Development update regarding the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW

MarkJerling · 05-20-2018, 02:01 AM - **1 Like**

Guys. Can we get back on topic, or shall we close this thread?

**Rondec** · 05-20-2018, 03:08 AM - **3 Likes**

Pentax needs a variety of lenses -- some of them more expensive and some of them cheap. The DFA *50 is clearly going to be on the expensive side, the question is whether it lives up to that cost.

Spending money on glass, to me, is better than spending it on a new camera body. Glass isn't really forever -- particularly not if it has in lens motors -- but it does last a long time and if you buy good glass, you are inclined to continue shooting with it. There are plenty of folks on here still shooting with the FA * lenses which were every bit as expensive (or more so) at the time of their release. Prorated over 15 years a 1350 cost doesn't seem so bad.

reh321 · 05-20-2018, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by caliscouser

This lens is not going to be for everyone. Certainly it is not for me. I'm sure Ricoh doesn't expect this to be a high volume mover either.

Pentax as a brand has three main perception problems in the market (rightly or wrongly): lack of modern lenses, AF and video.

We don't know anything about the mechanical aspects of this lens.

I keep hearing that the new {PLM} version of the 55-300mm lens focuses much faster than the old version does. Perhaps Pentax intends for this lens to also improve focus behavior.

Kunzite · 05-20-2018, 05:26 AM - **1 Like**

It's quite fast:

You Tube

normhead · 05-20-2018, 05:56 AM

The things you find on youtube.

gm4life · 05-20-2018, 07:04 AM - **1 Like**

Holy cow... That baby puts the DA * 55 to shame. I feel my pockets getting lighter. Between this and the 11-18 this could be an expensive summer.

That is fast!

Kunzite · 05-20-2018, 07:13 AM - **2 Likes**

The 55-300 RE PLM is faster

(but doesn't have to drive the D FA*'s huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision)

repaap · 05-20-2018, 08:04 AM

that is fast indeed! my poor DA*55...

gm4life · 05-20-2018, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by repaap

that is fast indeed! my poor DA*55...

My poor pocket book!

---------- Post added 05-20-18 at 09:16 AM ----------

Originally posted by Kunzite

The 55-300 RE PLM is faster

(but doesn't have to drive the D FA*'s huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision)

Well... Thanks for trying to tempt me, I can avoid that temptation with the 70-200 D FA *, I am covered.

reh321 · 05-20-2018, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by gm4life

Holy cow... That baby puts the DA * 55 to shame. I feel my pockets getting lighter. Between this and the 11-18 this could be an expensive summer.

That is fast!

These lenses demonstrate that focus speed is a "team effort". When people say "Pentax is doing nothing about AF", their attention needs to be directed to lenses, not just bodies.

normhead · 05-20-2018, 09:31 AM

Originally posted by Kunzite

The 55-300 RE PLM is faster

(but doesn't have to drive the D FA*'s huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision)

I Just bought a second hand 55-300 PLM, for the first few images, it was hard to believe it was the same camera.

gm4life · 05-20-2018, 09:39 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by reh321

These lenses demonstrate that focus speed is a "team effort". When people say "Pentax is doing nothing about AF", their attention needs to be directed to lenses, not just bodies.

Yes, it sure does. No complaints from my 70-200 on focusing speed either.

normhead · 05-20-2018, 09:48 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by gm4life

Yes, it sure does. No complaints from my 70-200 on focusing speed either.

In my mind there's starting to be a thing. Older Pentax glass in one category, performance glass in another. Anything before the 150-450 is in the standard category, although that's just what I suspect. I don't own one so I can't say for sure.

I just know my DA*60-250 and DA* 200 aren't in the same ballpark or even close to the 55-300 PLM.

Anyone used a DA 150-450 to compare the focus speed to a DA*.s?

Kunzite · 05-20-2018, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I Just bought a second hand 55-300 PLM, for the first few images, it was hard to believe it was the same camera.

I know the feeling.

---------- Post added 20-05-18 at 08:50 PM ----------

Originally posted by normhead

I just know my DA*60-250 and DA* 200 aren't in the same ballpark or even close to the 55-300 PLM.

Anyone used a DA 150-450 to compare the focus speed to a DA*.s?

It's definitely faster, but nowhere near the PLM. I'd put it in the same league as the Nikon's 200-500, if you know that lens.
Another advantage is that it has a focus limiter. With the DA* (I had the 60-250), once you lost the subject and the lens started hunting it was game over. Not so with the 150-450.

awscreo · 05-20-2018, 10:55 AM

I don't have any complaints regarding the af speed (apart from dfa 15-30 indoors, unfortunately it takes its sweet time). But accuracy is sometimes an issue, especially with screw drive lenses (at least with models I have).

Tamron 70-200 sometimes just cannot achieve good focus, same with the da 50 1.8, while dfa 28-105 does much better in any light, but can also struggle a bit in dimly lit environments (which is understandable I guess).

I think there's definitely an upside to upgrading lenses to newer models with faster af motors, even if you need to pay the premium to do so.

I see myself selling all my screw drive lenses (apart from maybe my macro since I do manual focusing anyway) as soon as I can.

---------- Post added 05-20-18 at 10:58 AM ----------

I would be so happy if 70-200 f4 would come out in some reasonable period of time, I'd sell my Tamron in a heartbeat.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax-D FA★ 25mm f/1.4 - 50mm f/1.4 - 85mm f/1.4 DC AW	Mistral75	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	43	07-26-2022 05:52 AM
Update on the optical scheme of the new HD PENTAX-D FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW	maw	Pentax News and Rumors	43	04-27-2018 12:56 PM
pentaxrumors.com reports new HD PENTAX-D FA ★ 50mm F1.4 likely to be released soon	Madaboutpix	Pentax Full Frame	17	01-24-2018 12:10 PM
Official image sample from the HD Pentax-DFA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW uploaded	Madaboutpix	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	12-05-2017 05:36 PM
★★NOW IN STOCK★★Pentax K-5 Limited Edition★★	Chuck-B&H	Ask B&H Photo!	11	03-31-2011 05:29 AM

05-20-2018, 02:01 AM - 1 Like	#256
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Guys. Can we get back on topic, or shall we close this thread?

05-20-2018, 03:08 AM - 3 Likes	#257
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Pentax needs a variety of lenses -- some of them more expensive and some of them cheap. The DFA 50 is clearly going to be on the expensive side, the question is whether it lives up to that cost. Spending money on glass, to me, is better than spending it on a new camera body. Glass isn't really forever -- particularly not if it has in lens motors -- but it does last a long time and if you buy good glass, you are inclined to continue shooting with it. There are plenty of folks on here still shooting with the FA lenses which were every bit as expensive (or more so) at the time of their release. Prorated over 15 years a 1350 cost doesn't seem so bad.

05-20-2018, 04:58 AM	#258
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by caliscouser This lens is not going to be for everyone. Certainly it is not for me. I'm sure Ricoh doesn't expect this to be a high volume mover either. Pentax as a brand has three main perception problems in the market (rightly or wrongly): lack of modern lenses, AF and video. We don't know anything about the mechanical aspects of this lens. I keep hearing that the new {PLM} version of the 55-300mm lens focuses much faster than the old version does. Perhaps Pentax intends for this lens to also improve focus behavior.

05-20-2018, 05:56 AM	#260
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	The things you find on youtube.

05-20-2018, 07:04 AM - 1 Like	#261
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Holy cow... That baby puts the DA * 55 to shame. I feel my pockets getting lighter. Between this and the 11-18 this could be an expensive summer. That is fast!

05-20-2018, 07:13 AM - 2 Likes	#262
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	The 55-300 RE PLM is faster (but doesn't have to drive the D FA*'s huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision)

05-20-2018, 08:04 AM	#263
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	that is fast indeed! my poor DA*55...

05-20-2018, 08:11 AM	#264
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by repaap that is fast indeed! my poor DA55... My poor pocket book! ---------- Post added 05-20-18 at 09:16 AM ---------- Originally posted by Kunzite The 55-300 RE PLM is faster (but doesn't have to drive the D FA's huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision) Well... Thanks for trying to tempt me, I can avoid that temptation with the 70-200 D FA *, I am covered.

05-20-2018, 09:25 AM	#265
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by gm4life Holy cow... That baby puts the DA * 55 to shame. I feel my pockets getting lighter. Between this and the 11-18 this could be an expensive summer. That is fast! These lenses demonstrate that focus speed is a "team effort". When people say "Pentax is doing nothing about AF", their attention needs to be directed to lenses, not just bodies.

05-20-2018, 09:31 AM	#266
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Kunzite The 55-300 RE PLM is faster (but doesn't have to drive the D FA*'s huge focus group, nor offer f/1.4 precision) I Just bought a second hand 55-300 PLM, for the first few images, it was hard to believe it was the same camera.

05-20-2018, 09:39 AM - 1 Like	#267
gm4life Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 602	Originally posted by reh321 These lenses demonstrate that focus speed is a "team effort". When people say "Pentax is doing nothing about AF", their attention needs to be directed to lenses, not just bodies. Yes, it sure does. No complaints from my 70-200 on focusing speed either.

05-20-2018, 09:48 AM - 2 Likes	#268
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by gm4life Yes, it sure does. No complaints from my 70-200 on focusing speed either. In my mind there's starting to be a thing. Older Pentax glass in one category, performance glass in another. Anything before the 150-450 is in the standard category, although that's just what I suspect. I don't own one so I can't say for sure. I just know my DA60-250 and DA 200 aren't in the same ballpark or even close to the 55-300 PLM. Anyone used a DA 150-450 to compare the focus speed to a DA*.s?

05-20-2018, 10:47 AM	#269
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by normhead I Just bought a second hand 55-300 PLM, for the first few images, it was hard to believe it was the same camera. I know the feeling. ---------- Post added 20-05-18 at 08:50 PM ---------- Originally posted by normhead I just know my DA60-250 and DA 200 aren't in the same ballpark or even close to the 55-300 PLM. Anyone used a DA 150-450 to compare the focus speed to a DA.s? It's definitely faster, but nowhere near the PLM. I'd put it in the same league as the Nikon's 200-500, if you know that lens. Another advantage is that it has a focus limiter. With the DA (I had the 60-250), once you lost the subject and the lens started hunting it was game over. Not so with the 150-450.

05-20-2018, 10:55 AM	#270
awscreo Veteran Member Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,722	I don't have any complaints regarding the af speed (apart from dfa 15-30 indoors, unfortunately it takes its sweet time). But accuracy is sometimes an issue, especially with screw drive lenses (at least with models I have). Tamron 70-200 sometimes just cannot achieve good focus, same with the da 50 1.8, while dfa 28-105 does much better in any light, but can also struggle a bit in dimly lit environments (which is understandable I guess). I think there's definitely an upside to upgrading lenses to newer models with faster af motors, even if you need to pay the premium to do so. I see myself selling all my screw drive lenses (apart from maybe my macro since I do manual focusing anyway) as soon as I can. ---------- Post added 05-20-18 at 10:58 AM ---------- I would be so happy if 70-200 f4 would come out in some reasonable period of time, I'd sell my Tamron in a heartbeat.