But if he is at your market on a Thursday he can't be at mine! Maybe every other week?

Unfortunately it would cost me a packet to get there. It's a long way to travel just to meet Chris (sorry Chris , I will get to Watford one of these months).
Plus I'd have to put the dogs in kennels which further adds to the expense, and reduces the spending power on new goodies. My brother is also away this weekend so I don't have free board.
Another time.

Have fun everyone, I look forward to hearing all about it.

I wish I could go

Even in the Netherlands you can get a brand new K200d for €359, with full 2 year warranty on it.
Still try them on Marktplaats - people will make you an offer.

I agree with Prieni on these. Also I would have liked at least one of them to be looking at the camera. I like that intimate feel. If you look at the photo GivingTree posted it just looks like it was meant to be a portrait. Number 2 works fine, but for the others I wonder what was going on over your shoulder that was more interesting than you and your camera!

Have you put it on Marktplaats.nl? If not try there.

No Karl, keep posting and you'll join all us veterans before long

I too would say consider the Pentax 17-70, partially weather sealed, SDM (only!) and a superb lens. I have no experience of the other two but I am really happy with my 17-70.

Of the lenses I have now, probably the 50-135, simply because it is the best lens I own, though the 17-70 would be the more logical one to go for. I'd try and sneak the Bigma out too .

Like Pete if I really had to go for only one lens, and it is one I am considering buying as a "travelling light" lens, then the Pentax or Tamrom 18-250 would also be my choice. I go for range over speed every time.

Luckily everything is well insured so I could replace them all anyway .

Tripod foot = tripod mount/collar on long lenses I assume.
If you go the bean bag route, not only have it on a piece of string, but make sure it is big enough - often they are not very big and so are worse than useless. If you, or someone you know, is handy with a sewing machine they are easy to make.