I have a set of Jessops PK/A extension tubes for sale. These aren't the usual manual set, but have the six electrical contacts for auto exposure. This allows the user to to do everything automatically, except autofocus, which isn't a problem for macro as most people prefer to focus manually anyway.

Unlike standard PK tube sets, these can be used with lenses without aperture rings, such as the DA and DA-L lenses.

I bought them a while back to use with my 50mm prime, but find that I prefer to use my macro teleconverter to give me a little more distance from the subject especially now that age makes it a little more difficult to bend down

They are in excellent condition with no obvious sign of use. No box, but they will be very well packed. I have a cap for the mount end, but not the other.

I have removed a small amount of paint from the anodised surface of each tube. This is a frequently discussed modification necessary for the aperture value to show in the viewfinder on Pentax bodies. Tested on my K-r with my daughter's DA 18-55mm this morning and everything works perfectly.

Prices seem to vary a bit and I've seen them sell for between £70 and £105 recently, so just asking what I paid which is £70 delivered.

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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SIGMA-10-20mm-f4-5-6-PENTAX-USED-12-MONTHS-WARRANTY-UK...

If you contact SRS directly they will usually do it a bit cheaper for a forum member as they save Ebay fees

No experience of the HSM version, but I took over 1000 photos in Italy with it and never once thought it wasn't focusing fast enough. I've not noticed any difference in focusing speed between this lens and any other I have.

Stuart - bottom line is that whatever you decide on, Sigma 10-20mm or Pentax 12-24mm, if you get a good used one, you won't lose any money if you decide it's not for you. You will easily get a 10-20mm for under £300 and might have to stretch the budget a little for the 12-24mm.

SRS also have a used Sigma 10-20mm on Ebay for £269 with a year's warranty.

There is a Pentax 12-24mm here for £450 or best offer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pentax-DA-12-24-mm-F4-AL-IF-Lens-MINT-/200835471364?pt...

Still almost double the price of an excellent used 10-20mm, mind.

Hi Bernard

Thanks. Sounds a bit technical so I think I'll drop the ruler experiments and just take photos! Quite happy with some I took today, just need to practice.

Thanks

Hi Charlotte

That's great - hopefully the end is in sight and you will have a K-r again

Hi Stuart

I have the Sigma 10-20mm in the cheaper version without HSM. Can't comment on the HSM version, but I love mine. Don't think you will find many people who don't love it.

I took it to Italy a few months back and didn't take it off the camera as I was mainly visiting historical sites. It's nice and sharp and very versatile, though it does produce the occasional weird distortion like ultra-wide if you aren't careful, easily fixed in PP mind. Not brilliant if people are at the edge of the picture, unless you want them to look like aliens, but o.k. in the centre.

You should be able to pick up an excellent used copy for around £240 and you won't lose it out if you sell it on in the future.

The other one I was considering was the Sigma 8-16mm which gets super reviews, but it's more expensive and I couldn't find any used, which says a lot.

Some of my pics from 1st time use here:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/first-photos-with-sigma-10-20mm-36091

Still gloomy today, but I upped the ISO to allow a slightly smaller aperture and increased shutter speeds.

All at 640 ISO and f8. All the wildlife is in hiding so static subjects only, apart from one of my hens (which isn't quite perfect so more practice needed with moving objects). No PP other than cropping. Tried a little sharpening, but couldn't see any difference - only lens I have had where I can say that.

I think I can conclude the problem was me, not the lens.

I've never used one so would be interested in how people think these images compare to the 55-300 at 300mm?

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