I too was concerned about this lens after reading a number of reviews. I also found John's review very honest and decided to take a risk. That is where my comment about the heart comes in. This lens is not about the head, it just delivers images for the heart.

I love how this lens renders every scene, I would buy one before it goes up significantly!

I have to admit to shying away from backpacks due to the back issue, I now use a Crumpler Cupcake which can hold my camera with up to the 55-300, Metz 48 and an additional lens such as the 35mm, 50mm to 100macro.

I also have a Case Logic slr sling which can hold my camera with a DA*50-135 fitted and a flash or spare lens in the top pocket.

For me, the Flipside 300 is the same as the Kata 3N1-20, and I have stopped using that uther than to store equipment not in use.

I have just got the Pentax 18-135WR lens, for me it is great, and the fastes quitest focassing lens I have, for me the focussing is the best selling point, so much better than my Sigma 18-200. The next selling point is the weather proofing, so as an all-weather lens it can't be bested IMHO.

On the Image Quality front, yes the science shows the compromises, however my heart loves this lens and the images it delivers!

When using this lens, I don't have to think about the lens, it just does its job!

Ever though about a large digital photoframe?

For anyone who is not already aware for this, or signed up: Aday is a great project and a great opportunity.

Join, photograph all day on Tuesday 15 May 2012, select up to 10 photos and upload!

I'm getting involved!

I havn't used the macro feature for some time, as I have the 100mm WR macro!

Sounds exactly what I want - less CA and a little sharper, though it is 5.8 verses the Tami 5.6 at 300mm!

Lens received very fast, thankyou.

Looking forward to trying it out this weekend.

The 35mm has taken over from my 50mm f1.4, unless I want very low light capability or very narrow depth of field.

I have the Tamron 70-300, would this be an upgrade in terms of a replacement lens?

I am looking for somthing that does not add extra weight and has better performance all round, especially with respect to CA.

I agree, very interesting. As I see it, owning a smart phone with a good camera on it might open up the world of photography to you, making for a hankering after something that can doa little more, such as zoom!

To me, a compact camera does little more than a good smart phone, but a CCS or DSLR - that is a different matter.

This is why, I think, it is so important now for Pentax to get there gear into high street shops.