As well as all the corrections needed to manitain performance over all focal lengths, one of the compromises that has to be made is that of holding focus. This will depend on the lens desigmn, but also on the quality of the mechanical components as well.

A Leica zoom might be expected to hold its focus when zoomed better than any kit lens. It might cost a bit more as well.

The first zoom that wasn't was the legendary Vivitar 38-80mm, which started the modern zoom being taken seriously. It was not a zoom as it did not hold focus when zoomed. Many modern zooms are not true zooms in the same way, although even those that are probaly hold focus only approximately.

There is no such thng as total accuracy, so I always zoom first and then refocus. If you want to see the effect focus on something close with the kit lens and then zoom as you look through the viewfinder. It will go way off.

This was intended as a portrait lens and will have fairly soft contrast at the widest apertures, but sharpening up at smaller ones.

Just once in one place please!

The new weather resistant bodies and lenses leave us with no excuse! There are plenty of terrific images to be had in the rain, and it is somewhat liberating.

As for when do I use my cameras - every day, every opportunity. That's why it's not a problem finding 365 images a year for ePHOTOzine!

Unfortunately the link doesn't want to play just now, so I'll try again later.

However, in the real world I think for most of us digital has already surpassed the quality of film. I know in theory film might resolve more, but in practice few of us can reach the standards that film might allow.

If I had my films processed at Boots (or wherever else in the High Street) then there's no argument - digital will be better.

Could be, you enjoy it all!

I honestly have little idea as they are so rarely offered. Therew as one on eBay a while ago that went for around £250 if I remember correctly, but it will depend very much on the condition.

Be careful that you try it before you buy it as mirror lenses can be easily knocked out of alignment by rough handling.

The effective aperture changes as you zoom, for the usual reasons, but you can't change the aperture.

thoramay, if you decide you don't want it drop me a PM with a price please...

You can start a thread in Your Photos, or post in the gallery, as you wish.

From a practical point of view, the only thing really is that it would be nice to see the before and after versions to see what has changed. In this way something could be learned by everyone about the comments made and whether or not implementing them made an improvement.

The only place where replacing photos is not done is in the competitions, where to do so would be unfair.