You can discuss anything here if you like.

Day 36 of the monsoon which started the day the hosepipe ban was introduced here in East Anglia and it's raining fit to burst again. So much so that I expect to see Noah sailing past in his ark anytime with two of every animal.

That's the theme for this fortnight, then. "Two" or "2". Get your creative hats on and come up with some masterpieces that represent the number 2. It can be anything - the more imaginative the better. A few to start you might be a reflection, two identical objects, two similar objects, two completely dissimilar objects that complement each other, two lovers, two people, two animals, two photos merged together - macro, landscape, portrait - any type of photo with any lens.

As a relative novice with a DSLR I will try to score for technical ability, but will place lots of emphasis on the interpretation of the theme. Extra kudos if it makes me smile.

I will use a points system to work out scores, but won't publish them.

All entries to be taken between now and 18.00 BST Wed 23rd May with Pentax or Samsung equivalents. Please supply EXIF data for your image.

There will be regular reminders and it's open to all members so no excuse for not entering

Chris

Thanks John. It's a shame that there weren't more entries, but the weather hasn't given much scope for variation during the last month or so.

I thought waypointcharlie's was the best by a long way and would probably have been tempted to let the slight time difference slip, given the lack of entries

Just in from the theatre so I'll have to leave the next theme until the morning.

Hi Claire

If you want an idea about the capabilities of the 18-250mm then there is a mix of inside/outside low and bright light photos all taken with the 18-250mm here:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/photos-from-asia-32473/p-0#comm_367194

On my portfolio the recent storm picture, the boat scene, the pagoda at night, the butterfly, the dragonfly/darter and the lightning were all taken with the Pentax 18-250mm. More capable hands would produce even better results

Depends if you need the 300mm at the long end. If not, it might be worth considering a Pentax or Tamron 18-250mm. The quality of this lens is very good indeed considering the range it covers.

I have a Pentax version and use it as my main travel lens because I don't want to carry too much with me and be constantly changing lenses.

The lens isn't available new in either version now, but you can pick up a good used one for around £250.

An alternative would be the DA 18-135mm, but that's quite a bit more expensive and I can't comment on the quality as I don't have one.

Probably mistook my garden for a lake.....wettest drought ever.

Came back last night

[IMG]http://i393.photobucket.com/albums/pp15/chriseast/goose2.jpg[/IMG]

I use anything from a bit of paper to a bit of tea towel stuck over the flash. Sometimes Charlotte's Pringles diffuser. Very high tech.....

I only shoot handheld now for insects. I generally use f16 for depth of field with a straight or diffused flash depending on the subject and available ambient light.

Generally I use catch in focus for insects. It's incredibly accurate with my K-r.

I usually stick with ISO 200 unless I have no choice. Sometimes I need to increase it a little to get a decent shutter speed.

I have a tripod, but rarely find it helpful for insects. It's difficult to get it in position and the insect is usually long gone when I do.

There will be as many techniques as answers and the best thing is to get out and experiment.

+1

I've struggled with it as well to be honest, but probably haven't used it enough for a fair trial. Biggest problem for me was that it doesn't seem to exclude enough light to make it useful, but that might be me as well.

I'll try to use it over the next couple of weeks and report back.