Has anyone used this lens ? I assume it would fit a K-x.
It seems remarkably good value for a zoom lens - is there a catch or does it have severe limitations ?

I'm finding my old Tamron SP 70-210 lens very heavy (must be old age) when I'm not using a tripod due to practicality.

Me too.
There are marks that appear on the images, but since using the dust shaker, some have disappeared.
I'll have a look at the Eclipse fluid and an Arctic Butterfly as I'm reluctant to mess about with cotton buds, wet or dry on the sensor.

Thanks for that.
The 50mm lens must be a prime and it is easier - I just input 50mm and because it is so much lighter, I didn't have a shake problem.

When I started with the K-x and the kit lens, I did have a problem - I pulled down when I pressed the shutter. But with practice, this has improved dramatically.
So just a case of persisting with the zoom and I'm sure it will come. The potential for good insect and butterfly shots is there so I'll keep at it.
I would love the same thing but the modern lighter equivalent (Father Christmas, are you listening?)

I'm sure you'll find something, Darkskies. It sounds right up your street!

Stefan - what is a prime?

I turned it off but realised that shake with the zoom is a real problem for me unless I use a tripod. I'd forgotten just how heavy it is and a tripod isn't much use when you're moving around trying to catch butterflies and insects! It was great having the length to be able to zoom in and not get too close up, but not with the heavy lens

But when I took a shot of something that didn't move - a flower, for instance - the focus was sharp and I was pleased with the result. So I guess that's what I'll stick to for the moment unless I can sort my shaky hands out!!!

Thanks for the helpful comments - it's helping me realise what I can and can't do .... without a lot of practice.

I tend to print off the pages I want as I need them - but in PDF format on the computer, it's very easy to go straight to the section you need - just click on the item in the index.
And as a typical female, I also refer to the book as a last resort!
It's taken me quite a while to get to grips with the basics but I'm picking up new things as I go along.
How many times have I discovered something and thought "Why didn't I just read the manual?" !

Thanks, Bill. Now you mention it, I believe someone once mentioned something about taking shake reduction off. I'll give it a go.

I downloaded the handbook in English (I bought my camera here in France) but am ashamed to say I don't always understand it

I was pleased to find this topic as I noticed dust had appeared when I looked through the viewfinder.
My conclusion after reading the above is that I have dust on the sensor probably acquired when changing lenses. I've got away with blipping out dust marks with software up to now.

Using the dust shaker in the camera hasn't shifted it, so I'll have a go at the other methods suggested above.

Many thanks!

Not really a problem, as such, just that I'm not sure what I should be doing!

I have two old lenses that I used on my non digital Pentax : A Pentax-A 1:2 50mm lens and a Tamron SP 1:35 1:4210 70-210mm lens.

When I switch on, it asks me to input the focal length. I have to confess, I haven't the faintest idea what it means!
I've been inputting around 50 or 55mm which seems to work, but it can be a bit hit and miss.

What should I be calculating on ?
Other than that, everything seems to work fine.

That's my line !
It took an age and an awful lot of shots to get one that I dared post here