I use Cokin P filters so a new filter size only means getting another adaptor, however I've got 77mm ones (the Tokina ATX-Pro's use that) and I think I've got a 67mm fitting as well.

The 12-24mm is definitely tempting, however at the moment I think I need a decent walkabout lens first, hence thinking about the 16-45.

That's what I'm doing as well.

I'm just back from a few days in York with the family and decided to carry a small system when we were out and about - DS body, Tokina ATX-Pro 20-35mm F2.8, SMC-FA 28-200 & Vivitar 55mm F2.8 macro. The two zooms got a fair amount of use, but the macro didn't get used at all. In that past I used to just use the 28-200 as my snapshot lens for family days out but with digitial it's not wide enough. The 18-55 kit lens covers most of the range that I like but it's poor wide open and, in the range they overlap, also outperformed by the 28-200 (I'm not sure of the 18-55 is the worst Pentax lens I've used but it's definitely up there with the FA powerzoom 28-80 and 100-300). The Tokina is a very nice lens but it's still not wide enough with digital and the family aren't all that tolerant of my stopping to switch lenses. Current thinking is that I'm going to sell the Tokina, 18-55 kit lens (although on Ebay that doesn't make much) and possibly the 28-200 and replace them all with a 16-45mm F4.

Supposedly the major camera manufacturer currently closest to going bust is Nikon, and Sony taking over the old Konica/Minolta business makes it more likely.

The handling of my DS was improved by the addition of a 3rd-party grip strap (meant for a Canon of some kind but which fits ok) however I'd definitely be interested is something designed specifically for the DS.

I'd be interested if anyone knows how to get one. I love the handling of the Z1p with the grip fitted and I'd be very interested in a grip for the DS.

The Jessops website is offering the DS and 18-55 lens for £489.90 at the moment - about £100 cheaper than the same kit with a DL.

That looked perhaps the best bargain on there.

Just checked on the web and it looks like the F 50mm F1.4 has gone already.

As well as the 28-80 F2.8 Tokina they also have the ATX-Pro 28-70 F2.6-2.8 for £225 and that's an excellent lens.

The Sigma 17-35mm F2.8 is tempting at £179, and there is a Pentax SMC-FA 28-105 F3.2-4.5 IF FA for £99 - bargain.

With macro more power does seem to be a good thing, especially at high magnifications and small apertures. My single AF400FTZ provides enough light at 1:1 and F16 without any extra diffusion being used, but it's borderline when a softbox is fitted.

Thanks for that - sounds like it should work much as I was hoping.

Regards
Steve