Howdy All

Went on a hike up Moelwyn Mawr weekend before last during a landscape photography workshop run by Greg Whitton. Very indulgent to go on a workshop, but thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a hell of a lot. Greg's a top teacher and ran it brilliantly.

Anyways, three images from the hike

#1 Slate Fence



#2 Snowdon



#3 Distant Glyderau



All taken with the Pentax DA*50-135, which I am really starting to enjoy for telephoto landscapes.

I've the 18-135, and have been very pleased with it as a general purpose, do everything lens. Been great for hiking etc. But I wouldn't see this as a replacement for the 17-70.

Gotta say if I were in your shoes I'd also be taking a very serious look at the 16-85. Reports on it are really positive.

Love these

I'm seeing some fabulous images around from this lens

Clever

Mono version works best for me - I like the symmetry

If this is you rusty, looking forward to when you really get your mojo back

To be different, I'm really drawn to the first two... With the second getting the nod as there's a little more space around the main rocks. But I can also see why the last one's hitting the spot.

Wow! I can only imagine the effort this has taken David, but what space you've created.

Particularly Loving the bottle/wine racks . Can't forget the essentials.

Just catching up with these . The set together make absolutely fascinating viewing. I'd absolutely love to see these displayed large - they'd merit repeated viewing.

Interest in so many of these, but #9 really does it for me personally. Probably the least abstract of the lot, but flipping gorgeous.

Genuine artistry here, fantastic !

EYes.

if you are wanting something to cover wider than 50 (and not just a straight upgrade of the 50-200) and dovetail with the Sigma 10-20, then this is definitely worth serious considertion. I've a copy and found it a really excellent general purpose lens, with much better IQ than the kit lens.

But it's not a 2.8 if high speed is a must.

Th 50-135 is an outstanding lens, but pricey and relatively heavy given your requirements.

The standard 'upgrade' from the 50-200 kit lens would be a DA 55-300 - great lens for the price. It's a bit bigger, but still relatively light for carrying around with you, and MUCH lighter than the 2.8 options (sigma or Pentax). You can get v. good deals on second hand of the old version ( MikeP has one in the classifieds at the moment) and folk report the optics on the old version are just as good as the new WR version.

It is on the long side though, if 200 is already too long for you

Great to see you back Carl

I 're-joined' about three weeks ago after very similar circumstances, and am really enjoying forcing myself to find more camera time. Forgot how much I missed it . Hope you find the same.

Barmouths a great base for that part of the world. Great landscape ops in the Mawddach estuary (dawn shots from the viewpoint above Barmouth a bit of a (great !) landscape cliche). Cwm Bychan to the east of Harlech is one of my favourite spots in all Wales - with walks up to the wild Rhinogs if you're up for that kind of thing. Shell Islands a great place to go for a day hanging out on the beach or in the dunes - although I think you have to pay to get on now. Llanfair slate caverns just south of Harlech are also interesting. Lots of other places - others might have suggestions. Hope you het good weather