I really don't know what I'd expect, it was a bit mysterious.

I would assume that they didn't feel the bits they were being offered would be of interest to them.

I can't get any more than that out of it. I don't accept anything as a trade, it has to be something I want.

SRS are very good to us and give great service. What did you have in mind that led to your post stu62?

I like these very much, apart from #10 which I feel just looks very odd, you had great light and a really good sense of composition.

I thought we were thinking in the context of portraits, where often the desire is for narrow DOF?

The 55-300mm is a great lens, but the maximum aperture is quite restricted. This makes out of focus backgrounds much more difficult.

This question endlessly recycles, pretty much like the recharging cycle of batteries!

There are those who use the Pentax batteries to ensure the correct spec is delivered and warranties are not compromised. They take the view that there's no point spending all that money on good kit to compromise performance with an unknown.

There are those who dismiss it all with a "they are all the same inside" philosophy, so why spend all that money when you can get the same cheaper?

There are those in between who are choosy about what third party batteries they will trust.

You pays your money and takes your choice. Perhaps look back at some of the other threads on the subject and see what the various arguments are.

The lenses you already own will cover it very well, but if you fancy a prime portrait lens then the current classic lens would be the DA* 55mm f/1.4, which gives the same view that the classic portrait lens would on film. That would be the 85mm f/1.4.

Other great lenses for the purpose are the 70mm f/2.4 Limited, the 77mm f/1.8 Limited and any older lenses from about 50mm to 85mm. Personally I would find longer lengths a bit too long on a DSLR.

One thing to watch is that older lenses may not focus as closely as current ones.

My ideal choice would be the DA 70mm f/2.4, which I think is a lovely lens. It would also make a good pairing with the 35mm you already have.

No marque should be the purview of the faithful only, new blood is essential for the future. So Pentax do seem to be looking at new markets and new customers, and with a high degree of success I think.

Looking at the various Facebook pages I'm a member of, the general reception of the new colours has been very positive.

Just IR I think, not the best I've ever seen using the technique, but not bad.

My favourite is the lightning picture, the shapes are fantastic.

Moved to Classified Ads and title amended to make it clearer.