The new 35mm certainly seems to be receiving some interest and rightly so based upon my own short ownership experience. Coincidentally I just came across a link to a review, as well as other Pentax lenses, which I'm not sure I've seen posted on here...

http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/

Simon

I initially bought the 40mm Ltd for this very reason but I too found it a little too small for my liking so sold it - just this week I've bought the new DA 35mm F2.4 which on initial impressions appears perfect for the job!!

Simon

I'd say, for landscape shots anyway, you'll notice the step from K10D to K20D much moreso than K20D to K7 - I wasn't so sure myself before I made the move but the K20D sensor definitely provides more detail than the K10D, there's unlikely to be any difference in this respect between the K20D & K7, the differences appear to be mainly fucntionality - an area I've never really had an issue with on my K20D anyway.

I think for landscapes the main attraction of the K5 over both the K20D & K7 is the extra Dynamic Range and increased resolution as a result of the new sensor. I've recently gone through a similar thought process and reached the conclusion that only the K5 made any sense as an upgrade to the K20D - the improved high iso, whilst not essential for my usage either, will also be useful if travelling and for any indoor shots too. I can't see anything the K7 provides over the K20D for landscape photography

just my thoughts

Simon

I've no experience of the 80-320 only the 55-300. When I was looking to replace my previous Sigma 70-300 APO I do remember reading a few posts, maybe here or maybe elsewhere, where people with experience of both rated the 55-300 higher. From my ownership experience the 55-300 is excellent, especially where it counts around 300mm

Simon

I'm interested in the flashgun but can you confirm what Pentax model it's equivalent to?

thanks

Simon

To try & save you from your LBA...I recently went on holiday for a few weeks and actually left my "walkabout lens" (DA 17-70) at home - I took the DA 12-24, DA 40mm & DA 55-300 - it worked perfectly. It made me wonder if the search for the perfect walkabout lens is a bit of a waste of time (& money) after all.

Simon

Yes, I'd think so - unfortunately it doesn't seem important to any delivery service these days though.

Fortunately, although more likely because SRS know what parcelfarce area like, the lens box was surrounded by loads of bubble wrap so hopefully the "airbag" worked

Simon

Firstly SRS delivery is as good as ever, my new DA 35mm F2.4 arrived next day.

Unfortunately though Parcelfarce seem now to be using shot-putters on their delivery service as they very kindly dropped the lens over my 6ft high side gate whilst I was out - as SRS always package things well I'm hoping no damage has occured

Simon

Personally, considering the lenses you have I wouldn't bother with the 18-135 unless you 100% desperately need WR throughout that range (keep the kit lens WR) - I'm out and about in mixed conditions with the 17-70 and have never been concerned. You can then use the considerable amount that the 18-135 costs towards the K5

Just my thoughts

Simon

I've just this minute placed my order for the DA 35mm F2.4 with SRS, after reading the reviews/user comments it looks like a complete no-brainer considering the price. I want a reasonably quick lens for occasional indoor use, (the only weak area of my DA 17-70) so I'm not really prepared to spend loads of cash on the lens, thanks Pentax for the ideal solution !!

Simon