I'm a sucker for fast lenses and decided that despite my misgivings above, I'm going to push the button on this. Like Mike, I miss the 50-135 but can't afford one now, even secondhand. Which means two things:

(1) SRS have one less Sigma than they did when this thread started and....
(2) I will be putting a "legendary" Pentax lens (prime) up for sale in the classified later. Watch this space!

Jon

That's what is making me think twice - this lens is supposed to be very good if you get a decent copy but renowned for front focus issues and soft results at min focus distance. The price is very attractive though and good copies should rival the 50-135.

Hi Peter - thanks for the heads-up. Ideally I'm looking to get one that is as close to mint as possible, so will hold out for a while. But may come back if I draw a blank....

Best wishes,

Jon

A closer comparison can be made using the BHphotovideo site - as it is possible to get quotes from to include all duties and postage. Even after all of that, some stuff is a lot cheaper imported from them that it is purchased over here.

In terms of composition, I think the second series would appeal to people most, but there is a lot of potential in the first - I'd prefer there to be a little more space above the gerbera in that series though, and am not convinced by the off-centre vignetting effect. The stalk is quite prominent in the third series.

Of the whole lot, I like 2a then 2b the most. But I think with tweaks, the composition in 1 could be a more original take.

Hope these comments are helpful - it's great that you're trying new things and prepared to share them. There's a lot more originality here than in anything I've done recently so I feel a bit mean to comment at all!

Jon

If you have an SMCM 20mm/4 in really good nick that needs to get out more, let me know!

Cheers,

Jon

Hi Simon - have sent you an email about Marumi DHG thin CP - according to LensTip they're better than Hoya Pro-1 and they're cheaper too.

Jon

Congratulations - it's a lovely picture

Bump. Superb 35/2.8 SMCM. It's guaranteed full frame compatible! And I'll even throw in a real aperture ring and lens hood as part of the deal.... Price reduced to £50 incl P&P within UK.

As someone else with an American wife, I'm right there behind you!

Lovely looking puppy - we have a black lab/golden retriever cross who does some work as a therapy dog (he goes and licks old ladies and eats their biscuits in a nearby home once a week, and has also done some work in South London and Maudsley Hospital). They're great dogs, and it's great that you're doing this work to help prepare yours for such an important role. Have a lot of fun!

Jon