Thanks for your comments, No 4 is my favourite out of the lot.

Regards

George

Whilst camping in Wales the other week the RAF rescue helicopter was called upon to help someone who I believe had fallen on rocks. Hopefully the injury was not too serious.

The conditions were quite dull and this is perhaps reflected in the colours.

All taken with the K5 and DA55-300 mostly at 300 as I didn't want to get in the way. Very impressed with the skill of the pilot landing where he did, believe they dropped off the stretcher and winchman before taking off then coming back to winch the injured aboard.

No 1
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_10_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 2
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_6_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 3
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_8_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 4
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_9_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 5
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_5_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 6
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_4_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 7
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_3_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

No 8
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_2_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]


No 9
[IMG]http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb338/carmagw/RAF_7_of_10800.jpg[/IMG]

Regards
George

This weeks Amateur Photographer is dedicated mainly to Macro.

Within this there is a section on Thomas Shahan and shows some of his fantastic macro shots, mainly jumping spiders.

Interestingly he uses a K-x, extension tubes, Pentax SMC 50mm 1.7 with a reversing ring mostly.

Had a quick look at his flickr stream, well worth a nosey.
link

Regards

George

Hi David, very nice lens. I think all the insect shots in my gallery are taken with this along with one or two of the flower shots. Very sharp as per most macro lenses. Dof can be tiny so composition is crucial.

Will compliment your 50 very well.

The screw in hood can be annoying but for the price I paid for mine this is a very good lens. Couldn't justify getting the pentax 100 just because the lens hood annoys me !

Can produce very sharp shots of non macro images, have taken one or two of the children, the focus (if in auto) can take a while and is a bit noisy so I very realy use it for anything other than macro, mostly in manual mode rocking back and forth until I get the focus where I want it.

Regards
George

I have the sigma 24-70 2.8(NON HSM) and the Pentax 16-50 DA*, both of which I like.

The 24-70 is DG designated so is full frame compatable, not sure if its made in pentax fit any more but you can still get it new at a good price the last time I had a look, £350 @ Park. It is big and heavy (relatively) 82mm filter. I find it sharp, and its macro (not 1:1) tag makes it very good for close ups, flower shots (some in my gallery. Not sure how the HSM version compares but the price is a lot higher at 600 +.

The Pentax on the other hand is better if you need a wider view (state the obvious) and I find is very pleaseing for portraits. I do not believe the current price of it 600 and rising is particularly good value unless weather sealing was important. I'll not comment on SDM other than saying its quieter but slower than the Sigma on my copy.

I use the Pentax as a general walkabout lens and the Sigma more for specific events.

Regards

George

If you're happy with the Samsung version then this may appeal.

http://www.jacobsdigital.co.uk/p-37122-jacobs-digital-samsung-100mm-f28-d-xenon-...

Regards

George

I saw this and figured they'd sold most of the old priced stock and the new prices are not as competative so I guessed they were waiting for the market to even out before pushing Pentax again.

Could be wrong.

Regards

George

Arrived this morning well packed and in as new condition as described.

Thanks for a smooth deal Simon.

Regards

George

pm sent

Regards

George

Payment received and lens sent to WILL6558.

Pleasure dealing with you.

Regards

George