Firstly, Chunky, please accept my condolences on the loss of your relative.

With regard to your question, and given that you already possess a fine 35mm SLR in the LX, why not 'plump' for one of the DSLRs? You can survey the thoughts of other photographers here link

In the event that the other family members decide not to keep their 'memento', perhaps you might encourage them to offer them for sale on the forum first. Speaking personally, and no disrespect intended to the deceased's grandchildren, I would like to think that my 'kit' would end up in the hands of a fellow 'Pentaxian' and be put to good use rather than being left to gather dust, be boxed, packed away and forgotten or used as an expensive paperweight.

Jon

Good read: thanks for posting


Cambridge in Colour is definitely one of the better sites from which to garner useful information.

Jon

I took advantage of the price drops and cashback offer to supplement my K20D with a K5 in January and I've not been disappointed thus far.

IMO, the K5 surpasses the K20D in terms of the brightness and coverage of the viewfinder, level of mirror/shutter noise (very much reduced), speed and maximum number of captures when shooting in continuous mode (much improved whether JPEG or RAW), dynamic range of the sensor, performance at higher ISO settings (1600 ASA perfectly useable on the K5 compared with 800 ASA, just, on the K20D) and the resolution/sharpness of captures direct from the camera (RAW and JPEG).

As noted by Martyn and David (above), the advantages of the K5 are particularly noticeable when shooting wildlife in low light with long lenses. The K20D remains capable, however, of stunning results (as does my Samsung 'clone' of the K10 for that matter) and have absolutely no intention of parting with it now or in the forseeable future

Whether your, hopefully , hard-earned cash should remain in your pocket or be invested in new kit and, if so, whether it should be a K5 or new glass, only you can decide, LennyBloke

Job

Whilst not the most convenient of lenses to use, telephoto pre-sets of this type are capable of decent results; especially if one is prepared to shoot in RAW and invest a little time and effort at the PP stage. The image below was taken 'hand-held' using an old Paragon 400mm f/6.3:

[img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6019/5889306344_149a0f7a9c_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) on feeder by Dr 'B ', on Flickr[/img]

Jon

I have found recently that the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 is still capable of respectable results when used with a Tamron 2X Pz-AF BBAR MC7 (no longer available 'new', but not that uncommon on ebay), which I understand to be the same design and manufacture as the Kenko converter. Below is a substantial crop of a recent exploratory shot taken with the lens 'wide open':

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6629090803_ee2827635a_b.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Sigma 100-300 f/4.0 EX DG plus Tamron 2X Pz-AF BBAR MC7 by Dr 'B ', on Flickr[/img]

Jon

No question that the bird in question is, as noted by swifter respondents, a male sparrowhawk.

link

A sharp capture that would benefit, IMHO, from a different crop. E.g.:

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6863508987_fa86686142_z.jpg" class="comment_image" />

Sparrowhawk Crop by Dr 'B ', on Flickr[/img]

Please excuse my presumptuous PP effort

Jon

Lovely set, Roger: sharp and well exposed

1: planarian (flatworm) - Dugesia sp

2:crustacean - Assellus aquaticus

3: copepod - Cyclops sp (female with characteristic twin egg sacs)

Jon

I've had a pair of Sennheisers for years and they work as well today as they did when I first unpacked them. Compared with others I've tried, both before my original purchase and since when I've had money 'burning a hole in my pocket', they sound good, remain comfortable even when listening for extended periods, do not suffer from interference and are able to function over a considerable distance. Indeed, weather permitting, I have often listened to digital radio on Freeview whilst working or lounging in the garden. They range in price from around £50.00 to £180.00 on Amazon link. Mine are at the lower end of the range but my experience has led me to conclude that those in the middle and top of the range must sound superb

Jon

FYI the Sigma can be used with the non-WR D-FA 100. I would concede, however, that the combination does not inspire confidence and I that I would not feel 'comfortable' making regular use of it 'in the field'. In contrast, I have no reservations when it comes to using it with my Sigma 70mm EX DG Macro, which, when compared with the Pentax, is of substantially better build quality.

Jon

Fear not, Rob, help is at hand

Get one of these for the princely sum of £5.95 inc free delivery on 'flea-bay': link

The seller is reputable and based in the U.K. (Birmingham, to be precise) and you will have no difficulty getting a refund if you find it not to your liking.

Don't be decieved by appearances or the lack of the tripod attachment screw I tried several, including the Hama, before I stumbled upon these and they proved to be the best bt far in terms of their comfort, function and versatility. I have used mine with both my K20D and K5 (+/- BG) and lenses ranging in size and weight from the SMC 35mm DA-L to the mighty Sigma 100-300mm APO EX and had no problems.

If none are available on flea-bay you can buy on Amazon from the 'Gametrain', link which charges £5.95 + £1.60 delivery (odd since, despite the name change, they are the same seller as on ebay :shock, or from 'powerplant' link for £7.99 'all in'.

Jon