[Dieseler]

I don't think it's the motor, its more like the lens is having a very difficult time making a decision on what to stay locked onto.

Carl

Surely it should be the camera making this decision? The lens should just do what it is told by the camera shouldn't it?

[mlt]

Surely it should be the camera making this decision? The lens should just do what it is told by the camera shouldn't it?

In a perfect world, then there would be no need for a cpu and/or firmware in any lens. Kind of like the 60’s

[Rush2112]

Surely it should be the camera making this decision? The lens should just do what it is told by the camera shouldn't it?

Most of the time you'd be right. But as I detailed in Part II of my K3 Mk III review, the exact same behavior shows with the Tamron version of this lens on my D500. Which is why it went back.
Also, this behavior only shows itself on this lens, I exhibited no microflutter on my other lenses. Just normal CAF behavior (albeit much faster than previous Pentax DSLRS lol!).

Modern lenses have firmware too now. Tamron and Pentax need to work out this issue with the lens. I'm not the first to report that this lens design seems to have a mind of its own.

-Carl

[The Squirrel Mafia]

Happy to link in Part 2 here PHOTOGRAPHIC CENTRAL: Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 2

It's a good read, particularly about the performance of the DA*60-250

I find it interesting that the writer thinks that the K-3III can outdo the D500 in some ways. That's saying a lot.

I do wonder if the K-3III is at its "limit" as far as performance goes. Like, will firmware updates add much to the camera's performance or is the K-3III already as good as it can possibly be & only a future K-3IV will surpass it? Ricoh doesn't really have a history of making firmware with a massive update in performance like Fujifilm or Olympus.

But yeah. I'm really liking what I see so far. I'm hoping that Ricoh will also produce more faster focusing lenses in the near future.

[Pentikonian]

For those interested, direct linking not allowed by an author.

Carl

Refreshing read - thanks for the work and the words.

After reading that, and some other users comments, I can happily say I was wrong and not just imagining faster focus. My 200 and 300 certainly work better than they have on my K-1.

[Ian Stuart Forsyth]

If anyone can provide me with the 150-450mm I'd gladly pit it against my Nikon and the 100-400mm Sigma (which is the fastest focusing, most reliably accurate CAF combo I've found yet). Nikon's 200-500 wasn't as fast, much heavier and more pricey. It's a stellar lens though.

What I have found with the 200-500 is that its best AF is for subjects that are closer to the photographer. with the sigma 100-400 it work really well at med to longer distance very similar to the 150-600 sport.
It would be interesting to see the 150-450 compared to the 150-600 sport. I know with the sport it works extremely well with the D800, D810 and the D4. The hit rate with the lens at very close working distance you may have 1 out of 15-20 shots that are OOF when tracking a moving subject.

[Rush2112]

What I have found with the 200-500 is that its best AF is for subjects that are closer to the photographer. with the sigma 100-400 it work really well at med to longer distance very similar to the 150-600 sport.
It would be interesting to see the 150-450 compared to the 150-600 sport. I know with the sport it works extremely well with the D800, D810 and the D4. The hit rate with the lens at very close working distance you may have 1 out of 15-20 shots that are OOF when tracking a moving subject.

Yeah I wasn't getting the hit rates with the 200-500 although I tried it. Totally agree on your assessment of it. The Sigma 150-600 is another nice one I agree, along with the 60-500 (newest versions of both). For me the Sigma 100-400 just hits that super sweet spot on size, optical performance, af speed and accuracy, weight/size/build, and price. Better than Tamron's version too, just seem to eek out faster and more accurate AF and maybe sharper images. Also never have to stop that Sigma down, wide open it's awesome, if it were a constant f5.6, it would be perfect for what it is. .

To be honest, I wish Nikon would update the D500 with a full metal body and higher resolution 26mp sensor. Or Sigma would make this lens in the K mount, that would be better for everyone

[Rush2112]

Just posted part III of my review for those who have expressed interest here. Build, Ergonomics, and Features

-C

[caliscouser]

Interesting head to head of D500 and K-3 III
It's in Spanish. Auto-translate subtitles available for what it is worth.
10 min mark + has direct comparisons of the two systems shooting the same BIF subjects.

My impression is that the K-3 III certainly holds it own, and some cases seems to do slightly better. Interesting stuff.

You Tube

You Tube