Don't blame you!

Seems a very fair price.

When I was looking I couldn't find any available used and ended up buying a new copy for 50% more.

PM sent

Is the K-5II worth £250 more than the K-5?

Probably not. The only difference is an improvement in focus accuracy in low light, when not using the focus-assist light.

Does the K-5II cost £250 more than the K-5?

No. It's currently only £100 more at forum sponsor SRS Microssytems, as long as you can find something to px then they'll give you at least £100 (or £100 more if it's actually worth something) against the II. But the offer is due to expire on 31/12, so you'd have to be quick.

Alternative bodies

The AA filter-less K-5 IIS is some £200 more than the straight K-5 II. As you would expect on an internet forum, opinion differs as to whether it's worth the extra. People do seem to agree you have to look very closely to see the difference though.

Or there's the K-30. Image quality is every bit as good as the K-5/II, and the autofocus is actually a bit quicker, despite it being almost half the price. Most really rate it but some, myself included, prefer the ergonomics and quality feel of the higher-spec model.

Alternatives to the DA* lenses

Maybe look at the 'Limited' primes. If the * lenses are aimed at professional use, then the limited could be aimed at enthusiasts. Where the *s are fast but big and heavy, the limiteds are small, light and beautifully tactile. Image quality is superb but they're not all fast (but not all are slow either). edit - Not sure about dust sealing on the limiteds off hand.

Ah, that makes much more sense. Thanks!

What are the details on the 17-50? Tamron?

It's certainly got a good reputation and the price is very attractive.

Please someone buy this so I don't!

Don't tempt me Chris.

The 40's not on my must-have list but I share your dislike of eBay's greed.

Hmmm....

In my experience, VAT has been calculated on the value of the goods plus the postage.

To quote HMRC:

"The import VAT percentage rate is applied to the total value of the goods. In the case of goods brought in this is the sterling equivalent of the price paid abroad, as shown on the receipt. In the case of goods posted from outside the EU, it is the amount on the Customs Declaration, which includes the price paid for the goods, the cost of transport, postage and packing, insurance and any duty* that may be payable." (my bolding)

Source: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm#3

They also state the sender should complete the green customs declaration affixed to the package such that the total value shown includes both elements. HMRC can, and on occasion do, have parcels opened to check that the figure given matches the invoice total. They also claim that you, as importer, have legal responsibility for ensuring that the sender completes the declaration properly.

*The good news is that they only collect duty when the value is above £135 and where the duty due exceeds £9.

I believe RRP to be £519.99. So RRP less VAT would be £433.33

If that is indeed what they're selling at then, as I said, it's going to be cheaper to buy elsewhere with VAT and duty paid.