I use either a tripod or monopod when using my Sigma 170-500mm as a rule. I've occasionally used it freehand for fast moving objects (helicopters and the like).

I'll also use support for my 55-200mm if conditions call for it.

Some of the strangest things I've used for support include a lamp-post, bollard and the upright pole at the back of a route-master bus!

I've got a 10-17mm, had it a year or so, but have not made too much use of it so far.

I've still got my P30 (metal bodied), it was only retired in 2006 when I got my DL. At the time, my P30 was the most expensive thing I'd ever purchased (£275) in 1987!

I've got it, the stock 50mm and various other lenses all in a Tamrac bag - don't really know what to do with it all but I'm sure I'll never use it again.

"The problem is that the OP seems to think that SRS is a large warehouse operation with an integrated stock and ordering system. It isn't."

Well, George, I'm afraid I missed the clairvoyance lessons at school.

I joined this forum in August, lurked for a while and posted a couple of pics to the gallery. As I said originally, it's not my first experience of using SRS, however each time I've had the same response. Being that they have their name at the top of the home page here (and in so many other places) I thought it reasonable to ask the question - if they are big enough to be the "official shop partner" then it's not a huge jump in imagination for one to expect them to be of a size to carry what I would consider "basic" items. You may think differently.

SRS clearly have a lot of support here, but I found very little in the way of testimonials for them anywhere on the site, yet so many people sing their praises... if I'd known it was a small outfit I would have cut them some slack, but once again, I'm not clairvoyant...

Anyway, Chris from SRS has been in contact and I'm hopeful that they may be able to source a couple of items that I've been after for some time - like I said above, I'll always go to an indie if I possibly can.

Perhaps we can now move on?

I noted that they have a tie-in with PU, nevertheless when we are talking about something as everyday as a 52mm ND filter, is it unreasonable to expect them to hold stock - it's not like they take up much room or are too expensive to have sat around, is it?

In respect of your other points, Watford is a day-trip from here - if I were spending £400+ then yes, I'd go in person, but we are talking about items around £30 in value.

Where at all possible, I always try to support independent retailers (just ask my AV supplier!!) but my experiences with SRS have not been at all positive - not one sale completed without a significant delay.

I would however, agree with your comments about staff knowledge.

Has anyone else found ordering from them to be akin to pulling teeth?

I've used them a few times now and on each occasion they have taken the order and then sent an e-mail telling me the item is "out of stock". I could perhaps accept this on something of high value or maybe "specialist" but when you get this message for a 52mm filter I have to wonder - do they hold any stock at all or are they just "middle men"?

I've told them to cancel my latest and have gone to Jessops on-line, a pound dearer but will be here tomorrow.