Looking at that list of lenses I have rarely seen such a strange selection, probably not the best way to start off in digital SLR photography.

I'd have an interesting time selling most of them on eBay, after which you will get better photographic resulots by looking at some basic Pentax digital lenses.

For low cost, 18-55mm WR and 50-200mm WR lenses, plus keep a fast manual focus 50mm.

For wider versatility, 55-300mm instead of the 50-200mm.

For added wide angle capability add 12-24mm.

For added close up capability add 100mm f2.8 Macro, WR version if you can afford the extra.

If you just enjoy lenses and want to play with them and experiment a lot, then keep on buying like you have done and see what you can find and what it's like.

It's meant to be fun, so go for it!

I agree the screw on hood is intended for the job. The difference is the time taken screwing things on and off lenses compared to clipping them or bayoneting them into position.

Minor thing maybe, but in the stress and turmoil of a shoot it can be significant.

We end up doing a full lens test before we're able to make any firm judgements.

The alternative is to use the lenses in the way we would normally use them and form a judgement based on that. If the photography involved was, for example, document copying, then the macro lens would be the obvious choice from the start.

I think I'd search camera fairs and eBay very carefully, where the perceived value will be up to £10, maybe as little as £5, but if push came to shove would I buy a new one?

Well the last one cost me £8.50 but it is the correct and most efficient hood for the job. Hmmm....I might, but it would hurt.

This isn't really a fair comparison. The 50mm f1.4 does not have as flat a field as the 50mm f1.7 and is not suitable for close up work.

For those who don't know what they're doing, be careful, you've spent a lot of money on a precision camera and turning it into a paperweight is one possible outcome.

Thank you for the update.

Just out of curiosity, does it mention safety cut out in the instruction manual?

I bought mine in 1985, so no, not that price!

I use the 49mm-fit square clip-on lens hood and it is ideal.

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