The price no doubt reflects that very few people want to run a DSLR from the mains supply.

Nor would I call it a CSC. It's a DSLR, having a mirror.

An outdated early abbreviation for what have become known at CSC (Compact System Cameras) - no manufacturer would be happy to sell EVIL cameras.....

The alternative point of view, depending upon how we define "best", is another Pentax branded battery, available from SRS and other dealers.

There are plenty of ME Super and MX cameras still around, but the Canon AE-1 hasn't stood the test of time as well. It's clunky by comparison and definitely past its sell-by date...

There will always be those who can afford the top line marque lenses.

The typical amateur of the 1950s would have a TLR if they were well off, otherwise some simple leaf shutter 35mm camera, maybe with a rangefinder if they were lucky, maybe a 4 element tessar-type lens if they were lucky.

The 1960s brought the typical amatuer to the Praktica and similar inexpensive SLRs, with perhaps 35mm, 50mm and 135mm lenses. The wide angle and telephoto were probably own-brand lenses such as Dixons's Prinz range.

The 1970s saw more proliferation, but affording marque lenses was still a luxury that many could not afford, since then things have steadily come within reach.

I'm talking about the average camera club member, reflected also in the content of the magazines of the era, but there were those who had access to much more than the average, and of course those who had little access to anything but the cheapest options.

Maybe it's worth reflecting on how spoilt we really are. In days of yore, an amateur would only dream of a 400mm or 500mm lens on film....

Now, we have a brilliant Pentax 55-300mm at a very reasonable, accessible price and that's equivalent to 450mm at the longest end when we consider the crop factor.

We should be able to achieve some sparkling wildlife images with that, coupled with high ISO capability that film users never had and with high shutter speeds that we never had either.

I think it's a shame you've been scared off by the other thread. The 18-135mm has much to commennd it and it might be perfect for your purposes.

I've had one to test and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one as and when I need a lens of that sort of range. That isn't a cop-out, it's just acknowledging that I don't need one as I have quite enough lenses already!

When I do need such a lens, it will be the 18-135mm that gets my money. Lenses are not perfect, and I recognise qualities in it that I can exploit.

Sorry, post edited, we don't suggest people go to other forums, please see the Terms of Use.

There are some members here who use video on the K-5, it's been discussed to some degree. Just use whichever forum section seems appropriate for the specific post you want to make. Pentax Digital SLRs covers all functions of the Pentax DSLRs.

It's much easier than that to test SR.

First, take a series of shots from fast to slow shutter speeds, with SR off. Then repeat with SR on. If necessary, do the complete test several times.

Then you will see what advantage is being gained using SR. I typically find 2-3 stops of slower speeds are, with care, available for successful hand held exposures.