FWIW, possibly not too relevant, I had an oldish Sigma AF 400mm F5.6 on another K10D at Farnborough, which I used a little.

I was glad I only used it a little. The purple fringing against the bright sky was pretty bad, and the colours weren't as good either; nor was the sharpness of the results.

Welcome, Rob.

Is the Vulcan in your avatar a recent one? If so, where did you see it?

I can't comment on the DA* 300, although one or two here have it, and they seem pleased with it.

I had a reasonable time recently with the DA 55-300, if you're interested.

Why didn't you get on with the Sigma?

I could only think of one picture worth entering in a comp with this title.

If people feel that I shouldn't enter it, given that it's been seen and discussed before, I'd be happy to withdraw it.

I would urge Dan to re-read this thread and note that there has in fact, been only a single negative reaction to the entirely inoffensive comment he posted in the competition area.

I greatly doubt that it is representative of the membership at large.

One of the disadvantages of a moderation policy to summarily close threads that get too heated, or 'argumentative', is that people become a lot less willing to pile in and express an opinion, for fear of being seen to fan any flames.

It is in that context that there have been so few reactions like Gwyn's, which I suspect is more representative.

So I'd encourage Dan not to let this put him off either entering competitions, or indeed contributing in other ways.

The more involvement we can get from the people that manage, develop, and maintain this forum, the less there'll be of an 'us and them' feeling about it.

So, Dan, more please

Is that sometimes in large print?

Yes, sorry, a bit too cryptic.

Thank heavens someone got it.

Exactly, although I suppose 'sadly' is slightly counterintuitive in that sense.

I am a little shocked that John would be making risque comments though. It's not what I associate with my mental image of him.

But maybe I'm completely wrong

Sadly, I don't think they allow dogs.

I answered 'Penthouse' to the poll.

I don't see why it's such an unpopular option - I already have a Pentax, but a Penthouse as well would be very nice, preferably overlooking the river.