I have another lens question.
As well as buying a new walk about lens, I'm going to buy a new telephoto to replace an Sigma 28-200 that I used with my MZ5. I'm torn between the Sigma 100-300 f4 or the new Sigma 70-200 f2.8 and a matched 1.4x Sigma converter. I'm not considering the new Pentax 300 f4 because of it's fixed focal length. I want the flexibilty of a zoom which is why I'm leaning towards the Sigma 70-200 with converter for ultimate flexibility.
However I'm open to suggestions and opinions. What do you think.Pentax

The pound sign does not work on my keyboard, hence the traditional quid; however if I buy the 16-45 which is a 5yr old lens design, I lose the advantage of the f2.8 the Sigma can offer plus it's a more modern lens design than the Pentax. Decisions, decisions!

I'm about to purchase a replacement for my K10d kit lens.

The choice is the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 or the Pentax 16-45 f4. Putting aside the fact that the Sigma is about 70 quid more than the Pentax, which is the best?

I've been using centre weighted metering on my K10d as the default method after finding that the 16 segment metering option gives me a higher proportion of underexposed shots than expected. I'm actually disappointed in the segment metering mode. However its no real problem because there is always a solution. Any shot with more than a 20% proportion of bright cloud in it always appears underexposed with straight forward segment metering. If I take a traditional landscape shot with centre weighted it appears ok. Take the same shot with the segment metering and it appears underexposed unless I use a graduated ND filter.

That's my current experience with the metering modes.

Thanks Pete,
Another question answered, something new learnt.

I've read this thread with interest because I'm thinking of buying a Sigma 100-300 . However I'm none the wiser because I still think in 35mm terms. So is my proposed lens purchase from my K10d going to give me in 35mm terms 150-450mm. I ask because I'm after a new telephoto and I want it to give me at least 400mm, Thats the 'reach' I need. So is this lens long enough or not. (maybe I should post this in the lens section)

A very, very long time ago I started out with a Zorki 4k, I went along to a local camera club with it and was ignored for weeks on end.

I've no doubt that the majority of camera clubs are very friendly and very helpful, but there's no harm in seeking a recommended one. Just thought I'd ask our Cheshire members.

Is anyone in the Cheshire area a member of a camera club they can recommend. There are a few in Cheshire but I dont want to be a member of a club where the members are anti Pentax. You know what I mean.
Tut, tut you should have bought a Canon etc, etc.

I'm interested in improving my photo skills via the help of others; not an equipment beauty contest.

Thanks,
Chris.

Thanks for the replies guys. Mines definately a MK1. I'm happy with it. I was curious to know if it was worth the cost of changing it. I think I'll save my cash for a Bigma!

Hi everyone,

I keep reading references to a MK11 18-55 kit lens, that is apparently better than the MK1.
How do I identify if the lens that came with my K10d is the MK1 or MK11.

And realistically speaking does it really matter which one I have if the largest print size I'm going to produce is a 10"x8"

Thanks for your replies.
Chris