I like the concept of no.1, perhaps something in the reflection which added more to the 'story' of the shot or created a more unusual juxtaposition would have worked even better. [As Paul suggests].

No. 2 I like a lot. The way the green of the algae complements the pink of the slabs, reflecting the colours of the furniture almost exactly, gives the shot an understated charm. The leaf [at bottom] bothers me slightly though, neither out nor in the frame.

I was thinking the same thing... I think you might have gone a bit too far with the processing. Something a bit unnatural and almost HDRish about it. It's not a bad image, but I am comparing it to your usual very impressive standard.

Thanks all.

Yes! I thought that was what it might be, especially as the issue came to light with this shot, and similar, which I was aware would need perspective correction (and therefore the top of the building is further away):


But further testing shows the soft effect is only at the top when holding the grip from above (as is my habit), or on the right hand side when shooting landscape (therefore the portrait thing seems to be a red herring, sorry about that)... it is progressively more pronounced as you zoom in.

At 55mm, f5.6, camera held in portrait. Crop from centre-top on the left / centre-bottom on the right:




Same test at f8:




And I took this in landscape format at 55mm, f8... which I would have thought would eliminate any focus issues as the bank is straight and directly opposite my boat:




Crop from left / centre / right:

Thankyou George, I will find a secluded brick wall and conduct some proper tests...

I was reviewing my shots when I noticed some of the ones taken with the kit lens, were soft at one end. I have noticed this more with shots taken in portrait format for some reason. I wonder if something is wrong with the lens?

The effect is noticeable here: link

And this image shows a crop from a shot with the camera held in portrait format with the grip held from below (left) and from above (right) - which is clearly worse. The crop is from the top of the image.

I thought it was funny in an ironic sense, given the point being made, was not trying to be rude! Anyway that's me done with pentax forums for the day, apologies for helping bring this thread further off topic... Apologies to father Ted.

LOL!

I agree, but I would apply this more to the printed word in reports and published articles etc... bit OTT to be so stringent in a forum in my opinion, especially when the comment's author may not be able to write in correct, traditional english.

The meaning is perfectly understandable from the phonetical spelling and the context, and does not need further explanation. This constant tut-tutting about incorrect, but perfectly understandable, written English really grates on me for some reason!

Jacobs offer lens rental, but there are no Pentax lenses listed on their hire page. However they say they will handle requests for lenses not listed, I guess on a 'try before you buy' basis it would be worth asking.

Ditto. Have a mate living near Chesterfield (Grassmoor) and he doesn't get up before 3 so I'm often at a loose end when visiting.