It has always baffled me, Gareth, why so many Pentaxians rave about this lens: until now, that is

One with a photo finish needed to decide between 3 and 4 for second and third places, although personally, I think number 3 gets it by a leaf's thickness.

Another beautifully judged portfolio of photographic pleasure that reinstates the glories of Venice in the mind's eye of even the most well-travelled and jaded of travellers

Brilliant shots, Rob, which have inspired me to hunt down some Goat's Beard of my own to photograph

I guess you could say, to coin, and corrupt, a phrase from the Commodores "I Feel Salsified" link

To really appreciate the quality and detail of the shot one needs to a larger image.

Certainly whetted my appetite for the Irix 150mm, a copy of which is now winging its way to me from Germany. Could prove one my bargain purchases of 2020 as it only cost a total of £438.00 (new, unopened and with two-year warranty)

Have you considered taking some shots before and after the liberal application of a depilatory cream?

Jon

Respect, man

Jon

I've followed you work here, on the 'other place' and on Talk Photography with increasing admiration since 2012, Mike. This particular set is, to my mind however, tinged with definite overtones of ennui. That this is a bold and somewhat controversial statement I freely acknowledge, but it is well-meaning, sincere and justified fully, as I shall explain, on the basis of my having a Diploma in Psychology (COD) from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Whilst undoubtedly excellent when judged by the standards of the average macro enthusiast, these images fall short of the standards we have come to expect from a Macro Maestro such as your good self. In other words, somebody whose works fall consistently within the range 2 - 3 sigma above the mean standard for the macro photography population worldwide.

I sense that your real motive for posting here was the need of reassurance and, until now, all the posts have given you what you wanted rather than, in my professional judgement, what you actually need.

The fact is, Mike, that it has all become too easy for you now and macro photography no longer provides you with that exhilarating surge of adrenaline followed by dopamine that made each picture so thrilling to take and view. The good news is that you macro anhedonia is an acquired condition that is easily treatable.

My proposed solution is that, temporarily at least, you set-aside the K1 and Sigma 180 mm and resort to the use of equipment that is less esoteric and guaranteed to produce results. Moreover, you should not embark on any macro photography without having first consumed several cans of a propriety energy drink (e.g; Red Bull). By doing so, you will regain the sense of pleasure and satisfaction you so clearly crave.

From a practical perspective, and to avoid the temptation of you reverting to type, I propose that place the K1 and Sigma 180 mm in trust with moi. In return, and by way of a surety, I will gift you a K20D body and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 EX DG with which you may commence therapy.

Should you decide to proceed, which I along with many others hope you will, I can guarantee that I will start to feel considerably happier with my own macro efforts, as I am sure you, too, will eventually do.

Kind regards

Jon Dip. Psych. COD Boston

All good, Gareth, but the second is simply treemendous

Really easy on the eye. And trust me, this is not simply damning with faint praise

Jon

Too much information, Gareth

Undeniably excellent captures, though

And risk invoking the wrath of the legions of pigeon-fanciers out there whose passions encompass travel and photography