The first and third stand out at first glance as beautiful pictures. But the one that has become my favourite after looking at the set several times is the last one. And that's because I'm drawn in by the glimpses of light on the track, then notice how the branches above and the tree to left of centre prod my eyes towards the sun, and how that's supported by all the major lines in the picture ... and so on. Even a few sparkly rays from the sun. It's the one that the viewer has to work at to really appreciate it, but once you've worked at it - wow!! (I've also got a soft spot for pictures with mysterious paths that wander off to goodness knows where )

Steve

They really don't understand, do they...?

And the 55-300mm is a very good lens. But unless you're desperate for 300mm, it isn't going to give you much more than your bargain 50-200mm. So you can tell your other half in all honesty that you've thought about getting another lens but she's right, you really don't need it. Which should build up credit for you for the time when another lens is definitely needed...

Steve

Thanks folks. I always enjoy seeing plants bursting into life, spring doesn't last long enough!

No, definitely blackberry. A thornless variety, can't remember the name and the plant label vanished long ago. It has given valiant service and much fruit over many years but I fear it won't have many productive years left .

Steve

Looks like a good purchase. It's amazing what you can get for a modest sum if you're not wanting to spend a small fortune plus an arm and a leg to get the latest monster that's so sharp you can shave with it. And I'm sure you'll get as much pleasure from the 50-200mm as you would from a much more expensive lens .

Steve

The fruit bushes have realised that it's spring in spite of the almost daily rain and dark cloud. And that means there are buds and flowers all over the place. A rare glimpse of the sun allowed a photographic foray into the bushes. Here are some of the results. K3iii + Irix 150mm macro, all hand held.

Thoughts, comments etc. welcome as usual.

1. Redcurrant



2. Casseille



3. Blackberry



4. Gooseberry



Steve

Superb. These and your recent Berwick bridges set certainly show the value of walking around with an open mind, a creative attitude and the technique to match.

Evidence (if any is needed) that natural intelligence is far superior to artificial intelligence .

Steve

And welcome back to the fold from me, too. But ignore Spad's 'brotherhood of loonies', we're the sane ones, it's the rest of the world that's gone crazy .

Steve

Nice .

I hope the sun didn't damage either the camera or your eyes .

Steve

And another kind comment from me, too. The second is my favourite because it hints at rather than showing everything up front.

Frought with danger - what price did you have to pay to get them to help you up afterwards??

Steve

Oh dear, another dead 06 and another case of it being the most used Q lens. I feel your pain. Having been in the same situation not so long ago, I'm pretty sure you'll have to resort to the usual suspects and keep your fingers crossed that you can find one which isn't just about to fail without warning. FWIW, I managed to get one from Japan that the seller claimed to be new and it certainly looked like it whan it arrived. Its use is now rationed in order to eke out what whatever lifetime is left in the component which will eventually fail.

Good luck!

Steve