It works better on the K-5 than on previous DSLRs such as the K20D. There is far less hunting. Also the DA version has Quick Shift, which does help to fine tune the AF when required.

My impression, watching others focus with other makes of similarly priced lenses, is that it's the best option without moving to the big guns.

So yes, I'm talking about AF in general. However, the main difference with the DA-L that's rlevant to the subjewct here is of course that QS feature. The hood is another bonus of course as it ensures best performance optically.

The 55-300mm in its full DA version is a great lens. This does indeed have Quick Shift and it works better on the K-5.

The 60-250mm is not quite as long, but the AF locks on more reliably. It does cost a fair bit more though.

Are you sure it wasn't just that the buffer was full?

We don't disuss moderation in public, which is why you are puzzled, you simply don't have all the relevant information. I've said it many times, if you have a problem send me a PM and we'll disucss it.

When this happened to me, and it's only happened once, I formatted the card in another camera and then formatted back in the troublesome one. It worked.

Of course, cards are cheap, so if there's any doubt just buy a new one.

We've always had inconsistencies, but prior to being able to view huge magnifications on screen it hasn't really been a problem. Likewise, we now have very complex zoom lenses and no doubt that does not help either.

With film the problem was film flatness, but thankfully at least a sensor is almost certain to be at least flat. I hope....

You can't do street photography so easily if you don't feel confident - it shows and makes people nevous or even suspicious.

You will need to look as though you should be doing what you are doing, but it certainly is not easy at first.

It depends which filter you wish to emulate. For colour yes, an 81A filter is similar to the Cloudy setting. For black and white I create my filter effects in Channel Mixer.

Alternatively, Photoshop offers Photo Filters. Simple, job done.

Tricky stuff. Do we have the nerve to get in close with a wide angle lens? This style is intimate and intrusive.

Standing further back with a telephoto lens is less intimidating, but more remote and detached.

Confidence can be built though by starting off at events where people expect photographers to be. Such at the Whitby Goth weekends, or 1940s events.

Otherwise, just do it. But don't look furtive or nervous. Just go out there and do it. If you look the part then there will be fewer challenges. If challenged, be friendly and explain what's going on.

I find I can duplicate most filter effects in Photoshop, but if you do want to use coloured filters don't forget not to use AWB or the camera will undermine your efforts.