I have a Pentax 17-70 (which I like) and will have a Sigma 17-70 tomorrow which I think I might also like! I've just bought a 50-135 and would really like a DA*300 but I'm not hankering after any of the others. I'll probably sell one of the 17-70's, depending on which one I get on with the least. My focus at present is gathering some decent glass, but I don't think that DA* is the be all and end all.

Regards
David

Welcome from me too!

Regards
David

I use 'Signal Inks' in my Epson, colours are good and true, they don't block up and they look great on quality photo paper. Can't tell the difference between these and genuine ones, except in my pocket!

Regards
David

Love these Simon, so much personality in all of them, my favourite has to be Louis Suarez!

Regards
David

There is no haloing or artefacts in Alan's image and the reflection question regarding the twig is a bit off the mark. The reason for the suspicion of haloing, is the lighter colour of the twig that is partially obscured by the bird's head, this may give an impression of a halo, but there simply isn't one there!

As for the reflection, as Alan has pointed out, the water is reflecting at a completely different angle to that which the camera is pointing the bird itself! There is no way the reflection would ever contain the same elements as the direct view that the camera has.

I think we should look at images for what they are, instead of scrutinising the minute pixel detail for 'processing faults' that don't exist! I've had comments once about a halo on a horizon where the land met the sky, this was simply the edge of a dark cloud that existed at the right of the image but not at the left!

The images are very good Alan, I can't see anything I would particularly change in them.

Regards
David

I like the shot and I also like to see all of the different takes on the processing, none of which would look like mine if I had a go, but all of which have their merits. I'm not sure which version I like the best, Ken's is very good, but I also rather like the flatter tones of the original as they seem to suit the mood of the image to me.

Regards
David

Very quirky Alistair and works extremely well for me. I like several things about this; the unconventional positioning of the walking man, the angles, the stepped roofs, the details in the brickwork and even the bushes hiding the buildings behind. And of course the wind which is making the man hold his hat. Very good indeed!

Regards
David

Can't see any fungus in these shots Steve, could you describe where the fungus is growing inside the lens?

Regards
David

How much are you asking for the lens Steve? Also some pictures of it and of the fungus inside it would be helpful!

Regards
David

This is another very interesting thread, credit to Nigel for raising the questions, although I do think Ken was spot-on when he asked if Nigel was just 'pulling our leg' a little!

Nigel is very good at provoking responses, but not in a nasty way and I think some of the responses on this thread have maybe gone a bit over the top! My position is clear, I don't like the effects applied and I think they show little or no skill, but I disagree with paulyrichard's view that it is all about taking the photo right. Yes, it is highly important to get the right composition, exposure etc., but it is also important to process the shot effectively to maximise its impact and bring out the best features. I would bet that the photographers with a combination of the best eye for an image and the highest processing skill levels will consistently produce the best images.

Regards
David