55-300 is a no brainer, great IQ for the money. It does have some limitations, I found that at 300mm then it didn't handle strong contrasts that well. But for the money it is a bargain and at its sweet spot it is right up there.

At wide angles then every mm makes a big difference. The difference between 10 and 20mm is huge. I would recommend a zoom too. Pentax 12-24 for quality and the Sigma 10-20 for affordability and extra reach (still a good lens as well).

I really like the idea of that lens but there are conflicting reports on its performance. That might be down to sample variation so I would be a little wary on one without a warranty.

It is a good argument to use a compact camera, or a mobile phone, which the photographer had on him. I don't see why a dslr is necessary here and is bound to attract more attention.

I don't really see that the proposed changes will bring a significant difference, aside from autofocus.

The FA31 is superb, the K30 is not far short in my opinion - supposedly the original design for the FA31 was based on the optical formula of the K30. It was overruled for a wider max aperture.

I mostly (but not always) prefer the 77 to the K85 but I don't think the difference is that great.

The Sigma does look very good indeed but is a big lump as a walkaround compared to Pentax options.

15-20-30 is a good lens combination for wide to wide/normal prime coverage.

The K50 is a 1.2 so will do things other apertures won't.

43mm is a bit too close to 50 but it is a great lens and your autofocus option.

I wouldn't change anything apart from the zoom.

The ideal solution would be for them to be 'sent to Coventry'. We wouldn't mention them but they could play at the Ricoh.

There is an irony in this thread. A Pentax has won best DSLR of the year (or is on course to). That's great. But we are not supposed to mention the runners up. If we cannot talk about competitive products then we cannot talk about what makes the K3 the best DSLR.

Another analogy might be a forum to exchange views on our favourite football team, Pentax Hotspur, but not being allowed to talk about any of the other teams in the league.

For the Christmas hols I visited family in the Wye Valley, so I had a chance to start doing what I really want to do, which is to photograph classic British landscapes as best as can, up my game a bit and see where it leads. K5 and 12-24 except the trees FA43 and the abbey K30 (stitched). C&C welcome as always.


Bigsweir Bridge 1





Bigsweir Bridge 2





Muddy Track




Bursting The Banks





Tree With Crow





A466




Trees




Tintern Abbey

Colour for me too. Frost would have been great but the golden tones here work just as well. I admire the precision of the composition, the fact that the branches do not touch the horizon make this top class.

I like the shirt pulling shot. I wonder if shutter speed needs to be a bit faster for the closer shots. East Fife?