Any of the K-5 variations are great. I found the autofocus when moving to K-5iiS (which would be the same for the K-5ii) was more of an improvement than I expected, especially in low light. But I think for the outdoor photography you have mentioned, it would make little difference.

Of the lenses I own, it'd be a tie between the 70/2.4 and 40XS. Some of the best street shots I've ever seen though have been taken really in the thick of things at wider angles than I've had the courage to try. One day I'm going to go out for the day with just my 20/4 SMCM and see what happens.

I've purchased from Adorama and BH when in the States, and in both cases the service was faultless. BH are unusual in also allowing you to calculate the full cost of importing to the UK, incl custom duties etc. At that point, it is generally the case that SRS looks like a very good option! Even more so if you want minimum hassle warrantee repairs.

BH website closes for all of the Jewish festivals though, incl the Sabbath, so by the time you factor in the five hour time difference, weekend shoppers from the UK can only purchase on Sundays.

If we're talking about websites and ties to shops, I find the DP Review link to Amazon and their own "Gear Shop" somewhat more worrying.

ND (neutral density) filter allows you to use longer shutter speeds. Useful if you want to control depth of field and shoot at wide open apertures on bright days, especially if you are also keen to keep ISO as low as possible. Also useful to do things like the blurry water thing - although the built in filter is not really strong enough to achieve the "full cliché".

Polarisers do also cut down the light entering the camera, like an ND filter, but their main purpose is to suppress reflections and thereby increase contrast and colour saturation. ND filters, other than allowing longer shutter speeds, should have a neutral impact on contrast and saturation.

Sold and I suspect we'll soon be seeing some stunning images from its new owner, judging by some of his other posts here.

Thanks for looking,

Jon

Bump. Will consider offers close to asking price for this fabulous lens.

As Daz is apparently 4fut3, if you feel like taking him on, here's some photos of the lens! It's in superb shape and as you can see from its previous owner, quite the performer.....
















Gallery link here if you want to see them larger: link

PS - all taken with my new toy: DA40XS. Talk about from the sublime to the ridiculous....

Cheers,

Jon

OMG this thing is fun! 40XS received in perfect shape. Ridiculous lens but I think I'm going to enjoy it. Great transaction, many thanks,

Jon

Superb lens in superb condition. Bought on this forum a few months ago but barely used since I got it. Comes with brand new Sigma orig hood, caps, case and box. Can post photos tonight.

Bank transfer preferred but PayPal accepted if fees paid by purchaser.

I don't think you'll find a better example of this sought-after lens.

Any questions please pm. Priced to sell at £399 incl RMSD.

Cheers,

Jon

I think something like Tapatalk would be worth investigating. It works well for iOS and Android (not sure about Windws) and is very widely used.