I've just sold mine on... it's a very different beast to the f/1.4, and for most of my photography the f/1.4 got used (hence the reason for selling the f/1.7).

The 1.7 has a flatter field of focus, could well be slightly sharper than the 1.4. It also has 6 aperture blades, and I prefer the octagonal bokeh produced by the 8 blades of the 1.4.

So the 1.7 is great for copy-work. The 1.4 is great for super low light and crazy depths of field.

Horses-for-courses as they say
Matt

The 16-50 is:
a) larger & heavier
b) weather sealed
c) focussed with SDM

I don't have the DA* lenses (can't afford them!), but the SMC-DA 16-45 is a great lens! Very, very sharp, light and portable. Interestingly the barrel extends at the 16mm end, which means you can get very close at 16mm and get some crazy angles of view! (Whacky portraits included!)

Since the SMC-DA 17-70 came out (which effectively replaces the 16-45) there have been a few 16-45 bargains out there

Matt

Welcome

Or worse - what make of camera
Absolutely agree. When you get so hung up on equipment it's good to take a step back and look at composition/basic theory/colour again
Interestingly, there's not as much information about basic composition skills - it's more about "How should you use equipment x,y,z"
Matt

Hi Vic -

When you say "it didn't work" - what exactly happened. You should have been able to click the "Add Comment" button and it should put the comment reply straight in there.

Other questions - what web browser are you using? Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Netscape, Safari, etc, etc? And which version.

If you find the "Add Comment" button fails for you - then please send a private message via the forum, or email me.

I'm sure there's a perfectly sensible explanation to this...

Matt

Hefty is right - the 50/1.4 will always have a place
Even at f/2.0 to f/2.8 it's incredible! And sometimes you just have to shoot nearer f/1.4!
Here are some examples:
f/2.2 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/926895
f/2.8 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/931148
f/2.2 - http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/1012029 at ISO3200!
(You can click on them all to see a larger 1000 pixel view)

Bokeh to die for
Matt

Searched ebay:
Pauly_T I believe is the set
Matt

Kris,
All firmware versions beyond 1.01 can. (Only the original 1.00 could not).
It's a real bonus!
NOTE: Since the VF shows ISO and not remaining shots, to see how many shots remain on the card, hold the OK button down
Matt

Pareto,
The K20D auto ISO algorithm differs slightly from the K10D, and tends to aim for lower ISO overall.

However, in both cases, by far the easiest thing to do is to assign ISO to the front wheel and use Av mode. You'll have to go into the custom menu and look for the e-dial section.
In that mode, pressing the green button reverts to Auto ISO, and moving the e-dial will override that and force a manual ISO.

Then you have the immediate choice of auto ISO or manual

Takes a little while to get used to examining three values - Av, Tv & ISO - but the Pentax is unique in this

Matt

Can't answer all your questions right now... but here's for starters:
1. The SMC-DA 16-45 is a superb lens
2. The SMC-FA 50mm f/1.4 is absolutely sublime
3. Macro - probably the SMC-DA 100mm (very compact). But any of the older ones are good too - e.g. Tamron 90mm, Pentax SMC-FA 100mm, Pentax SMC-F 100mm
4. Definitely the SMC-DA 55-300

There are "swings and roundabouts" between the K20D and the Nikon D300. But, yes, the Pentax is probably 65% of the price of equivalent Nikon gear.

As to where to go: www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk - for sure
They're a Pentax Pro centre with extremely helpful staff and 2year warranty. Perfect!

Hope that helps!
Matt

PS: Congrats on the imminent arrival