Unfortunately they never land where you want them to ! I was actually astonished that the 55-300 could do this !

Hmmmm ..... it's the operator who's got a bit of a way to go to do them justice

Thank you, Frogfish.
The first one is Calopteryx Virgo but I can't find what the second one is.

The first was taken with the Kx and 18-55 DAL
1/160
F/7.1
55mm
ISO 800

The second, with a messy background was using my brand new 55-300 DL.
1/500
f/5.8
300mm
ISO 800

Thanks for that John. I still haven't found my way around here yet!

Just realised I can put a photo here. I took this this afternoon with the 55-300 in a ditch :

I said I'd come back and report on the 55-300.

Wow, what a lens - it's just fantastic! I am starting to do things I'd only dreamed of!!
It's extremely comfortable with the Kx, nice to hold and I've got away with close up shots of insects on 300mm without a tripod. For someone with a history of shaky hands, I'm a happy person!

Whilst I have a long way to go with composition, pp etc, the clarity of the photos when I get a decent shot is amazing.

A big thank you to you all for your help and advice.
I'll post a couple of photos in the Gallery when I've time.

I love this one - she looks like one of Beryl Cook's models

I've just told him - no reply yet

Well, I've done it - I've ordered a 55-300 from Amazon France - €288 and it should arrive in a couple of days time (free delivery !)

Everyone will have their preferences - I'll let you know how I get on when it arrives and I've been out and about with it. Can't wait;