I understand that they are the same optically.

I have an entry that needs shooting, so I'll have it done before the deadline!

woodworm has summed it up perfectly. Whilst not against the rules as such, quite a few members have expressed their displeasure at these links, over a long period of time.

My feeling is we are all capable of doing our own searches, but of course BIN items are another matter altogether, and in any event it's down to the established etiquette that members tend to follow.

We wouldn't know, Algi, we don't use the lenses in question!

What tends to get ignored in reviews is that lenses have a character and are intended for particular applications. Unfortunately, even the lens makers don't really come forwards and explain what that application might be for a particular lens.

So, a portrait lens might be softer wide open and critically sharp when stopped down. A macro lens we assume is critically sharp from the start and also has a flat field for copying purposes. An architecture lens should be as near rectilinear as possible. And so on.

My 18-135mm, for example, has high MTF20 scores and lower MTF50 scores, and sure enough it has wiry, contrasty detail, but a macro lens it isn't. If you read some tests you wouldn't buy it, but if you are aware of its characteristics it might suite you very well.

The 70mm Limited is a lovely portrait lens, just the right length and with beautiful rendering. I'm not too concerned about how it reproduces test charts....

It'll do fine here unless you want it moving. Some subjects could probably fit in several sections quite happily.

My feeling is that you don't need any accessories at this point, what you need is a supply of interesting subjects. Spend the money on going places, take lots of pictures and anything you need will become apparent as you go.

Have fun on the journey!

I think it's a case of us being certain that image quality will be at least as good as the K-5, so there will be little to add to that. All the reviews confirm that as well, so it's clearly not an issue.

Those who want the K-01 will buy it with confidence I suspect, others will stick with the DSLR range.

Personally I am happy with my DSLRs and the Q, which are used in quite different situations. So there's no imperative to buy a K-01. When our backup K20D finally dies I may consider it as the backup camera.

Yes, in general please don't link to auctions. It doesn't make our bargain seekers very happy.

Then once will do just fine, don't worry, we'll find it. I've moved this to the Flash forum, which seems more appropriate.

1. Ultra wides are useful for landscapes, interiors and architecture. If you wish to apply some creative technique, they can be used for anything you wish, even portraits.

2. No point in having a zoom lens and only using the widest focal length. Use the appropriate focal length for the image to require.

3. No, they are unsharp in general, but passably useful when the lens is stopped down. But the cost is IMHO a bit of a waste of money.

4. Wide angle zooms are very complex designs, so if you want the best results, buy the best.

5. I don't believe there is any such beast as a walk around lens. How would you anticipate what will occur in front of you and will your camera be poised for it? Highly unlikely. Pictures generally are made by the photographer, not by events circling round us.