HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE

Mistral75 · 06-08-2016, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by rlatjsrud

Can we expect from KAF4 for faster af speed and smoother aperture controlling like Canon and Nikon achieved? I wish Pentax to make more FA limited style DFA limited lenses for their brand. Small lenses are still great tho.

Smoother and more precise aperture control, yes.

Faster autofocus, no: there is no relation between the two.

D1N0 · 06-08-2016, 01:54 PM

The Pulse line motor similar to STM (Canon) or AF-P Nikon, will take care of the autofocus.

Mistral75 · 06-08-2016, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by csa

Guess I'm confused; the K3 is not compatible, but K3II, and the KS2-S1 are; why is this?

One reason might be: aperture control/command uses the PZD/SDM contacts, this requires multiplexing and multiplexing requires in turn some piece of hardware, which could be present in bodies launched from 2014 onwards (K-S1: August 2014) but not in former bodies (K-3: October 2013).

reh321 · 06-08-2016, 02:21 PM - **2 Likes**

I used Pentax 1979-95, but switched to Canon in 1995 because I like Canon's focusing system better; I switched back to Pentax last year because I had issues with Canon's bodies. In the eighteen months since I have been a member here, a constant theme has been "we want AF like Canon has". I still had several old K-mount lenses when I came back to Pentax, and I have bought several K-mount and M42-mount lenses since then, so I do understand the joy of using old stuff, but I think we need to give Pentax engineers some space on this. I'm not a lens engineer, I don't know how the pieces interact, but right now I'm willing to believe that the new package, including KAF4 and the PLM motor, is an attempt to provide a lens like Canon has so we can have focus like Canon has.

Last year, I was concerned about all the complaints because the new K-3ii had GPS replacing OBF; I was concerned because I felt the K-3ii was preparation for the K-1 ... and nothing since then has changed my view. I'm thinking now that KAF4 may be more important than the K-70, because this may be preparation for a K-3iii that will be much more suited for sports and wildlife than any current Pentax camera is.

**monochrome** · 06-08-2016, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by Mistral75

K-5 IIs is almost 4 years old.

K100D was 2 years old when the KAF3 17-70mm f/4 came out.

K-3 is only 2 1/2 years old. I don't shoot video and I don't need this lens, but read Mistral75 on this thread

1. We got FF.
2. Video is the new FF.

What is Ricoh setting up for?

**Clarkey** · 06-08-2016, 04:19 PM

Hmm, HD too, but in a green lens design.
I smell an update to the 18-135mm coming.

Also, I know K-70 video specs are low, but we are starting to see movement in the system to support. Makes K-3II successor all the more interesting. Also, going like Panny with dual IS (lens and body)?

Re: KAF4 - Ricoh IP and patents for focussing system and IS? (as against legacy Hoya/Pentax)

Times are interesting.

HudsonShooter · 06-08-2016, 04:19 PM

i would love to give the lens a try but it wont work on my k3 so I will have to wait

rawr · 06-08-2016, 04:30 PM

The dpreview photo of the lens mount of the new 55-300 is interesting. Bye-bye aperture lever

- but retaining the screw-drive?

**monochrome** · 06-08-2016, 04:33 PM

If there isn't a coupler who needs a lever?

**RGlasel** · 06-08-2016, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by rawr

but retaining the screw-drive?

Nope, as in the DA 18-135 pictured below, that is a hole in the mount for the locking pin. What is new is an additional contact second from the right. I don't have a light tent, so you are stuck with this image.

No noise reduction applied either. Evidence of unintended effects of P-mode, I changed the the aperture from the f2.8 the camera wanted to f8, the camera didn't change the shutter speed from 1/160 and went to ISO 6400 as a result. The colour temperature is a mixture of a "daylight" fluorescent on my desk and cool-white fluorescent lights in the ceiling.

**eyrr** · 06-08-2016, 04:54 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by HudsonShooter

i would love to give the lens a try but it wont work on my k3 so I will have to wait

Me too. I had the 55-300mm WR in mind as my next lens. The new one sounds good but the K50 isn't currently listed for the firmware update. I guess the good news for me is that the current version might become very affordable new or used in the next few months.

Vylen · 06-08-2016, 04:55 PM

The lack of a mention of the K-3 in the press release is a bit disappointing. Sounds like they're not really going to support it anymore, and I'm not giving up my Silver Edition K-3 just to get a K-3II for lens support. *grumbles*

**RGlasel** · 06-08-2016, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by Mistral75

this requires multiplexing and multiplexing requires in turn some piece of hardware, which could be present in bodies launched from 2014 onwards (K-S1: August 2014) but not in former bodies (K-3: October 2013).

More likely a case of not wanting to update firmware for older models. The K-30 body has 7 electrical contacts, same as the image of the new 55-300 (although the third from the left - looking at the rear of the lens - is depressed so it probably doesn't do anything).

rawr · 06-08-2016, 05:17 PM

A mystery button appears:

(I presume it's some sort of zoom lock button).

**RGlasel** · 06-08-2016, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by rawr

I presume it's some sort of zoom lock button

Or to lock the collapsed barrel.

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06-08-2016, 01:46 PM	#106
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by rlatjsrud Can we expect from KAF4 for faster af speed and smoother aperture controlling like Canon and Nikon achieved? I wish Pentax to make more FA limited style DFA limited lenses for their brand. Small lenses are still great tho. Smoother and more precise aperture control, yes. Faster autofocus, no: there is no relation between the two.

06-08-2016, 01:54 PM	#107
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	The Pulse line motor similar to STM (Canon) or AF-P Nikon, will take care of the autofocus.

06-08-2016, 02:04 PM	#108
Mistral75 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 7,527	Originally posted by csa Guess I'm confused; the K3 is not compatible, but K3II, and the KS2-S1 are; why is this? One reason might be: aperture control/command uses the PZD/SDM contacts, this requires multiplexing and multiplexing requires in turn some piece of hardware, which could be present in bodies launched from 2014 onwards (K-S1: August 2014) but not in former bodies (K-3: October 2013).

06-08-2016, 02:21 PM - 2 Likes	#109
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	I used Pentax 1979-95, but switched to Canon in 1995 because I like Canon's focusing system better; I switched back to Pentax last year because I had issues with Canon's bodies. In the eighteen months since I have been a member here, a constant theme has been "we want AF like Canon has". I still had several old K-mount lenses when I came back to Pentax, and I have bought several K-mount and M42-mount lenses since then, so I do understand the joy of using old stuff, but I think we need to give Pentax engineers some space on this. I'm not a lens engineer, I don't know how the pieces interact, but right now I'm willing to believe that the new package, including KAF4 and the PLM motor, is an attempt to provide a lens like Canon has so we can have focus like Canon has. Last year, I was concerned about all the complaints because the new K-3ii had GPS replacing OBF; I was concerned because I felt the K-3ii was preparation for the K-1 ... and nothing since then has changed my view. I'm thinking now that KAF4 may be more important than the K-70, because this may be preparation for a K-3iii that will be much more suited for sports and wildlife than any current Pentax camera is.

06-08-2016, 04:13 PM	#110
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Mistral75 K-5 IIs is almost 4 years old. K100D was 2 years old when the KAF3 17-70mm f/4 came out. K-3 is only 2 1/2 years old. I don't shoot video and I don't need this lens, but read Mistral75 on this thread 1. We got FF. 2. Video is the new FF. What is Ricoh setting up for?

06-08-2016, 04:19 PM	#111
Clarkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,456	Hmm, HD too, but in a green lens design. I smell an update to the 18-135mm coming. Also, I know K-70 video specs are low, but we are starting to see movement in the system to support. Makes K-3II successor all the more interesting. Also, going like Panny with dual IS (lens and body)? Re: KAF4 - Ricoh IP and patents for focussing system and IS? (as against legacy Hoya/Pentax) Times are interesting.

06-08-2016, 04:19 PM	#112
HudsonShooter Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 108	i would love to give the lens a try but it wont work on my k3 so I will have to wait

06-08-2016, 04:30 PM	#113
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	The dpreview photo of the lens mount of the new 55-300 is interesting. Bye-bye aperture lever - but retaining the screw-drive?

06-08-2016, 04:33 PM	#114
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	If there isn't a coupler who needs a lever?

06-08-2016, 04:54 PM - 1 Like	#116
eyrr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 318	Originally posted by HudsonShooter i would love to give the lens a try but it wont work on my k3 so I will have to wait Me too. I had the 55-300mm WR in mind as my next lens. The new one sounds good but the K50 isn't currently listed for the firmware update. I guess the good news for me is that the current version might become very affordable new or used in the next few months.

06-08-2016, 04:55 PM	#117
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	The lack of a mention of the K-3 in the press release is a bit disappointing. Sounds like they're not really going to support it anymore, and I'm not giving up my Silver Edition K-3 just to get a K-3II for lens support. grumbles

06-08-2016, 05:12 PM	#118
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by Mistral75 this requires multiplexing and multiplexing requires in turn some piece of hardware, which could be present in bodies launched from 2014 onwards (K-S1: August 2014) but not in former bodies (K-3: October 2013). More likely a case of not wanting to update firmware for older models. The K-30 body has 7 electrical contacts, same as the image of the new 55-300 (although the third from the left - looking at the rear of the lens - is depressed so it probably doesn't do anything).

06-08-2016, 05:17 PM	#119
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	A mystery button appears: (I presume it's some sort of zoom lock button).

06-08-2016, 05:21 PM	#120
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by rawr I presume it's some sort of zoom lock button Or to lock the collapsed barrel.