K5IIs Perfect Camera for Me, Except the Low Light Focus Thing, Alternative?

**Biff** · 06-16-2019, 08:30 AM

Hey folks-

Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer.

Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc.

One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it.

I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me.

Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate.

Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question.

Adam · 06-16-2019, 08:35 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Biff

Hey folks-

Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer.

Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc.

One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it.

I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me.

Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate.

Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question.

On paper, the K-5 IIs is sensitive to -3EV; the best cameras out there at the moment, I believe, can do -4, which isn't a big difference. Newer Pentax models can focus a bit quicker, but the low-light sensitivity remains unchanged.

So, if the camera is hunting, there might simply not be enough contrast in the scene. Another remedy would be to use a faster lens or enable the AF assist light.

**Biff** · 06-16-2019, 09:21 AM

Thank you Adam, very helpful.

I'm going to pay attention more closely to the areas you've mentioned. Great points.

Wasp · 06-16-2019, 10:23 AM

In very low light any auto focus system is facing a formidable challenge. The AF assist light is the easiest solution, but in some cases you don't want it. In street photography you are literally broadcasting what you are up to. At a concert or sports event you will be disturbing the event and people participating in it.

You don't say what lenses you are using. Something like the 18-55mm will be an uphill struggle. At long end you only have f/5.6 to work with. Not ideal.

On the other hand, faster lenses can be a double edged sword. The shallower depth of field creates additional problems, especially in low light. The 50-135mm f/2.8 gets marked down in reviews for focus speed, by way of example.

SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

Experience has taught me to leave my F 70-210mm f/4-5.6 at home after dark.

This leaves manual focus. I have a number of old school MF lenses that just loves to play in the dark. My M 50mm f/1.4 and Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 are just wonderful. Even the M 28mm f/2.8 is pretty good. Live view helps to nail focus by hand.

At this point I could add that an EVF is really useful for low light MF but there is not a lot of love for them new fangled mirrorless things on this forum, so I will not say that.

**pres589** · 06-16-2019, 10:33 AM

Agreed on the question of lens when this is an issue. Also wondering how dark the scenes are when this happens.

I've use my K-5 II a lot in dark scenes and it does quite well there but I try to pare those situations with lenses that are faster than f2.8.

**Biff** · 06-16-2019, 11:17 AM

I'm hoping this summer to use my 77, 43 and 31 Limiteds more, than say the 18-135, so that will certainly help. Although I've had a little issue with the 77 at concerts, but maybe that's more lack of practice. I may also switch more to manual focus, which was what I relied on anyway when I had my old manual Nikon system.

I do love the dynamic range it has.

Thanks all.

**aslyfox** · 06-16-2019, 12:43 PM

if you wanted to spend some $, you could consider renting other camera bodies to do your own testing:

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - PentaxForums.com

however if it was me, I would look at the issues raised by Adam and the other posters first

and use the forum's comparison tool to compare different camera bodies

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-5+I...&c4=Pentax+K-3

before spending the money on a rental

Wasp · 06-16-2019, 01:20 PM

The 77 Ltd with K5 II should do well in low light. Technique can help to overcome the limitations of technology to n extent. I would switch the AF are to the centre of the viewfinder, look for the spot with the most contrast, autofocus on that and adjust the composition. For example, the strings of a guitar are nice and shiny and provides contrast for AF to work. The player's shirt or his face might not have adequate contrast.

hcc · 06-16-2019, 02:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Biff

Hey folks-

Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer.

Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc.

One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it.

I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me.

Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate.

Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question.

You already received some good advice.

I will share a different yet relevant comment. I have 3 Pentax bodies: K-7, K-01 (same sensor as K-5) and K-3. I believe that the K-01 (and K-5) is a good camera for low light, but too many people forget the importance of a good fast lens in low light. A large aperture AF/MF lens (f1.4) will give you a great advantage to shoot in low light. And a large aperture (f1.4) MF lens will give you an edge in very-low light conditions when the AF cannot confirm.

I know that my K-3 body is better at high ISO than my K-01, which itself is better at low light than my K-7 camera. But, I continue to shoot in low light with my K-7 with a fast MF lens and bet happy with my shots. I know that I use a 'trump card', my loved VL Nokton f1.4. But the combo of K-7+fast MF lens will give me a better low light capability than my K-3 with a kit lens. (Sorry to be honest and blunt.)

To sum up, if you are not happy with low light shots, get a fast lens. Your K-5 with a fast lens will deliver....

My 5 cents.

**Biff** · 06-16-2019, 04:22 PM

Great advice everyone.

I'll stick with the K5IIs, think more about the higher contrast areas while in AF, but also use MF more. And practice more. . . and in concerts, with the nice and quiet shutter. . .

I haven't read about the lately about the current 50-135's, may look into them again, if they're less buggy.

reh321 · 06-16-2019, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by Wasp

Live view helps to nail focus by hand.

In low light, my KP will auto focus using LV when it won't focus using the OVF .... often I don't have to go to manual focus.

ghosteclipse · 10-25-2019, 05:38 AM - **1 Like**

My k5iis works at pitch black darkness using the AF assist light. Whereas my K50 I am not confident enough using it at brighter low light conditions unless I have my AF360FGZii mounted.

**reduno** · 10-25-2019, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by Wasp

I would switch the AF are to the centre of the viewfinder, look for the spot with the most contrast, autofocus on that and adjust the composition.

I totally agree with that approach. My K-5 IIs lives in center spot auto focus mode. I shoot quite a few dance recitals, and can usually get focus lock on a bright contrast spot, even before the stage lights come up.

**hjoseph7** · 10-27-2019, 07:28 PM

You might try using the center focusing point (only) when it comes to focusing in low light. Focusing down to -3EV is actually pretty good, only a few higher end models can go down that low.

nanhi · 10-27-2019, 07:50 PM - **1 Like**

The K-5 IIs is a Classic Pentax like the film K-1000 SE. I never have had this AF hunting problem except once in the Columbia Ice Field with a SWA Lens in very cold Foggy Misty conditions.
I never felt the need for the K-3 or the K-1. I have brutally sharp zoom lenses quite a few with f2.8 Apertures.

06-16-2019, 08:30 AM	#1
Biff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Photos: Albums Posts: 1,081	K5IIs Perfect Camera for Me, Except the Low Light Focus Thing, Alternative? Hey folks- Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer. Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc. One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it. I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me. Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate. Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question.

06-16-2019, 08:35 AM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by Biff Hey folks- Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer. Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc. One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it. I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me. Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate. Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question. On paper, the K-5 IIs is sensitive to -3EV; the best cameras out there at the moment, I believe, can do -4, which isn't a big difference. Newer Pentax models can focus a bit quicker, but the low-light sensitivity remains unchanged. So, if the camera is hunting, there might simply not be enough contrast in the scene. Another remedy would be to use a faster lens or enable the AF assist light. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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06-16-2019, 09:21 AM	#3
Biff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Photos: Albums Posts: 1,081 Original Poster	Thank you Adam, very helpful. I'm going to pay attention more closely to the areas you've mentioned. Great points.

06-16-2019, 10:23 AM	#4
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,659	In very low light any auto focus system is facing a formidable challenge. The AF assist light is the easiest solution, but in some cases you don't want it. In street photography you are literally broadcasting what you are up to. At a concert or sports event you will be disturbing the event and people participating in it. You don't say what lenses you are using. Something like the 18-55mm will be an uphill struggle. At long end you only have f/5.6 to work with. Not ideal. On the other hand, faster lenses can be a double edged sword. The shallower depth of field creates additional problems, especially in low light. The 50-135mm f/2.8 gets marked down in reviews for focus speed, by way of example. SMC Pentax-DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM Reviews - DA Zoom Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database Experience has taught me to leave my F 70-210mm f/4-5.6 at home after dark. This leaves manual focus. I have a number of old school MF lenses that just loves to play in the dark. My M 50mm f/1.4 and Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 are just wonderful. Even the M 28mm f/2.8 is pretty good. Live view helps to nail focus by hand. At this point I could add that an EVF is really useful for low light MF but there is not a lot of love for them new fangled mirrorless things on this forum, so I will not say that.

06-16-2019, 10:33 AM	#5
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Agreed on the question of lens when this is an issue. Also wondering how dark the scenes are when this happens. I've use my K-5 II a lot in dark scenes and it does quite well there but I try to pare those situations with lenses that are faster than f2.8.

06-16-2019, 11:17 AM	#6
Biff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Photos: Albums Posts: 1,081 Original Poster	I'm hoping this summer to use my 77, 43 and 31 Limiteds more, than say the 18-135, so that will certainly help. Although I've had a little issue with the 77 at concerts, but maybe that's more lack of practice. I may also switch more to manual focus, which was what I relied on anyway when I had my old manual Nikon system. I do love the dynamic range it has. Thanks all.

06-16-2019, 12:43 PM	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	if you wanted to spend some $, you could consider renting other camera bodies to do your own testing: Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - PentaxForums.com however if it was me, I would look at the issues raised by Adam and the other posters first and use the forum's comparison tool to compare different camera bodies https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-5+I...&c4=Pentax+K-3 before spending the money on a rental

06-16-2019, 01:20 PM	#8
Wasp Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Pretoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,659	The 77 Ltd with K5 II should do well in low light. Technique can help to overcome the limitations of technology to n extent. I would switch the AF are to the centre of the viewfinder, look for the spot with the most contrast, autofocus on that and adjust the composition. For example, the strings of a guitar are nice and shiny and provides contrast for AF to work. The player's shirt or his face might not have adequate contrast.

06-16-2019, 02:03 PM - 1 Like	#9
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	Originally posted by Biff Hey folks- Haven't posted in a while, looking to ramp my photography back up this summer. Even though it's now a few generations old I think my K5IIs is about perfect with things that count to me: feel and handling, rugged, dynamic range, battery life, etc. One think that is sometimes frustrating, and always at the wrong time, is the low light focus hunting. I'm pretty sure I've blown a lot of shots because of it. I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but which body really shines in low light focus? I might keep the K5IIs as a backup anyway as the resale value to me is no where near it's functional value to me. Preferably the low light body still would have many of the K5IIs' attributes I appreciate. Thank you, and sorry if this is an old question. You already received some good advice. I will share a different yet relevant comment. I have 3 Pentax bodies: K-7, K-01 (same sensor as K-5) and K-3. I believe that the K-01 (and K-5) is a good camera for low light, but too many people forget the importance of a good fast lens in low light. A large aperture AF/MF lens (f1.4) will give you a great advantage to shoot in low light. And a large aperture (f1.4) MF lens will give you an edge in very-low light conditions when the AF cannot confirm. I know that my K-3 body is better at high ISO than my K-01, which itself is better at low light than my K-7 camera. But, I continue to shoot in low light with my K-7 with a fast MF lens and bet happy with my shots. I know that I use a 'trump card', my loved VL Nokton f1.4. But the combo of K-7+fast MF lens will give me a better low light capability than my K-3 with a kit lens. (Sorry to be honest and blunt.) To sum up, if you are not happy with low light shots, get a fast lens. Your K-5 with a fast lens will deliver.... My 5 cents.

06-16-2019, 04:22 PM	#10
Biff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Photos: Albums Posts: 1,081 Original Poster	Great advice everyone. I'll stick with the K5IIs, think more about the higher contrast areas while in AF, but also use MF more. And practice more. . . and in concerts, with the nice and quiet shutter. . . I haven't read about the lately about the current 50-135's, may look into them again, if they're less buggy.

06-16-2019, 04:33 PM	#11
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by Wasp Live view helps to nail focus by hand. In low light, my KP will auto focus using LV when it won't focus using the OVF .... often I don't have to go to manual focus.

10-25-2019, 05:38 AM - 1 Like	#12
ghosteclipse Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 165	My k5iis works at pitch black darkness using the AF assist light. Whereas my K50 I am not confident enough using it at brighter low light conditions unless I have my AF360FGZii mounted.

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10-25-2019, 07:09 PM	#13
reduno Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central NY, USA Posts: 965	Originally posted by Wasp I would switch the AF are to the centre of the viewfinder, look for the spot with the most contrast, autofocus on that and adjust the composition. I totally agree with that approach. My K-5 IIs lives in center spot auto focus mode. I shoot quite a few dance recitals, and can usually get focus lock on a bright contrast spot, even before the stage lights come up.

10-27-2019, 07:28 PM	#14
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	You might try using the center focusing point (only) when it comes to focusing in low light. Focusing down to -3EV is actually pretty good, only a few higher end models can go down that low.

10-27-2019, 07:50 PM - 1 Like	#15
nanhi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore, India Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 469	The K-5 IIs is a Classic Pentax like the film K-1000 SE. I never have had this AF hunting problem except once in the Columbia Ice Field with a SWA Lens in very cold Foggy Misty conditions. I never felt the need for the K-3 or the K-1. I have brutally sharp zoom lenses quite a few with f2.8 Apertures.