Well I like it very much as well ... It's strange, there's nothing to see at all apart from the man, and the holes in his jeans , but the blackness draws you in, I find myself actually exploring it ... So its nothing, but still something ...

I'm interested technically as well, as I'm delving into flash techniques with my new 540fz. This looks like a high speed sync effect, with a very fast shutter to eliminate all ambient light, plus a flash on a stand off right, perhaps with a snoot to direct the light. Is it something like this? It's a handy way, even outdoors, of removing clutter and just isolating the subject.

I think there's an interest in the larger sensor format in compact style bodies as well, and other types of system other than DSLR. I won't be looking to that myself ... With the BG4 grip attached the K7 is only just big enough for my tastes. If I'm going to upgrade to FF I at least expect to get a bigger camera ... That way I'll end up looking even more PRO and very very cool when out shooting!

There are many many fingers crossed ... Can't remember, should we cross fingers on both hands and toes as well?

Well for overall IQ the Samyang is rated better than manufacturers options that cost nearly 3 times the price. You've probably seen many of the pics before, but check out my gallery on here for loads of examples. Autofocus is not a priority really at this focal length I would suggest. I don't know about the Tamron, but the Samyang is FF! Yup, covers a 135 image circle, something that was in the back of my mind when buying it

The Samyang is an 'a' type lens, giving full auto-exposure control. I use it mostly stopped down, but the charts sure its resolution remains high across the frame even wide open. Finally, the Samyang it's built to a professional standard, very solid and the focus ring is smooth and secure worth a huge throw.

Hang on, I thought the K5 was highly regarded for its low light high ISO performance, better than the competition?

I agree completely ... It's only by raising the ideas and differences in what we see in images that we share and gain new perspectives. In technical terms the main aim for us all should be to have full control at our fingertips, so that the technical and processing aspects can be made to reproduce the creative aspects of what we want the photo to show, whatever that may be.

No that's not at all what I've said ... It's about the shadow levels within the skies, which are pulled down too much by the grad, as a result of the photographer setting the highlights and mids nicely. I'm not saying anyone here doesn't think about their highs and mids ... Perhaps just that after the event when processing they may not consider the ' internal' levels balance within the skies, specifically the distance between the shadows and mids, which I believe needs to be reduced on this kind of moody sky.

All good, but the 2nd one, the long platform view, is the best for me ... Very nicely composed and the eye is drawn right through.

I've heard of those nihon things ... Is that a type of camera?

Malc, nice to see you over here you're right, you've been missing out on so much - this is where it all happens It will be great to have your contributions on the forum as well, as I've always so much appreciated your helpful support over on the gallery