This lens was recommended to me a while ago as a potential walkaround upgrade. I've since found the old (non-HSM) version still in stock somewhere. A brief look at Photozone suggests that the old version - thought it doesn't have silent focusing or quick shift - might actually be the better lens. Does anyone have experience with either sufficient to chime in? I think that it could actually be a very good option because it comes closer than the alternatives to fulfilling my needs:

*Tamron 17-50 - shorter than the kit lens (indoors I mainly use the kit lens at the longer end of its range)
*Tamron 28-75 - nasty stories about element separation on the other forum's reviews section, not quite wide enough?

*Pentax 16-50 - too expensive, unreliable SDM
*Pentax 17-70 - only f4, unreliable SDM
*Pentax 16-45 - only f4, too short

*Sigma 24-70 HSM - not as good as the old one? also too expensive for me

Maybe Sigma will buy Pentax, then we'll be fine

Erm... I've deleted more than one sent PM in the time I've been on here.

For wildlife 200mm isn't really long enough - even for the relatively tame squirrels and small birds round my neck of the woods.

Still looking!

Members of the public have the same human rights - freedom of expression etc. - as professional photographers. The only difference regarding a professional photographer is that they may be granted privileged access to restricted areas (e.g. beyond police barriers at major events). Rights are not something that one has to gain - they are automatic.

They can't unless the UK leaves the EU (free movement of workers). Besides: Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands all seem to manage fine without such a rule!

Bump. Still looking!

We have the same problem in Scotland - except it's arguably worse because it isn't a statutory offence (with, in theory, statutory safeguards), but the common law offence of 'breach of the peace'. Its definition is so wide that there is a section of academia arguing that it needs to be abolished on human rights grounds (ie the criminal law must be clear as to what is and is not criminal conduct).

He wants to abolish the Human Rights Act (the only substantive protection against abuse like this). I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.