Still contemplating the Hawkes I tried out a few days ago but still concerned about that god awful focus traction I found on three different demo models. I've briefly scanned through the various threads but can't find any in depth opinions on the matter so to be specific I've started this thread!!
Basically, I love everything about those Hawkes, I could live with the slow focus but the spongey traction in the focus doesn't exactly inspire confidence with the build quality. While turning the focus wheel through the focus range it got to a certain point and it seemed to cease up a little, becoming increasingly stiff mid range as if something inside was jamming the internal mechanism?
Anyone else find this, is it just a result of uneven lubrication or something possibly more serious?
Matt
Can't answer your question Matt but I too am on the cusp of buying a pair but have no idea where to start. Any idea's for a reputable seller and a good price? Sherwwods (local) want £300.
I think I know what you are referring to. I felt the Promaster EDs that I had actually displayed this a bit more than the Hawkes that I had in my possession. I thought the focus control on my particular unit was actually quite responsive so, if I had to take a guess, I would say that you might have run into a "bad batch". I have had several email exchanges with some of the folks at Hawke back when I bought my pair. They are very friendly. Why don't you drop them a line via their website and see what they have to say about your concern? Who knows, maybe they will send you a "cherry unit". Making a customer happy is what any manufacturer is supposed to be geared towards, right? Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool.