I'm a long time fan of the DA17-70, as others probably know I think it's highly underrated. I shoot landscapes and often use selective focus and in this mode never have a problem. The SDM has thrown a slight wobbly on a couple of occasions but generally I've had no issues with it

Simon

Great idea and really effective...you have your work in Handels Court Gallery now then Bob?

Simon

Beautiful light and colours, I'd love to have some of that here in North Wales!!

Simon

You used the correct word "IF", I'm happy to stick by my comment as compared to other manufacturers they clearly are...I understand the reasons, they're only a small manufacturer now with a limited budget compared to the big boys.

I'm happy enough with the K5 as it stand today, it's an excellent camera, I just wish they would make their mind up about FF...it's a very simple "yes we will" or "no we won't"

I've been with Pentax for 5 years now and their bodies have improved considerably over that time, the K10D & K5 are world apart...I just wish I could say the same for their lens development

Simon

Simon

Yes, that's exactly what I've read...I'm definitely coming to the conclusion that a move away from Pentax when I eventually go with FF makes sense, at least there's plenty of user experiences out there for other marques. It seems as though buying Pentax legacy glass to use on any new FF could be a bit of a guessing game

Simon

Thanks guys

Thinking a little into the future and the possible arrival of a Pentax FF I have read that lenses designed for film might not perform quite so well on digital, unfortunately as pentax have never had FF digital there's no user data to go on so is it possible this might turn out to be an expensive gamble?

Simon

Thanks Mike...it's a very good price, SRS have them @ £1049..just need to check out the warranty situation

Simon

Despite considering a move away from pentax to an alternative full frame model I'm also having thoughts about sticking it out for the Pentax FF and adding to my lens collection instead by going for THE Pentax lens, FA31mm Ltd

I see Kerso on Ebay has them new for £799, anyone bought from him?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-SMC-Pentax-FA-31MM-F-1-8-Limited-Black-SCOTL...

Alternatively anyone have a good used copy at a reasonable price

thanks

Simon

As John mentions you're probably not going to find many Sony users on here with the experience to compare models...unfortunately the PU forum does frown upon even the mention of another manufacturer so no doubt you'll quickly find yourself with a further wrist slapping

I'm currently debating my future with Pentax too as full frame is becoming more interesting to me and other manufacturers are the only option, Pentax are just a little too pedestrian when it comes to development, although they obviously don't have the budget of the bigger sellers.

There's some excellent comparison sites around but also look at a more general photography forum, such as Talk Photography, it's more open to debate between models and you'll obviously find a broader range of experience of different brands.

The K5 etc are excellent cameras but things are moving on quickly now and the K5ii whilst welcome isn't really anything groundbreaking considering it's basically a 3yr old design now

Simon

Not to vanish them but just enough time for me to get the shot in between those passing through...surprising what a difference a few seconds make