Originally posted by Ash I wonder whether that shot was focused correctly - are you zooming first, then holding steady before engaging AF and locking focus? If you're certain of no user factors causing the softness, then it may be a slight front-focusing issue, which can be sorted out with the fine AF adjustment feature. But exhaust all other possibilities first before resorting to any AF adjustments.
I agree that that is exactly what it looks like: not in focus anywhere as though it wasn't in the proper range. But I tried several times and am quite sure I used the lens correctly. Yes, I zoomed first and then gave AF its time to focus. I tried fine-tuning it with the focusing ring, even. Also, I used the center focal-point setting so that it wouldn't grab random parts of the plants.
I used the Raynox 150 on it, too, with the same results. Clear up to 200mm, then not sharp at all no matter how I fine-tune the focus. That was manual and on a tripod.
Originally posted by Rondec Perrumpo, it looks to me like you lens isn't calibrated right. I probably would send it with the camera to Pentax and have them look at it. If you are on a stable tripod and in the focus range, the photos should be sharp. It should be covered by Pentax (unless you dropped it or did something to it).
Very clear image. After your responses, I'm going to order a replacement from Amazon. That's the easiest thing for me to do to see if it makes a difference since Amazon's policy is so great. I'll be sure to post back.
Here are large clickable photos. Sorry about the EXIF, Marc. I checked these, but I'll type it anyway.
97.5mm, f/4, 1/25, ISO 200
210mm, f/7.1, 1/8, ISO 200
70mm w/Raynox 150, f/5.6, 1/6, ISO 200
210mm w/ Raynox 150, f/5.6, 1/13, ISO 200