in low light - it is a pleasure to use. That is true for all my lenses, including the DA*300. I used to mostly get by with the K5, but after using the IIs for a while, it is now quite frustrating to use the K5, where the comparative slow focusing and hunting in low light is now very noticeable.

ksm · 03-20-2013, 01:13 AM

Exactly as bjdavey said.
I got frustrated especially indoors with K5. But K5IIs changed everything. It is a keeper! It is also better in backlighted scenario outdoors. Plus the photos are razor sharp with the filterless version. I you can, go for it!

**jbinpg** · 03-20-2013, 08:58 AM

Hi, Derek. Read the referred Sigma lens thread. Nowhere is there an indication of which firmware version the K-5 and IIs have onboard. The very first firmware update for the IIs was to improve AF with the new 560mm lens (and likely all lenses although not stated in the update notes). My IIs/DA*300 has no problem acquiring focus with moderate to high contrast targets. For low contrast subjects, even the best PDAF modules out there will struggle.

Jack

03-19-2013, 11:33 PM	#1
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Slow lens focus on K5II/s One of the improvements of the II pair are low light focus. There is a thread where someone is testing the Sigma 500mm 4.5 with the Sigma 2x tc and found that the K5 focuses much better than his K5IIs in similar adequate light. I would have thought the opposite. I find my K5 has trouble in low light with my DA*300 which is F4 and was considering the K5IIs for improved autofocus. I'm wondering if that would indeed be the case. Any experiences? https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/217502-sigma-5...nverter-2.html

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03-20-2013, 01:05 AM	#2
bjdavey Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Alexandria, VA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 162	I have a both a K5 and K5 IIs. The IIs focuses significantly faster and more decisively, especially in low light - it is a pleasure to use. That is true for all my lenses, including the DA*300. I used to mostly get by with the K5, but after using the IIs for a while, it is now quite frustrating to use the K5, where the comparative slow focusing and hunting in low light is now very noticeable.

03-20-2013, 01:13 AM	#3
ksm Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Brussels Posts: 45	Exactly as bjdavey said. I got frustrated especially indoors with K5. But K5IIs changed everything. It is a keeper! It is also better in backlighted scenario outdoors. Plus the photos are razor sharp with the filterless version. I you can, go for it!

03-20-2013, 08:58 AM	#4
jbinpg Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Prince George, BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,546	Hi, Derek. Read the referred Sigma lens thread. Nowhere is there an indication of which firmware version the K-5 and IIs have onboard. The very first firmware update for the IIs was to improve AF with the new 560mm lens (and likely all lenses although not stated in the update notes). My IIs/DA*300 has no problem acquiring focus with moderate to high contrast targets. For low contrast subjects, even the best PDAF modules out there will struggle. Jack