This is an interesting discussion as I have been thinking of getting a DA* for the f2.8 possibilities.

However, if a hammer bends a nail it does not mean the hammer is rubbish, nor the user inept, simply that it is the wrong tool for the job at hand.

On a simular note, it states that DA* lens focus 10% faster, however, if the focus is only a bit out i.e. a couple of feet at most, is there any benefit in use?

We are all talking about converted that go between the lens and camera body, what about converters that go on the front of the lens, such as this one:

http://www.goshotcamera.com/product/LTP001622XB-AMZ/Bower_2x_62mm_Telephoto_Conv...

Does anyone have any experience with these? I know they can only be as good and the glass used in them but I am wondering it they will have less of an f stop impact.

I have been thinking about trying one, but it seems that I would have to buy to be able to try!

Since updating the firmware to add this feature I have realised that the manual has not been updated to include a description of its functionality.

I have read the the Sigma DG-530 Super is compatable with the wireless flash mode, however, what does this mean in practice?

From one point I though that setting the flash mode to wireless would turn off the pre flash, however, this is not the case (based on my tests).

Does this mean that if I was to use the 530 Super, I can use it as a full pTTL slave in conjunction with the pop-up flash? I.e. both light the picture?

I am thinking of getting the 530 Super but would like to better understand what it will give me. I already own the Pentax eXtra flash and have successfully got that to work.


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I have recently looked at getting the Tamron lens but I read a less favouable review and started to look for an alternative. I compared it with the Sigma 18 to 200 and decided I preferred the smoother operation of the Sigma lens (Tamron was slow and noisy to focus). I decided that the extra 50mm was not important. I have to say, I am very pleased with the Sigma lens, it is quiet, smooth and handles very well for me.

I too have been playing with one of these and found a work around for turning off the pre-flash: use an old lens! Set the camera to manual and the apiture ring on the old lens to something other than 'A' and there you have it (make sure the setting in the menu to allow this is right)! You will need to experiment with flash to subject distance and apiture setting to get the right exposure but it works.

I have been using PSP since version 6 and am now on version X, I did download a demo of X1 but it was soo unstable on my XP system that I did not bother with the upgrade. I might give PSP X2 a go, hopefully it will be stable on my system.

So far, following the PS tutorials, I have not found anything that I can't do in PSP X - I was even able to do much of it in PSP 6! So far, if it is not there I likely don't need the function!

To me it seems strange that we are debating this endlessly

At the time I bought my first film SLR, why did I not go for the 645 system? Would this not be the same today as going for a Full Frame over a APS C? Quality, clarity? Surly I made a very bad choice! This is what this discussion seems to indicate!

Oh, and were the 35mm lense OK on 645? (Don't answer that one )

If pentax ever did come out with a full frame I for one would not be buying it! I am very happy with my APS C system and DA lenses and the fact that I can still use all my film lenses - that is what brought me to the APS C system anyway as I could buy the camera (with kit lens) and then use what I had till I could afford a better lens. By better I mean lighter, smaller, clearer...)

Also, I have tried my DA* lens on my film camera and it works a treat - all be it with a little vinyetting.

Pentax made the lens mount compatable, not the lens! Anyway, when you get the Full Frams Pentax you want, the quality of the lenses will have to go up again to cater for the larger 25MP sensor! However, your old 35mm lenses will still work! So you wont have to pay £1000+ for your 'standard' FF lens! Lets face it, Pame their money from selling us lenses don't they