Happy Xmas Graham.

Great slideshow. Lovely snowy pics - takes me away from the constant rain today

Spotted them too - a string of lenticular clouds, one in particular looked amazing- but was driving on the motorway with wife+kids+dog and couldn't stop. By the time I could they were obscured by less amazing clouds

Welcome to the forum. Before getting a DSLR my previous camera was also a Minolta, many moons ago...

Enjoy the K-R. Lots of friendly folk here to help us learn!

Happy festive season, everyone

Does what it says on the tin - inspirational stuff. Thanks for posting Ken

Congratulations Steve. Top image

I had this same dilemma and plumped for the 18-135 because (i) I got a great deal second hand (mixed opinions = lower s/h prices ) and (ii) I really wanted WR on my general purpose lens. I do a lot of 'bad weather' photography and need to be confident that I can take the lens out in pouring rain and not worry. With the 18-135 I can ). But again Gwyn is pretty clear about the 17-70 being robust to the odd dampening, given suitable precautions and after-care. I've been happy with the IQ of my copy of the 18-135.

I suspect that if WR wasn't such a priority for me I'd have gone for the 17-70...

Update - just checked and of a group of five submitted a couple of weeks ago three were rejected. So faith restored just a little bit .

Although given my novice status that's not to argue that standards haven't slipped .

[quote:3496ace15f="DrOrloff" Acceptance rates are too high and there are plenty of images that shouldn't be there and probably wouldn't if a judge was involved. [/quote]I'd wondered about this. I've really only started submitting since the changes and although at first I was pleased with an 80% hit rate I'm starting to wonder if the selection criteria are as rigorous as they should be. I thought the whole point is that the ones that get through are thought to be a bit special by the wider community and/or really experienced judges. Devalues the 'success' of getting one in if it's too easy...

Fantastic old ads. Many thanks for posting Tony

Very happy festive season to you too.