I've been a Pentax user for nigh on thirty years and am about to make the switch to digital.

However, I've read many reviews about the K20D, that while approving, don't rate it as highly as equivalent Canons/Nikons (price not an issue).

Of particular concern is the quality of the metering, which has been criticised. I graduated to the M series film cameras and have to say that the segmented metering on these was superb. Has Pentax gone backwards?

Thanks Hefty1.

The lens was definitely 75-300 so looks like it's the FAJ Wwe're talking about. Do you know where I can find any reviews of it?

The M* 300 prime sounds fine as well. I've got about £500 to spend - is there an AF for that price around?

I'm going on safari and need a longer and faster lens.

I have a MZ-5n. I've seen a white Pentax 75 (70?)-300 AF film lens (KA-F? mount) but I can't find any reviews for it. Does anyone know where I can find one or whether it's any good? Or, could someone recommend a good fast prime 300mm?

My current lens is an old Sigma 28-200, which when opened right up is very soft

Thanks for the replies everyone, but I'm still confused.

I have an MZ-5N (autofocus). Which digital lens series (if any) could I use with this or would I be better off sticking to dedicated film lenses?

As I understand it, digital lenses are made to optimise light gathering on the area of the sensor.

Since this is smaller than 35mm film, presumably there is less detail gathered.

So, if you use digitally optimised lenses with film, are you losing out on detail and is this noticeable? Is it noticeable compared to a dedicated 35mm lens of similar quality?

I have an old autofocus Sigma 28-200 zoom for my MZ5N.

The trouble is when I open it up to maximum aperture, f3.5, it is very soft.

I want a new lens in the same range or similar (28-200/300), but with a much sharper image at maximum apertures.

I've seen a Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG Macro and a Tamron AF 28-300mm XR Di LD Aspherical Macro IF f3.5-6.3 (62mm), and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations or thoughts on these.

I need the lens to be compatible with film (obviously) and ideally want the range to be 28-200/300 in 35mm not digital (I believe focal lengths for digital are different).

I'm also happy to buy second-hand if people could recommend a decent (not soft) lens.

Many thanks