Hi Jim

I don't think there is a panorama mode on the K-r. I've had mine for some time now and haven't seen it, though that might just be me. Nothing on the menu that I can see and nothing in the manual either.

A couple of reviews mention a panoramic mode, but I think they might be wrong. You can stitch panoramas together in most photo programs like Photoshop, but I don't think you can in camera.

Join the club. I've been trying to make a similar decision and for the all my trips in the last 2 years....Whatever you choose, you will wish you had done differently so go with the best choice at the time.

If you buy good used you will rarely ever make a loss on re-sale if (when) you change your mind.

Pentax/Tamron 18-250mm are tremendous 'one solution' travel lenses, but you sacrifice a little in quality (only a little) at the long end for the convenience. I used one for 18 months or so without any regret and only after my interest in the hobby developed did I want to upgrade. Didn't have any sensor cleaning issues at all as the lens didn't come off the camera which is also worth bearing in mind. A good used Pentax copy will cost around £275, but you will always get your money back.

Typical that Royal Mail managed to deliver something posted 2nd Class next day, whilst I'm still waiting for something posted First Class last Thursday....

Bought the K-x and this lens for my daughter, but, yes, the K-x might just make it with me on a temporary loan basis

In a right pickle over lenses anyway. Trip has turned into a longer one with opportunities for just about every type of photography there is....Want to limit it to three lenses maximum because of the weight, especially if one is the DA 300mm, but keep changing my mind about what I need

Thanks again for the great service

Thanks Dave

Received today, just as described and well packed. Great transaction.

Hi Martin

You shouldn't really have any problems getting focus with a M 50mm and extension tubes.

As Roger says you need to be pretty close, but that's to be expected as it's macro. Only a small amount of whatever you are photographing is likely to be in focus at any time so it's sometimes hard to judge the moment. Best bet is to get the focus as close as you can by turning the ring and then move the whole camera backwards or forwards as necessary to get the exact focus.

Using a smaller aperture will increase the depth of field which might also help, but that will, of course, affect the light which is another problem when doing macro.

Not sure if the K10D has 'catch in focus' or not, but if it has that's worth a go. I use it a lot, but others don't use it at all.

At least with digital you can experiment to your heart's content.

Hi Martin

Probably need a bit more info.

Do you mean auto-focus? Is your 50mm 1.7 a manual or autofocus lens? Do the tubes have electrical contacts or are they manual only?

Lovely shots - tremendous detail on the blue tit - mine dispatched today

It's a bit worrying for k-r owners. Most of us only have the one camera and mine failing whilst traveling would be a disaster. It's not as if these are isolated incidents. There is clearly an inherent problem and it does make me think seriously about having a backup with me, though not another k-r....

Too late - now £987.....

When given the option I pay extra not to have things delivered by Yodel. Worst company in the UK in my opinion. I can't remember the last time they delivered on the day they were supposed to without any problems. I can remember the last time they messed things up....today.

If you have the parcel reference number it's worth getting in touch on Twitter. Sounds mad, but it's the only part of Yodel that works well and they usually sort it out very quickly. I'm not a Twitter expert by any means, but it's @YodelOnline you want to contact. You have to join Twitter, then 'follow' Yodel. Post a message and someone usually gets back to you within a minute or two. Took about 20 minutes from start to finish to sort out today.