Just came to post the price, ordered one for myself, can't really afford it, but could not say no at that price. Was up at £164 on November 5th!

Thank you for all the responses, I ordered the Pentax lens from Park Cameras for £150 on the 26th having read mph555l's post. I have however had an email that they are out of stock but they've offered to order me one in from their supplier. For the price I'm happy to wait the 7-10 days it may take to be delivered.

I also managed to get the Metz 36 (iteration 4) flash I decided on (again price point) from the SRS ebay store for £8 less than their website, which otherwise was the cheapest I could find it, with free 24hr delivery. So a good few days deal shopping all told.

And I'm aware the Park Cameras lens is the DAL model, lightweight and no quickshift, and is also not weather resistant, but as I have a K-M it's not a major issue.

I'm slowly getting my head round what all the lens letters mean!

Thanks again.

I'm looking to buy my first lens to supplement my 18-55 kits lens and had settled on the Tamron 70-300MM F4-5.6 DI LD MACRO from SRS. I've read lots of user reviews online I am aware of the Tamron issues beyond 200, but for my money I think the Tamron is my best bet.

I have however found the Pentax SMC DAL 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED lens (new - split from a kit) for £30 more. Now I know the Tamron has the Macro mode, but is the Pentax any better and worth sacrificing the macro and paying the extra £30? I have worked out this Pentax has a plastic mount and no lens hood as it's the budget version.

As I have never bought a second lens until now, and to me £120-£150 is a big outlay, I'd appreciate a second opinion.

Thanks

Which lens are you talking about the 28mm or the 24mm.