Hi There Tom
I must say, if I had an S2 and an M9 I don't think I'd have much time for the K5 either.
Still - I'm not getting too many shots out of focus.
Incidentally, the problem with the 16-50 really was different - I had one memorable portrait shot of a tree trunk at f5.6 taken from about 20 ft away looking straight at it - the middle was pin sharp, as was the top, the bottom was completely soft - very strange.
Back to 'normal'. There is no question that the focus point is much bigger than it looks - (but the K5 isn't alone in this - it's also true of the D700). I've found that it does mean that on an angled subject the point of most contrast may not be the point in the middle.
The other issue is that when you pixel peep your D700, you're looking at a larger part of the image (but of course you know to take this into account).
I did lots of work fiddling with calibration for different lenses, but in the end I settled for +2 overall, and that does seem to do the trick most of the time.
Do you find that it's mostly backfocus or frontfocus issues (or, indeed, that the subject is just blurred?).
all the best
Hi Jono and good morning everybody,
I did further test and my problem seems lens related.
The 35macro for example seems to focus very reliable. Its the most consistent lens out of those I have.
The 50-135 seems to also focus pretty good.
At the same time I shot comparisons with Nikon (50-135 vs Nikon 70-200VR, 70da vs 105/2.0DC) and the Nikon shots were just 100% spot on.
Also when you shoot it side by side there is quit a difference in viewfinder size. Of course there is also a big difference in lens size.
While the sharpness and AF of the Nikon seem really faster and better, I now believe with the right lens and right fine calibration the K5 AF should work fine.
The color in PS from the K5 raws I prefer over the Nikon - however with some work on profile the Nikon seems very similar (in PS I chose D2x mode 3 and reduced dynamic and saturation).
Frankly, for me its a love hate relation with the K5 and I just cant get rid of it.
I think I will also add the 18-135 because this looks like a real compact set when you dont want to carry a lot of gear.
By the way I also shot some comparisons (for fun) between the M9+50lux-asph, S2 and 70/2.5 and K5+35/2.8
- The IQ difference was much smaller than I would think, the color in LR was also quite similar (this was just nature shots, no skin) with the Pentax and the M9 (in evening sun light). The S2 seems overall a little cooler and to render the blue sky somewhat different as well
- With the S2 (as expected) the sharpness is the highest/pops most which generates and intersting look the sharp subject popping out of the other areas
- The Bokeh of the 50/1.4 at f1.7 seems slightly smoother than S-70/2.5!!
It just showed me again how wonderfull and smooth the M9 with the right lens works.
It also showed me that my sharpness-"problems" with the K5 are indeed AF and also lens related. (the 35/2.8 Macro rocks).
I really think a good lens with good optics and very important a lens which focuses right makes much much more difference than the sensor in modern cameras.
