Gear revamp

ncallender · 01-16-2021, 06:25 PM

So I have the following:

KP, K3ii
Tamron 70-200 f2.8
DA 300
Sigma 18-50 f2.8

I'm thinking about how best to revamp my gear to get better AF tracking. I could either start upgrading lenses to the latest pentax versions or wait for the K3iii.

To be honest, I probably won't do either for a while, but it's fun to think about!

MikeMcE · 01-16-2021, 06:31 PM

Well my kit solves that.
55/300 PLM
100 f2.8 macro
Sigma 18/50 f2.8

The PLM on my KP blows me away, and is fast enough for most shots

With your kit now, add a TC1.4 and you should be set.

Hang up and DRIVE!

Sandy Hancock · 01-16-2021, 06:37 PM - **2 Likes**

The KP is pretty capable - as good as the K-1 with respect to AF tracking in my experience. No doubt the K-3 Mark III will be even better, possibly considerably so.

The Sigma 17-50/2.8 HSM worked well for me while I had it, but it was several years ago (back in the K-5 days). I couldn't recommend the DA* 16-50/2.8 over it (at least for AF - I loved it optically), but there is a new PLM version in the pipeline.

The Tamron 70-200/2.8 is screw drive, and I'm sure you'd do much better with the newer Pentax offerings. If f/2.8 isn't crucial for you, the DFA 70-210/4.0 is very quick focussing and works beautifully on the KP. If you need f/2.8, the DFA* 70-200 is a beast - in both size and performance (and price).

I absolutely love the DA* 300/4.0, but AF is certainly sluggish. The DFA 150-450/4.5-5.6 is superb, and has AF buttons around the lens barrel which is very handy when shooting birds in flight, etc. If you don't need all that reach, and are happy with f/6.3 maximum aperture, the DA 55-300 PLM is possibly the fastest focussing lens Pentax makes.

Choices, choices! The ball's in your court

**DWS1** · 01-16-2021, 07:33 PM

After much experimenting with different lenses for a K50 and K70, I finally found the kit that works best for me.

Pentax K70 & Pentax K50 (second/backup camera)
Pentax DA 16-85mm
Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM

Both lenses are very good and focus fast. They cover 98% or more of my needs.

I also use, because I have them, in very limited and specific situations a Rokinon 14mm, Pentax DA*300, Pentax 1.4x teleconverter, and a Pentax AF360 FZG flash. But, I could do fine without these.

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-16-2021, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by ncallender

So I have the following:

KP, K3ii
Tamron 70-200 f2.8
DA 300
Sigma 18-50 f2.8

I'm thinking about how best to revamp my gear to get better AF tracking. I could either start upgrading lenses to the latest pentax versions or wait for the K3iii.

To be honest, I probably won't do either for a while, but it's fun to think about!

I have a feeling the new K-3III may be a big improvement in AF tracking. I have the KP, but I seldom do much tracking, I've gotten used to just pushing the button to continually autofocus. I have a KP which improved the atofocus speed and accuracy quite a bit over the K-50, I've never had a K-3 to see how much faster the KP is in relation. The DA300 plus 1.4 converter are definitely faster than on the K-50. I also have the 55-300PLM, which is just fast on any body that can use it. But over all, if you are looking at tracking and not in a hurry, waiting is your best bet. That K-3III should be out before Spring, and maybe the first follow on by the end of the year.

tibbitts · 01-16-2021, 10:19 PM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

That K-3III should be out before Spring, and maybe the first follow on by the end of the year.

Follow on? Like a K-3iii[ii] ?

Sidney Porter · 01-17-2021, 05:44 AM

I would wait for the k3iii and see how much improvement it gives with AF

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-17-2021, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by tibbitts

Follow on? Like a K-3iii[ii] ?

No, like a KPii or K-90

tibbitts · 01-17-2021, 12:47 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

No, like a KPii or K-90

I was thinking maybe K-3iiis (with "s" meaning screen this time, as in articulating screen.)

**mikesbike** · 01-17-2021, 06:02 PM

I would say, you have some very fine equipment. For now, in terms of AF tracking, getting the DA 55-300mm PLM should bring you much improved results, especially with your KP. The KP's superior higher ISO performance can also compensate for the reduced aperture range of the PLM lens. If you will also need better AF performance at the shorter FL zoom range, wait for the arrival of the replacement of the old SDM version with the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 PLM version, which will also provide WR, whereupon getting it you can sell your Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens. By that time, the new K-3 III will have been on the market for a while with a price reduction, so you might then consider replacing your K-3 II and selling it as well.

One advantage of there being a time span to bring about these changes in steps, is this way the hit to the budget at any given time is not so severe.

01-16-2021, 06:25 PM	#1
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128	Gear revamp So I have the following: KP, K3ii Tamron 70-200 f2.8 DA 300 Sigma 18-50 f2.8 I'm thinking about how best to revamp my gear to get better AF tracking. I could either start upgrading lenses to the latest pentax versions or wait for the K3iii. To be honest, I probably won't do either for a while, but it's fun to think about!

01-16-2021, 06:31 PM	#2
MikeMcE Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2020 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,093	Gear revamp Well my kit solves that. 55/300 PLM 100 f2.8 macro Sigma 18/50 f2.8 The PLM on my KP blows me away, and is fast enough for most shots With your kit now, add a TC1.4 and you should be set. Hang up and DRIVE!

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01-16-2021, 06:37 PM - 2 Likes	#3
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	The KP is pretty capable - as good as the K-1 with respect to AF tracking in my experience. No doubt the K-3 Mark III will be even better, possibly considerably so. The Sigma 17-50/2.8 HSM worked well for me while I had it, but it was several years ago (back in the K-5 days). I couldn't recommend the DA* 16-50/2.8 over it (at least for AF - I loved it optically), but there is a new PLM version in the pipeline. The Tamron 70-200/2.8 is screw drive, and I'm sure you'd do much better with the newer Pentax offerings. If f/2.8 isn't crucial for you, the DFA 70-210/4.0 is very quick focussing and works beautifully on the KP. If you need f/2.8, the DFA* 70-200 is a beast - in both size and performance (and price). I absolutely love the DA* 300/4.0, but AF is certainly sluggish. The DFA 150-450/4.5-5.6 is superb, and has AF buttons around the lens barrel which is very handy when shooting birds in flight, etc. If you don't need all that reach, and are happy with f/6.3 maximum aperture, the DA 55-300 PLM is possibly the fastest focussing lens Pentax makes. Choices, choices! The ball's in your court

01-16-2021, 07:33 PM	#4
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	After much experimenting with different lenses for a K50 and K70, I finally found the kit that works best for me. Pentax K70 & Pentax K50 (second/backup camera) Pentax DA 16-85mm Pentax DA 55-300mm PLM Both lenses are very good and focus fast. They cover 98% or more of my needs. I also use, because I have them, in very limited and specific situations a Rokinon 14mm, Pentax DA*300, Pentax 1.4x teleconverter, and a Pentax AF360 FZG flash. But, I could do fine without these.

01-16-2021, 08:16 PM	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	Originally posted by ncallender So I have the following: KP, K3ii Tamron 70-200 f2.8 DA 300 Sigma 18-50 f2.8 I'm thinking about how best to revamp my gear to get better AF tracking. I could either start upgrading lenses to the latest pentax versions or wait for the K3iii. To be honest, I probably won't do either for a while, but it's fun to think about! I have a feeling the new K-3III may be a big improvement in AF tracking. I have the KP, but I seldom do much tracking, I've gotten used to just pushing the button to continually autofocus. I have a KP which improved the atofocus speed and accuracy quite a bit over the K-50, I've never had a K-3 to see how much faster the KP is in relation. The DA300 plus 1.4 converter are definitely faster than on the K-50. I also have the 55-300PLM, which is just fast on any body that can use it. But over all, if you are looking at tracking and not in a hurry, waiting is your best bet. That K-3III should be out before Spring, and maybe the first follow on by the end of the year.

01-16-2021, 10:19 PM	#6
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,196	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye That K-3III should be out before Spring, and maybe the first follow on by the end of the year. Follow on? Like a K-3iii[ii] ?

01-17-2021, 05:44 AM	#7
Sidney Porter Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Columbus Ohio USA Posts: 353	I would wait for the k3iii and see how much improvement it gives with AF

01-17-2021, 11:58 AM	#8
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	Originally posted by tibbitts Follow on? Like a K-3iii[ii] ? No, like a KPii or K-90

01-17-2021, 12:47 PM - 1 Like	#9
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,196	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye No, like a KPii or K-90 I was thinking maybe K-3iiis (with "s" meaning screen this time, as in articulating screen.)

01-17-2021, 06:02 PM	#10
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,562	I would say, you have some very fine equipment. For now, in terms of AF tracking, getting the DA 55-300mm PLM should bring you much improved results, especially with your KP. The KP's superior higher ISO performance can also compensate for the reduced aperture range of the PLM lens. If you will also need better AF performance at the shorter FL zoom range, wait for the arrival of the replacement of the old SDM version with the DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 PLM version, which will also provide WR, whereupon getting it you can sell your Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens. By that time, the new K-3 III will have been on the market for a while with a price reduction, so you might then consider replacing your K-3 II and selling it as well. One advantage of there being a time span to bring about these changes in steps, is this way the hit to the budget at any given time is not so severe.