28mm is very nice on digital. I have about 8 lenses of that length, though I am thinking of cutting down.

"At f1.2 it's not optically brilliant"... hmmm, I don't know. I'm rather liking what it does to images, unlike my other f/1.2 lens which simply smears everything to heck when wide open.

They generally go for around $400. In fact my last lens purchase was a K 50 f/1.2, so recently that I haven't had much time to use it. But it seems lovely. I do not find it that heavy -- bigger than a pancake but not excessive for a gem made of metal.

Here's a shot wide open:

I recommend finding a K-mount Vivitar 28mm f/2. There are several types but they are all nice stopped down one and really nice after that. Perfect for landscapes or street shots.

Many would recommend the Takumars, especially the SMC variety. Easy to use on the K20D. There is a 50mm f/1.4 and a 55mm f/1.8, both of which have great IQ. Wider there's the popular SMC Tak 28mm f/3.5. About $50 each.

Hope to see you on that "other" forum. Wondering if you picked up your camera in Ireland or over the magical Internet thingy?

Well then you'd get down to 1/6s. Adding two stops is always useful!

Shake reduction extends by 2 or 3 stops how slow your shutter speed can be. So instead of 1/60s with a 50mm lens you can safely go to 1/15s. Useful in any hand-held situation so just keep it on unless you're on a tripod.

Be sure to wait until the icon comes on in the viewfinder. Only takes a sec, but until then the image is not stabilised.

Was anything ever funnier than Fawlty Towers? Do yourself a favour and buy the DVD set. Some good interviews on there too.

I think it was Park Cameras had the K20D at a good deal. But then they ran out of stock.

9 dogs and 2 people but only 39 legs, apparently.

A good plan. Personally I could never limit myself to just two zoom lenses but if I did those would be the ones.

Ask yourself what sort of shots you will likely to take on holiday. If you are in a city you might need the wide end but otherwise not. If you are going to a zoo or expect wildlife you might need the long end, but otherwise not.

Depending on one's shooting style, and if IQ is your priority, a couple of primes might suit better. I find the combination of a 24mm and 77mm to be small, discrete, and fast. Combined they are tinier than a single zoom. Plus they look less threatening in venues that might otherwise raise a fuss.