The Arundel WWT centre is an excellent choice for a visit, if you have an interest in birds and wildlife of course.

Another sample image or three:

I have now posted the Classified Ad for this.

PU members have the first chance to buy this ultra rare ultra-telephoto lens, of which I am told only 6 were made in Pentax fit. I am selling on behalf of a friend of mine who was the first owner. He bought it directly from Sigma a few years ago and has used it on safari trips to Kenya. Now, however, he feels it is getting too heavy for him.

I have tried it out and the relatively wide aperture makes it superb for isolating subjects from the background. Handling, AF and sharpness are all excellent and the lens is in excellent condition. You will find some signs of use, perhaps some brassing on a corner, perhaps some dust, but overall a very nice lens.

























The asking price is £2800.00 and UK shipping is £30.00 by Special Delivery. Delivery or collection can be discussed.

I've posted sample images on PU and on my EPZ blog. Any questions, please ask, and I'll leave this on here for at least two weeks for you to mull it over.

Title changed at request of OP.

I think quite a few long lenses for all marques are actually made to order.

I don't think there's much difference but the coatings may have been upgraded. With the huge lens hood provided flare was not a problem anyway.

Rather than a difference in image quality as such I think the difference will be in the character of the lenses. You could also add the Pentax 50mm f/1.4 at the price level of the Sigma.

However, I'd go for the 50mm f/1.8 as it has been designed with portraiture and softness of bokeh in mind. It has an almost circular diaphragm construction for pleasing bokeh. Also, f/1.8 lenses have flatter field and behave better close up and with accessories such as close up lenses, tubes, bellows. etc.

Add to that a very low price and you can't go far wrong. If you didn't like it, selling it on would lose you very little as well.

That pheasant is a great poser, going round the small lake endlessly and obligingly stopping at all the right places.

He looks to me as though he's just spotted me shooting his picture. Either that or he was shocked to see that lens in Pentax fit!

I'll offer it here first Vic, I've been thinking about the various possibilities with this one. As it's so unique (one of six made I'm told) I'm sure PU members deserve first refusal.

Price to be decided yet, but I'll post something soon.