Pentax K100D compatibility with SDM focus

**schnur07** · 04-04-2013, 09:25 PM

I have the Pentax K100D (not the super) and from what I'm reading it looks like it would not be compatible with the SDM lenses like the Sigma 18-250mm I was considering buying. Does this mean it turns into a manual focus lens on the K100D or does it just not take advantage of the SDM focus and use the camera body focus?

**schnur07** · 04-04-2013, 09:32 PM

Crap, I just read some more about it in the lens specs and it appears it will turn into a manual focus lens on the K100D. So now I have to see if there's another decent zoom lens or do I need to buy a new body? Any thoughts? Of course - easy decision if money is not an issue...or my wife is not an issue...

**paulh** · 04-04-2013, 09:48 PM

You could look for a used copy of the Pentax DA18-250 or Tamron 18-250 (they are the same). Not produced any longer, but a well-regarded superzoom that uses regular screw drive. Or upgrade your K100D to a newer SDM-capable body, such as the K100D Super, or K10D, etc. These older models are fairly inexpensive these days.

Eulogy · 04-04-2013, 11:12 PM

Sigma even has some older screw driven superzooms that work fairly well.

K10D goes for around ~$175USD nowadays though, often with accessories.

04-04-2013, 09:25 PM	#1
schnur07 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 102	Pentax K100D compatibility with SDM focus I have the Pentax K100D (not the super) and from what I'm reading it looks like it would not be compatible with the SDM lenses like the Sigma 18-250mm I was considering buying. Does this mean it turns into a manual focus lens on the K100D or does it just not take advantage of the SDM focus and use the camera body focus?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm F1.4 SDM SUPER SLOW Auto Focus with K-7	brosen	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	21	05-15-2013 08:48 AM
Pentax Compatibility with non-Pentax flashes.	hks_kansei	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	6	08-08-2012 10:40 AM
K100D lens compatibility question	cif	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	11	02-09-2012 04:00 PM
Buying the DA* 50-135 SDM with k100d	m88k	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	01-11-2011 09:48 PM
SDM lens & Pentax body compatibility	bencason	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	02-08-2009 01:26 PM

04-04-2013, 09:32 PM	#2
schnur07 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 102 Original Poster	Crap, I just read some more about it in the lens specs and it appears it will turn into a manual focus lens on the K100D. So now I have to see if there's another decent zoom lens or do I need to buy a new body? Any thoughts? Of course - easy decision if money is not an issue...or my wife is not an issue...

04-04-2013, 09:48 PM	#3
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,262	You could look for a used copy of the Pentax DA18-250 or Tamron 18-250 (they are the same). Not produced any longer, but a well-regarded superzoom that uses regular screw drive. Or upgrade your K100D to a newer SDM-capable body, such as the K100D Super, or K10D, etc. These older models are fairly inexpensive these days.

04-04-2013, 11:12 PM	#4
Eulogy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick Photos: Gallery Posts: 632	Sigma even has some older screw driven superzooms that work fairly well. K10D goes for around ~$175USD nowadays though, often with accessories.