If you are happy with fixed focal length and no AF, I would second DrOrloff's suggestions. I haven't used the K30 F2.8, but judging by DrO's images it is a stellar lens.

I own a M28 F3.5 and I love it, my best landscape lens. You can find decent examples for less than £50; mine cost £30 for a mint example.

Regards
David

OK Guys, time to post your images for the competition, open only to those who went on the 'One Lens Challenge' day out in Sheffield on the 7th February. I'll start off by posting my favourite image from the day, but if John Riley judges mine as the winner, the second placed will win the lens, a Pentax K-55 F1.8.

Mine's a bit of a conundrum; if you're struggling with it, turn it upside-down!

Please post your image with an image title and your name alongside.

'The Shadowy Figure' - David Storm - Pentax K-3, Pentax DA50 F1.8




Cheers
David

Which photo are you mentioning? There's quite a few in my gallery!

Cheers
David

Very nice shots, all three of them.

Regards
David

I was one of those involved in the long discussions about improvements the K-5iis offered over the K-5, particularly in IQ terms. Yes, it is better, yes it is sharper, yes the AF is great in low light and is a significant improvement over the K-5. I think the K-5iis is a Pentax classic, I don't think there is any debate now about this.

Is the K-3 better than the K-5iis? I think so, but the K-5iis is still a great piece of kit and runs the K-3 very close indeed.

Regards
David

Good to see you back Will, hope you stay this time!

Regards
David

I have a slightly different opinion on these in that I think 2 and 3 are the best. Number 1 is lovely, but there's nothing that adds that little bit extra, colours are nice, it's well shot, reflections are nice, there's nothing to criticise, but for me it doesn't have that 'something' that would make it special.

2 and 3 on other hand have the human element which adds so much. For number 2, I would crop it hard at either the top or the bottom, not sure which, I'm leaning towards the top to make it look unusual and to make the mass of space at the bottom work in its favour.

Number 3 I love. I like the man in the middle, I like the mass of trunks and branches, I like the fact that it's a bit different.

Regards
David

I agree with Gareth, but in a slightly different way. Taking a single image with a small aperture, say F13 or smaller would have got everything in focus. You might have needed a tripod though, depending on shutter speed.

Cheers
David

A massive thanks to AndrewA, DaveM, PGWeber, Carmargw, Paulb531 and Gtis, otherwise known as Andrew, Dave, Peter, George, Paul and Neil, for making the 'One Lens Challenge' day a very enjoyable one, I hope I speak for you all when saying this.

As mentioned on the original thread, I am putting up a prize for the best image from the day. The rules are:

1. Only one image can be posted by each of us, taken on today's outing

2. Photos must be posted in this thread, each image to have a title and to show the name of the person that took it

3. Images must be posted no later than midnight on Sunday 21st February, i.e. two weeks time

4. There are no other rules, the image can be processed, manipulated, presented as you wish

5. The winner will receive a vintage Pentax K-55 F1.8 lens in lovely condition, this lens is a classic of its day and is very usable on digital bodies, despite being manual only

6. John Riley has kindly accepted the invitation to judge a winner and John's decision is final

To start the proceedings, Paulb531 took a 'Group Shot' of us all lined up like suspects in an identity parade - Paul could you please post this image as a taster - it is not eligible to win the competition, but will be a nice introduction!

Thanks again to everyone for coming and to John Riley in advance for agreeing to judge.

Regards
David

Thanks to everyone for coming, it's something we should do more often! I will post a new topic on the Forum tonight for the entries to win a lens with the best photo from the day as judged by John Riley.

Cheers
David