I would love to see a DA* 50-135mm f2.8 PLM lens!

sarge · 11-24-2021, 11:33 AM - **1 Like**

Who else here would like to see Pentax upgrade the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 to a PLM focus system?
The new 16-50 PLM is outstanding! I would love to see that performance brought to the 50-135!

**FozzFoster** · 11-24-2021, 11:45 AM - **1 Like**

I would be surprised if they don't fix that lens with a PLM in the ~~near~~ future, similar to how they fixed the 16-50.

5ks · 11-24-2021, 11:55 AM - **1 Like**

I wish they would bring PLM to almost all forthcoming telephoto lenses...

Though - what do I know? I don't have any PLM lens so far - only heard about its capabilities...

**SelrahCharleS** · 11-24-2021, 11:55 AM - **1 Like**

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see 50-135 given the same treatment as the 16-50. As FozzFoster mentioned though, it'll be on Pentax's timeline so who knows when it would be.

Paul the Sunman · 11-24-2021, 12:12 PM

I've always thought of 50-135 as being a natural range on FF – normal to moderate telephoto – rather than on crop cameras. But the DA* 50-135 certainly does seem to garner a lot of support on PF.

I passed on a very cheap copy of the current version a couple of years ago, and don't regret it.

WileyB · 11-24-2021, 12:33 PM - **1 Like**

Agreed, Paul - FA 50-135 would be brilliant.

m43 has it pretty close with ~50-100, but $1700!!!

Adam · 11-24-2021, 01:49 PM - **4 Likes**

The issue with PLM is that it really only works well with small focusing groups, however regardless this lens should definitely see an update, whether it's with a DC or SDM autofocus motor.

This may be a worthwhile read:
The 5 Lens Autofocus Drive Types Explained - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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Lev · 11-24-2021, 02:08 PM

I'm sure that this will happen,
question is when?

house · 11-24-2021, 02:51 PM

The 11-18 range was missing and the 16-50 is the most versatile and common fov for zoom. I imagine they won't be in the same hurry for 50-135 unless the optics are in dire need of upgrade. (I know very little about the existing lens)

**c.a.m** · 11-24-2021, 04:15 PM

My DA* Star 50-135mm (converted to screwdrive) is one of my workhorse lenses. I've got the autofocus calibrated precisely and it produces great images on my K-3 Mark III. Yes, it's a little noisy when focusing, but I'm usually out on my own so it's not a problem. Sort of reassuring, actually: When the screwdrive stops, I know the camera has locked on to the target.

So, if a new PLM version were to be produced, would I buy it? Hard to say -- it would depend on the price. At the moment, I don't think I'd spend $1,500 to replace my good ol' 50-135 non-SDM.

- Craig

**hjoseph7** · 11-24-2021, 05:01 PM

Originally posted by c.a.m

My DA* Star 50-135mm (converted to screwdrive) is one of my workhorse lenses. I've got the autofocus calibrated precisely and it produces great images on my K-3 Mark III. Yes, it's a little noisy when focusing, but I'm usually out on my own so it's not a problem. Sort of reassuring, actually: When the screwdrive stops, I know the camera has locked on to the target.

So, if a new PLM version were to be produced, would I buy it? Hard to say -- it would depend on the price. At the moment, I don't think I'd spend $1,500 to replace my good ol' 50-135 non-SDM.

- Craig

I would definitely buy it ! The reason I don't purchase the current 50-135 is because of its reputation with bad AF motors. The 50-135 mm is the equivalent of a 70-200 mm lens on full frame camera, therefore perfect for weddings and events.

**clackers** · 11-24-2021, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

I've always thought of 50-135 as being a natural range on FF – normal to moderate telephoto – rather than on crop cameras.

50-135 on crop is pretty much the beloved 70-200 on FF, Paul!

**pentaxus** · 11-24-2021, 11:12 PM - **1 Like**

I'm surprised that the 21mm lens arrived so soon and it makes me feel encouraged that new lenses will arrive sooner than in the recent past.

sarge · 11-25-2021, 12:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

I would be surprised if they don't fix that lens with a PLM in the ~~near~~ future, similar to how they fixed the 16-50.

That is what I am hoping for.

Kunzite · 11-25-2021, 12:58 AM

Originally posted by Adam

The issue with PLM is that it really only works well with small focusing groups, however regardless this lens should definitely see an update, whether it's with a DC or SDM autofocus motor.

I wonder if using multiple PLM motors is just a technical challenge, or thoroughly protected by patents.

11-24-2021, 11:33 AM - 1 Like	#1
sarge Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 460	*I would love to see a DA 50-135mm f2.8 PLM lens!** Who else here would like to see Pentax upgrade the DA* 50-135mm f2.8 to a PLM focus system? The new 16-50 PLM is outstanding! I would love to see that performance brought to the 50-135!

11-24-2021, 12:12 PM	#5
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	I've always thought of 50-135 as being a natural range on FF – normal to moderate telephoto – rather than on crop cameras. But the DA* 50-135 certainly does seem to garner a lot of support on PF. I passed on a very cheap copy of the current version a couple of years ago, and don't regret it. Last edited by Paul the Sunman; 11-24-2021 at 12:19 PM.

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11-24-2021, 11:45 AM - 1 Like	#2
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I would be surprised if they don't fix that lens with a PLM in the ~~near~~ future, similar to how they fixed the 16-50.

11-24-2021, 11:55 AM - 1 Like	#3
5ks Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern Finland Posts: 681	I wish they would bring PLM to almost all forthcoming telephoto lenses... Though - what do I know? I don't have any PLM lens so far - only heard about its capabilities...

11-24-2021, 11:55 AM - 1 Like	#4
SelrahCharleS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 935	It wouldn't surprise me at all to see 50-135 given the same treatment as the 16-50. As FozzFoster mentioned though, it'll be on Pentax's timeline so who knows when it would be.

11-24-2021, 12:33 PM - 1 Like	#6
WileyB Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: New Mexico Photos: Albums Posts: 441	Agreed, Paul - FA 50-135 would be brilliant. m43 has it pretty close with ~50-100, but $1700!!!

11-24-2021, 01:49 PM - 4 Likes	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	The issue with PLM is that it really only works well with small focusing groups, however regardless this lens should definitely see an update, whether it's with a DC or SDM autofocus motor. This may be a worthwhile read: The 5 Lens Autofocus Drive Types Explained - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com 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:

11-24-2021, 02:08 PM	#8
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	I'm sure that this will happen, question is when?

11-24-2021, 02:51 PM	#9
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	The 11-18 range was missing and the 16-50 is the most versatile and common fov for zoom. I imagine they won't be in the same hurry for 50-135 unless the optics are in dire need of upgrade. (I know very little about the existing lens)

11-24-2021, 04:15 PM	#10
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	My DA* Star 50-135mm (converted to screwdrive) is one of my workhorse lenses. I've got the autofocus calibrated precisely and it produces great images on my K-3 Mark III. Yes, it's a little noisy when focusing, but I'm usually out on my own so it's not a problem. Sort of reassuring, actually: When the screwdrive stops, I know the camera has locked on to the target. So, if a new PLM version were to be produced, would I buy it? Hard to say -- it would depend on the price. At the moment, I don't think I'd spend $1,500 to replace my good ol' 50-135 non-SDM. - Craig

11-24-2021, 05:01 PM	#11
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	Originally posted by c.a.m My DA* Star 50-135mm (converted to screwdrive) is one of my workhorse lenses. I've got the autofocus calibrated precisely and it produces great images on my K-3 Mark III. Yes, it's a little noisy when focusing, but I'm usually out on my own so it's not a problem. Sort of reassuring, actually: When the screwdrive stops, I know the camera has locked on to the target. So, if a new PLM version were to be produced, would I buy it? Hard to say -- it would depend on the price. At the moment, I don't think I'd spend $1,500 to replace my good ol' 50-135 non-SDM. - Craig I would definitely buy it ! The reason I don't purchase the current 50-135 is because of its reputation with bad AF motors. The 50-135 mm is the equivalent of a 70-200 mm lens on full frame camera, therefore perfect for weddings and events.

11-24-2021, 05:12 PM	#12
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I've always thought of 50-135 as being a natural range on FF – normal to moderate telephoto – rather than on crop cameras. 50-135 on crop is pretty much the beloved 70-200 on FF, Paul!

11-24-2021, 11:12 PM - 1 Like	#13
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,313	I'm surprised that the 21mm lens arrived so soon and it makes me feel encouraged that new lenses will arrive sooner than in the recent past.

11-25-2021, 12:20 AM - 1 Like	#14
sarge Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 460 Original Poster	Originally posted by FozzFoster I would be surprised if they don't fix that lens with a PLM in the ~~near~~ future, similar to how they fixed the 16-50. That is what I am hoping for.

11-25-2021, 12:58 AM	#15
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by Adam The issue with PLM is that it really only works well with small focusing groups, however regardless this lens should definitely see an update, whether it's with a DC or SDM autofocus motor. I wonder if using multiple PLM motors is just a technical challenge, or thoroughly protected by patents.

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