Try it on the trampoline, bounce up, and on your way up, throw the camera down, then catch it on the way up

Geez, that looks ugly. Where can I send the towel ?

Both. The Douglas Grey card I use is 18% grey on one side (for exposure), and white on the other (for white balance).

By far the best tool for setting white balance accurately is the Expodisc but as Matt stated, it's not the cheapest accesory you'll buy. If you go for it, get the biggest you'll need, and use step down rings for the smaller lenses. I made the mistake of buying a smaller one, and bought the right one (larger) later. Consequently I now have two.

I use the Douglas Photographer's Grey Card.

Check it our here.

I like them both . . . except for the vignetting. I think it detracts from the otherwise beautiful images.

PS: Perhaps George might offer to help move the millstone . . .

The Sigma 70-300mm is very much a consumer zoom lens, as is the Sigma 135-400mm. I have both and have been pleased with them, particularly with the macro capabilities of the 70-300mm.

The Sigma 50-500 (Bigma) has a few followers here, but not me I'm afraid so I can't comment. Perhaps others will. My own opinion on price is that the Bigma, with it's 10:1 zoom ratio is more expensive to produce and to be honest, I think most owners will use it at the long end anyway. I can't see the point much of a 2.5Kg 50mm lens that needs a monopod/tripod for stability ? ? ? To that end, I'd prefer a 500mm prime for improved image quality.

The Pentax DA* and Sigma EX DG ranges are arguably 'professional spec.' lenses and really ought to be much better than consumer lenses, hence their prices.

Whilst I concluded that the DA* 300mm was the best option for me, that was mainly because I have the Sigma 135-400mm and Pentax 135-600mm lenses already, which is why I ruled out another zoom (Sigma EX DG 100-300mm). The Pentax lens is a bit lighter (about 400 grammes) and water/dust proof too.

My own quest here was certainly conclusive.

The Sigma lens you mentioned, whilst fast, will not give you a much different field of view from your kit lens. For landscapes, look at the Sigma 10-20mm or SMC Pentax DA 12-24mm. The extra few millimeters at the wide end will make a difference to your landscape pics. I would also recommend you get a circular polariser filter for your new lens to punch up the colours too.

The diminutive Pentax/Samsung 50-200mm would be a good adition too. It's an excellent performer, lightweight, and readily available cheaply.

Sorry John, but that is inaccurate mis-information. The clamp switch on the FA 100mm Macro lens is to stop the lens creeping when pointing vertical (up or down).

On the D-FA lenses it is to lock the point of focus and disengage AF.

FA series lens manual can be viewed here ( page 22 ).
D-FA series lens manual can be viewed here ( page 18 ).

Regards,

Lowepro and Tamrac are well respected. My preference is Lowepro.

Avoid leather cases as they can often harbour fungal spores.

I've no experience of camera armour products so can't help there.