Why not attach them to you K5II and see if you like the results. Some of my favourite lenses are manual.

I've just seen some of the prices. Might just stick with what I've got.

I managed to find this again amongst the kitchen ads. This forum does seem to be highly targeted, more than others.

I think this is a very fine image David, congratulations on the recognition.

How nice too to see someone who is so fastidious about levels. I agree with you both. I think it is level and I think it doesn't quite look level. It's not possible to measure at forum size with the somewhat indistinct horizon through the mist. Maybe the boat is genuinely lower at the stern, maybe it isn't quite side on so fools the eye into thinking the sea isn't level either. I think it's just one of those images that can trick the eye slightly and I'm sure that varies with individual perception too. My only suggestion would be to ensure that there isn't a slight touch of uncorrected lens distortion at play, but I suspect you have already.

I quite agree about so called 'cliches'. There are so many images now published that everything could be regarded as a cliche. There will always be room for an excellent example of anything.

As for the original invitation to comment upon the approach and result. I think colour popping has a place but it isn't with this image. I think the composition is good enough to focus the attention firmly on the mistletoe(?) and I think the additional colour popping is unnecessary and too much of a gimmick in this context.

The standard of written English is an embarassment but actually the tips are quite sensible. I would have thought there were better examples of bird photography to be found on the site though.

Good fun and a good shot too. I would recommend the distortion correction though as there is marked barrelling evident with the frame.

I got a JJC one for around a tenner, maybe a little more at the time. It seems there are plenty around for tuppence ha'penny now. Quickshift is useful for a sparrow amongst twigs, since the camera can focus roughly in the right place but it doesn't know whether you are photographing the sparrow or the twig, so you can use quickshift to get from the twig to the sparrow. Makes no difference if you go fully mf of course.

Having said that the one in the classifieds that I spotted after writing this looks the one to go for. I wouldn't hesitate.

Good lens definitely worth the extra. Definitely go for the DA version. The lack of quick shift is a real drawback to the DA-L version. A lens hood is a necessity in my book too. £239 is a good price.

Thanks Jon, downloaded. Your bottom corners, particularly right are softer than the top which are pretty good.