Both up to your usual high standard Alan!

I prefer the tones and general composition of #1.. but would probably like it even more without the lifebouy

That's an exceptionally helpful and interesting review and perspective, Jim. Be interesting to hear your thoughts on IQ when you get out

Yup? #2 is definitely a keeper.

Really respect your determined use of public transport to get to your locations, jules. Shame it's not always smooth

Top stuff again Steve.

You're on a hat trick now

Shame Alan... But nothing ventured etc etc

The light pollution actually looks really good on #1 !

I want to say thanks to all who have put 2013 retrospectives up over the last week or so. It has been really inspiring to see such a volume of quality work from the folk on the forum, re-enthusing me to get out and take photographs a bit more during 2014... as 2013 was a lean year for various work and family reasons.

It's always a bit daunting to see exactly how high the standards are of our best photographers, but one of the great aspects of the site is the support and encouragement those of us with rather more, ahem, limited talents get from the site. Always something to learn from those who post here, so thanks all.

For what it's worth, here are the my 10 favourite photos from 2013. Couldn't make it to 12

1. Fence



2. Hope Valley Storm



3. Cave Dale



4. Arch Woods



5. Ystwyth



6. Temple



7. Towers



8. First ever proper bash at a long exposure



9. The Jetty



10. The Eastern Moors





ps. Two of these were taken on a really enjoyable Forum Meet last January. Thanks guys!

For the rampant optimists

link

Although nothing showing yet on Aurorawatch

link

I'm also looking forward to hearing some real-world experiences of this lens.

I should be the perfect target market for it:

1) I love/obsess over the DA Ltds - it's just so satisfying to use such well made lenses, and compact lenses are important to me as most of my photography is travel/hiking related.

2) I have, ahem, sometimes been guilty of membership of the 'more money than sense' brigade. You know. If I buy that lens it will definitely make me a brilliant photographer.


But I find I'm not hankering after this lens. The current price is obviously an issue, even for a delusionist like myself, but I also just can't see it replacing either of the two lens 'setups' I take out:

a) If I need WR I take the 18-135 and just the 18-135, on the basis that if you are going to need WR you really do not want to be switching lenses. Even for a landscape bore like myself, 20-40 is too restrictive as a one lens setup.

b) My other travel/hike setup is DA 15-21-40-70, which together with the K5 fits into a Thinktank 20 holster. The 20-40 could replace the 21 and 40... but would be (slightly) heavier and bigger than them combined, and I'm sure I'd still be changing between it and the 15 and 70 quite a bit. And based on reviews up to now I have questions on how the 20-40s IQ compares to that of the 40 and 21 (how close to the IQ of these lenses it is in real use?).

So... like Adrian I'll be interested in reports from anyone who gets to use one!

Congratulations Steve. Great stuff

I'm very glad you're now unleashed on British landscapes

Some folk just seem to carry around great light with them.... enviable skill here.

The A466 shot is stunning, but quality throughout.