I must say that it is HUGE improvement. Seriously. WOW!. It's fastest focusing lens on pentax I ever saw. My K3 with 55-300HD is slower then this k1. And usually miss and hunt again and again. This combo brings back my faith in pentax.
From the RICOH Japan web site: This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. Cameras compatible with this system are KP, K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50. For K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.
I opine without some voice, it is difficult to understand what is going on, nor why the camera beep has been used for a silent test. If shooting nature, or anything that might be easily alerted, surely the beep would be turned off?
I think the older 55-300 does focus breathe a lot more than the newer more. In the viewfinder view when it is manually put out of focus see how the image shrinks. This could be because of focus breathing. What do you guys think.
Could you say something about RESOLUTION, please? DXOMark shows a good result of the old 55-300 and its maximum at 300mm -which is not easy to find on a zoom being at its best at max. focal length-. Ephotozine test shows a very LOW resolution on the PLM lens at 300mm. Please, help. Thanks!
How is that the focusing ring is turned to manually focus, of course, but in auto focus it doesn't turn? Auto focus somehow bypasses the focus ring? No focusing scale and looks like manual focusing would be difficult with ring right next to body.
I see in later comments that the manual focusing ring may not be actually mechanically linked to the lens but moving it exerts an electrical force to move the lens, and when using auto focus the ring is neutered.
This particular lens has "focus by wire", so the focusing ring is purely electronic. However, almost all other DA lenses work in a similar manner with a mechanical clutch. This allows for full-time manual focusing adjustments without touching the AF mode switch, this speeding things up.
The manual focus is also electronically controlled. It won't work if the camera is off or the battery dead. It does not need to rotate. No clutch, just electronics.
It can be used on the K10D but it will always shoot wide-open: www.pentaxforums.com/compatibility/Pentax+K10D/HD+Pentax-DA+55-300mm+F4.5-6.3+ED+PLM+WR+RE/
Currently, this is the only one, but since this video Pentax has also rolled out some fast ring motors for its D FA* line. Check out our lens search tool to easily find current and legacy Pentax lenses: www.pentaxforums.com/lenssearch/?searchname=PLM
Well if you plan to shoot video with the old screw drive lens you can't use continuous auto focus and you will definitely hear the screw mount drive focus noise in the audio...not with the new lens, something to consider. For action shots its a no brainer...go with the PLM
Hi there so i presume its not working with my pentax K-x, if thats is the case can you recommend something similar in the 300 mm range?thanks in advance.
I found an Amazon review which suggest it does't even with 1.1 firmware update. I'm trying to find out if this is true. I could not find someone else who have tried this lens on K-50.
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I have this lens and the focus performance is truly amazing. Near silent and instant. Wish all lenses get PLM tech.
I must say that it is HUGE improvement. Seriously. WOW!. It's fastest focusing lens on pentax I ever saw. My K3 with 55-300HD is slower then this k1. And usually miss and hunt again and again. This combo brings back my faith in pentax.
From the RICOH Japan web site:
This lens features a KAF4 lens mount compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. Cameras compatible with this system are KP, K-70, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50. For K-1, K-3 II, K-3, K-S2, K-S1 and K-50, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.
Самая корректная, наглядная и понятная демонстрация работы автофокуса! Автор молодец!
it's...too fast and too silent to catch my attention... a very advancing leap for pentax lens focusing.
I opine without some voice, it is difficult to understand what is going on, nor why the camera beep has been used for a silent test. If shooting nature, or anything that might be easily alerted, surely the beep would be turned off?
This is pretty impressive. It almost looks like it will focus faster than the DA* Lenses!
Which fully compatible tele zoom lens would you recommend for the Pentax K10D that's inexpensive and second-hand?
I think the older 55-300 does focus breathe a lot more than the newer more. In the viewfinder view when it is manually put out of focus see how the image shrinks.
This could be because of focus breathing. What do you guys think.
WOW! Love that... love to see more lens options with the new technology..
Could you say something about RESOLUTION, please? DXOMark shows a good result of the old 55-300 and its maximum at 300mm -which is not easy to find on a zoom being at its best at max. focal length-. Ephotozine test shows a very LOW resolution on the PLM lens at 300mm. Please, help. Thanks!
I know this lens focuses continuously in video mode using a k-70 body. With the firmware update of k-3, will it also focus continuously in video mode?
Damn, it sure beeps fast on static points. Damn, does mountains will be aharp as hell
How is that the focusing ring is turned to manually focus, of course, but in auto focus it doesn't turn? Auto focus somehow bypasses the focus ring? No focusing scale and looks like manual focusing would be difficult with ring right next to body.
I see in later comments that the manual focusing ring may not be actually mechanically linked to the lens but moving it exerts an electrical force to move the lens, and when using auto focus the ring is neutered.
This particular lens has "focus by wire", so the focusing ring is purely electronic. However, almost all other DA lenses work in a similar manner with a mechanical clutch. This allows for full-time manual focusing adjustments without touching the AF mode switch, this speeding things up.
Yup. You can find all lenses with this feature on this page: www.pentaxforums.com/lenssearch/?inproduction=0&qs=1
Why isn't the focus ring moving on the new 55-300 lens during camera auto-focus?
Because it's internally focusing.
The manual focus is also electronically controlled. It won't work if the camera is off or the battery dead. It does not need to rotate. No clutch, just electronics.
Is this lens compatible with a pentax k10d or is it to old?
It can be used on the K10D but it will always shoot wide-open: www.pentaxforums.com/compatibility/Pentax+K10D/HD+Pentax-DA+55-300mm+F4.5-6.3+ED+PLM+WR+RE/
Thanks! Wasn't expecting such a quick response!
Does speed affect accuracy?
The PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE is compatible with the Pentax K-50?
Yes, if you install a firmware update that Pentax made available recently.
What Motor on the new one? Ultrasonic?
how many plm lenses are there?
Currently, this is the only one, but since this video Pentax has also rolled out some fast ring motors for its D FA* line. Check out our lens search tool to easily find current and legacy Pentax lenses: www.pentaxforums.com/lenssearch/?searchname=PLM
Holy crap...awesome performance
I think the older lens is a better deal it has weather proofing and is a brighter lens and cheaper
The new one is also weather sealed.
It depends on the needs. I find the new one way better for sports.
Yea faster focus
Well if you plan to shoot video with the old screw drive lens you can't use continuous auto focus and you will definitely hear the screw mount drive focus noise in the audio...not with the new lens, something to consider. For action shots its a no brainer...go with the PLM
My old one focuses a LOT faster than the one tested here. A lot faster.
I have the old lens. Its a LOT faster than the one tested here. Noisy yes but a lot lot faster.
Just ordered it for my K-70 :-)
Hi there so i presume its not working with my pentax K-x, if thats is the case can you recommend something similar in the 300 mm range?thanks in advance.
You should get the old (F4-5.8) 55-300mm lens referenced in this video instead.
or sell my K-x and upgrade to a K70? and buy the new lens?
that's actually unsettling how fast and silent it is... Its gonna be weird going from this lens to any other lens.
What a great comparison video! Thanks.
Someone who has tried the new lens on a K-50?
It works with the 1.1 firmware update.
I found an Amazon review which suggest it does't even with 1.1 firmware update. I'm trying to find out if this is true. I could not find someone else who have tried this lens on K-50.
I have the latest firmware which I think is 1.10, My 55-300 PLM works beautifully on my K-50.
In the first test it looked like the new lens wasn't doing anything
But.... THERE IS NO FOCUSING SCALE :)
Yeap, love that, and so what? K5IIs...
Thank you!
after turning off that annoying beep - complete SILENCE :-)
LOVE it!
Now I know I'll buy the new one
Называется рико начали думать головой. Спустя годы сделали внутреннюю фокусировку.
Indeed - looks like a great focusing one from RICOH
crazy fast！Unbelievable
Wow!
Amazing improvement!