Just curious, Jonathan - I understand the point about the battery, but do the tilt-screen and the electronic shutter to 1/24000 not compensate for your other two concerns?

Philip

For convenience, a good value recommendation for APS-C would be the DA 18-135 WR. However, although I don't have a K-1, I often use the D-FA 28-105 WR, as it is almost the same size and, used on APS-C, its image quality to the edges of the frame is even better. 28mm is a good standard focal length (42mm FF equiv.), and the extension to 105mm (158mm FF equiv) gives a useful medium telephoto. I capture mainly static scenes so, for a wider view, take 2, 3 or 4 shots at 28mm and make a composite in Microsoft ICE.

Philip

That's a great set of images for comparison - thank you for the link, Dave. No doubt there is no difference in the capabilities of black and silver versions. However, those photos reinforce my impression that the 'silver' version of the body looks less real and more toy-like, whereas the black one looks more like the serious machine that the KP really is. Also, mixing black and silver bodies and lenses just doesn't look right to me. So, whatever the colour, it is a great camera but I'm happy to have a black KP (bought from SRS at special offer price) with black limited lenses. To each his own.

Philip

The release of the Pentax D-FA 70-210 f/4 is a reminder, particularly to those who have remained with one of the recent excellent Pentax APS-C bodies, of how interesting and fortunate it is that we have the amazing HD Pentax DA 55-300 PLM WR zoom. It has fast silent AF and pleasing image qualities. Compared with this D-FA, in light gathering it is only 1/3rd stop lower at f/4.5 from 55 to 135 - approx 83 to 205 FF equivalent; it reaches out to 450 FF equivalent; it is almost half the weight and probably less than half the cost. As I get older, the more significant such features are becoming to me.

Philip

Possibly a lens remaining from the Pentax seasonal special offers.

It's a great little camera with an excellent lens - whoever goes for it will be getting a bargain. (I've got one of each - black and silver!)

Philip

You probably wouldn't be disappointed with the recommendation above.

However, if you can afford it (or find one secondhand) the HD Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro is an astonishing lens and a thing of beauty, with a build quality that will last a lifetime.

Philip

People might be interested to know whether this is a problem only when using the 18-135, or if it applies to other lenses also.

The second of each pair looks better on my PC (except for the last, in which the water looks too bright).

Philip

Thank you and best wishes to all here at PU.

Philip