For the price, you cannot go wrong.
In fact at most prices you cannot go wrong.

Last Friday I did all the formal shots for a Corporate dinner, knowing that I would get great results. And indeed I did. It is a plastic fantastic (the body and bayonet that is, not the optics).

As for improvement over the Kit lens, it is a no-brainer, you will see a noticable improvement in image quality.

I would fully understand if others recommend the more expensive 35mm Limited Macro, or the mighty 31mm Limited, but especially considering the price, the 35mm F2.4 is a massive bargain.

I was doing an industry dinner last night and had my K-5 as the Primary Camera, and the K20D as my secondary camera.
Now the K-5 work faultlessly, but the K20D?
Well, initially on the K20D I had the AF540 flash on it, and things were going well, flash was going off, photos were taken. However, after a while the camera and flash would not talk. Switched camera off and on, removed the flash and re-seated it, switched it off and on, lots of combos of switching flash first, camera first etc etc, but nothing, the flash would not trigger! I was in P mode at the time (the best mode for me for corporate events) but nothing.
I put the flash on the K-5, and everything was fine, totally reliable.
This proves there is nothing wrong with the flash, so I am pointing at the K20D.

Has anyone had a problem with flash and the K20D? Should I send it to Pentax for an overhaul? (probably costly and a second K-5 body might be cheaper, but not with a battery grip.......)

Thoughts?

There is another name for the Sigma 200-500 that was banded around when it first came out, it's the one I prefer - the Bazookma....LOL

As everyone has already said, the 55-300 is an excellent lens and is far more useful than the 50-200. Mine is almost the first choice in my kit bag when I am out and about.

I rather like DigitalRev videos, and Kai can be ironic yet funny.

I think he did hit the nail on the head though. Yes it is cute, has good IQ considering its sensor size, but has some lag, and a complete lack of DOF control. But, like all of us have said, it is currently too expensive for what it is.

Actually if you look at today's DigitalRev vid, the Pentax came off rather well in comparison to the Nikon V1.....

Endgaget on the other hand were just scathing for scathings sake.

Just checked mine, and there is very slight wobble. It does'nt affect the IQ though. Seems it is part of the design. I would'nt worry.

Thats the one!

Not been to LCE since my initial post, been too busy.

They are indeed, the optics are exactly the same, the only difference are that aformentioned plastic bayonet, lack of quick shift and no hood.

I managed to get a DA (not DA-L) 55-300 about 6 months ago, brand new from LCE, for £180. So, if the £170 is for a DA, grab it while you can, everywhere else seems to have it for around £280. It's a great lens.

They are beautiful lenses, especially considering their "humble" origins.
I have had one from new, but the aperture blades no longer work, they are stuck! It's not even worth having repaired, unless I have a surge of attachment to do it.

Still, find a good one, and you will not be disappointed.

All,

Does £329 seem a good price for a second-hand DA 14mm F2.8 without, it would appear, the lens hood?

The local camera store has one in, and I am thinking about it. I would prefer the hood as well, especially the cost for a replacement.

Thoughts please.