Just to let everyone know that after further thought, some hours ruining my eye-sight gazing at sample images on the 'net and a quick look at the state of my credit cards, I ordered the non-APO Sigma DG Macro from SRS. The converter idea got rejected as it would lose a stop with the Pentax 50-200, would give slightly less extra reach and would cost slightly more.

It arrived late this morning and this afternoon got a quick test in our car-park. First impressions? Well, it's significantly bigger (and heavier - it weighs about the same as my K-S1 body) than the Pentax 50-200. The focus motor is a bit noisy (but quick) and the zoom barrel not exactly silky smooth.

Image wise, very good at the wide end, loses a bit of contrast at the long end and is also a bit less sharp there, possibly due to a small amount of fringing, though the fringing is only really noticeable with high contrast subjects. Macro looks good.

For the price, I think it's pretty darn good.


Oh, and I think I'm going to need a bigger gadget-bag!

And Digital Photographer magazine (issue 166 - the current one, I think) has a good review of the K-S2. Four stars for everything, except value for money, which gets five, so four overall.

Mind you, they do illustrate the review with a silly-coloured model - the all white one.

Stu, would that be the APO version or the other one?

Nice pic, BTW. Grey heron, if I'm not mistaken. We occasionally get them on the little tributaries that run into the Thames in Staines. Unfortunately, the last time I saw a heron, I only had my (Canon A1200) pocket camera with me, so I can't show the picture here. And the IQ is pretty bad - high ISO and a heavy crop!

I'm pretty happy with my 50-200 lens, but would like a bit more 'reach', so have been considering going for a 70-300.

However, I don't have enough for the Pentax, so have been looking at the Tamron/Sigma offerings. Which are just within my budget.

I've rejected the Tamron as, going by the reviews and the sample images I've seen, it has pretty bad colour fringing at the long end.

Which leaves the two Sigmas. The APO model should be better, and most reviews say it is. However, I've seen one or two that suggest the improvement in CA is not that much and, in one review, that the non-APO one was marginally sharper at the long end.

Has anyone got experience of both and can advise on this?

The other option would be a 1.4x converter. SRS do a Kenko one for somewhat less than the Pentax one. Anyone used one? Are they any good, especially if used with the Pentax 50-200mm?

... when the boys in blue (I think) keep flying these things back and forth over Staines?




I think it's a Eurocopter EC135, but I could be wrong.

Also, it's a heavyish crop - by the time I grabbed the K-S1/50-200mm, it was on a widening circle prior to heading away.

I got mine (plain black) when the price dropped under £300. Possibly a bit too early.

As I have small hands, the smaller grip is no problem. And the weight is appreciably less than the K20D I have, which makes for improved handling. IMO.

...number 28b - Seen/Scene through the trees.










All done with the K-S1 & 50-200mm

An ongoing project, so I may go back and re-do as the weather changes.

A trio of pictures from my latest walk about. I was actually out to take pictures for a specific project (I may post them in another thread) but took these as well. All with the K-S1 and 50-200mm lens.



A Canada Goose looking at its reflection and wondering what has happened to its head...




The same goose and a group of mallards studiously ignoring each other




A swan in it's least graceful moment.


When taking that last picture, I saw what they mean about Pentax auto-focus being a bit slow.

Unfortunately, Staines (upon Thames, if you insist) is not my home town - I just happen to have lived here for half my life.

or two, for the X5, prior to it being boxed up and sent to my sister, whose camera has packed up.

Anyway, some hidden buildings in Staines.

1. The Masonic Hall. Hidden in plain sight behind the multistory car-park.



2. Staines Synagogue. Nestling between an office block, a load of trees, the railway and a car-park. Note the stylised 9 branch Hanukkah Menorah on the wall, as opposed to an ordinary 7 branch one.



3. An old shelter tucked away in the corner of the park by the old Town Hall.



4. And the plaque(?) on the front.



5. And finally, one that I find amusing, but I'll bet nobody else gets the joke - Say it with Flowers