The K20D's on spot metering, the K-7 on matrix, so for the 200mm shots the K20D was metering from the dark seed pod in the centre of the image, hence the lighter shot overall.

And the flower shots were shot with and without flash, hence the dark background on the Pentax 200mm shot, and the more even lighting on the Sigma.

So, as far as comparisons go, not exactly the best set Clarky. But probably the most telling line of yours was "...the bee shots are amazing handheld, I don't think I would have got them as good with the Sigma."

Dan

I was in a camera shop earlier this week when a lady came in with a Panasonic compact that produced images very much like this. The front of the lens was fine, now I wonder if there was a finger print on the inside of the lens from when it was assembled. :

By the way Whelmed, you really should give your sensor a clean.

Dan

That's why Ken.

Dan

No. 1's lovely, good control of contrast.

No. 6 is a Garlic Mustard, food plant of the Orange Tip butterfly.

No. 8's a maple, not a sycamore. Like the silhouette, but agree that the sky could have been better.

Dan

Me too.

Dan

I wish employees of companies would say "what we've done..." instead of "what they've done...", gives the impression he's not a real Pentax guy, which of course he may not be.

Didn't mention the weather-sealing either.

But at least it proves the thing exists!

Dan

Billericay had some floodlights installed in the 70's, so it's not so bad anymore.

Dan

Some discussion about it all on this thread.

Dan

I very much doubt it.

Bans, whether temporary or permanent, are a last resort. Discussion is the best option, and usually resolves most issues once tempers have cooled.

Moderation is fair and even-handed and is applied to all, even if it may not always look that way to you Gareth. There are rules that apply to conduct in the forum, and the moderator team try to make sure they are adhered to. Most users self-moderate, some need a gentle nudge in the right direction.

If you genuinely think that the moderator team are abusing their power, then you are of course free to make a complaint to Peter Bargh, the owner of this site, who will, I'm sure, wish to see that his forum is being conducted to his satisfaction. I would advise the use of PM for this, if this is the course you wish to take.

I'm off out now, to take some photos.

Dan

I got an HP LP2275w last year and have been very pleased with it, moving from a decent Samsung CRT.

Or Matt's suggestion is only £247 at Ebuyer. Or with a silver case for just £223!

Dan