Some lovely images emerging here. Sorry I was unable to make it on this occasion: I did eventually get out, but ventured only one mile rather than the full 180. Not too many Peak ridges around these parts, but I did spot one of these...



Look forward to seeing more of your efforts as and when.

Looks as though he's forgotten his K-3...

I'll see how I feel in the morning. Having initially recovered from a winter bug, I now seem to have made it worse again after spending two days in a freezing Paris exhibition hall...

Common sense dictates a day at home, but I'm not always terribly sensible. If I'm not cradling a pint of tea in Grindleford by 10.15, probably best to assume that I'm cradling a pint of tea in north-west Kent.

Either way, I hope you all have a good day.

Not sure about any stunning images, but my thanks to Jon for a straightforward, friendly transaction. I shall endeavour to do the lens justice from tomorrow.

Kelsey Park, Ian, in Beckenham. Great range of wildlife, but at weekends you need to get in fairly early before teeming humanity scares it all away.

Toni, I have first-hand experience with three of the listed lenses - all bar the obsolete Sigma 170-500, which the 150-500 superseded.

By general consensus, the DA55-300 outperforms the Sigma (and Tamron) 70-300 in every department, providing better IQ as well as slightly longer range. My own example has been a bit inconsistent, but I bought it used from a retailer and suspect it's a rogue sample. A friend acquired one for motorsport and general use and has had terrific results. The best advertisement, though, is probably the excellent David Storm's recent thread in praise of the lens - see link. That should provide all the evidence you need.

As for the 150-500, you need half-decent light, because at f6.3 it's a little slow at the long end, but in terms of value for money it's hard to fault. I've become used to lugging it about and usually have a monopod attached, simply because I find it a comfortable carrying aid (lens on shoulder, monopod in hand).

It is acceptably sharp throughout its range: here are a few samples.


With monopod, 1/100 at 250mm


Panning with monopod, 1/60 at 270mm


Hand-held, 1/640 at 440mm

Happy hunting: if you have any specific questions, feel free to drop me a PM.

That's an unfortunate consequence of the unseasonally mild climate, Chris. Robins are dynamic singers at the best of times, and often hold long notes of Aretha Franklin proportions, but at the moment they seem to have been fooled into thinking it's time to find a mate (which it isn't, yet), so all the bloke robins are in a particularly melodic mood. Breeding now would be a rubbish idea, because there is bound to be a cold snap before spring is sprung and sustaining sufficient warmth for fledglings could be problematic, ditto finding enough food.

It makes for more dramatic robin pictures, but you can't help but wish they'd check their calendars.

Thanks to all for the kind words. Much appreciated.

Knock me down with a 600mm f2.8. Looked outside this morning and it wasn't raining for the first time since about 1976. The following were all taken with K-5 IIs and Sigma 100-300mm f4.


1


2


3


4 - This distinctive, heart-shaped nesting hole is coveted by many species, but nuthatches usually win. Just after this one had popped in to inspect the furnishings, however...


5 - ...it found itself trapped by the world's most optimistic avian. It took the parakeet several minutes to realise it wouldn't fit, after which the nuthatch was able to fly off to the letting agent (a shot I missed, obviously).


6


7

Here's (yet) another shot of this curious automotive sculpture, this time doing the chasing.

As for Daytona v Le Mans, Barrie, the atmosphere is very similar. The place probably looked almost deserted on TV, because the grandstands (ever full for the Daytona 500) were thinly populated, but the infield campsites were absolutely rammed. Punters with the correct wristband can walk onto the grid before the start, which made it almost impossible to move or take photos. As I walked back from the banking late on Saturday night, I passed through the paddock and found it full of fans who were inside the garages, watching various cars being repaired.

Le Mans isn't bad for spectator interaction, but this was at a different level. The flight out to Orlando took nine and a bit hours and from there it's an easy 60-mile drive. The return flight lasted seven and a half hours, so I guess we must have been heading downhill.

It's a major international event with a pleasingly low-key feel. If ever you get the chance, grab it.

The DeltaWing, which raced with an open cockpit and Nissan engine at Le Mans in 2012. It now has a lid and Mazda propulsion. It's fun to watch and reasonably effective - at Daytona it qualified eighth of 18 in its class within the 67-car field. Here it is from another angle, in rather better light...