Definitely take note of Mr Schicks advice - an UWA actually makes getting decent landscape shots more difficult, more thought about subject choice/composition/DOF etc are essential. Whilst I own the DA 12-24 I still find the majority of my best shots are taken with the DA 17-70, the UWA ones can be pretty stunning when you get them right though.

My advice is stick with it & keep experimenting with different settings, you'll rarely need anything beyond F11 and whilst Hyperfocal distance is a useful guide it won't always produce the results you want, especially where you have very close foreground that an UWA often necessitates. You can usually get away with a slightly soft distant object but rarely a foreground one.

Sorry if my "advice" isn't very specific but I don't think there's a definitive process - trial & error is probably the only one

Just to add - it's worthwhile checking your copy of the 10-20, it took me 3 attempts to get a decent one (now sold due to the DA 12-24)


Simon

I've been registered with them for a while now - had one enquiry that didn't amount to anything, I also use fotolibra, so far with no success - having said this my photography is very limited in scope, I think to have much success with sites like this & the stock sites you need a large and diverse collection of photos.

I find a high profile website is much more effective at generating sales, as is direct contact

Even though I'd class myself purely as a 'serious amateur' it's always good for the ego (& bank balance) to find that people are willing to buy your work - pays for new equipment too!!

Simon

I'll definitely be buying the K5 but I'm not in any rush at the moment, once sales slow following the cashback period ending prices will inevitably fall - I'm watching closely !!

Simon

I just realised I forgot to list the kit I ended up taking...

DA 12-24 (75% shots)
DA 40mm F2.8 pancake (5% shots)
DA 55-300mm (20% shots)

Good luck deciding on yours !!

Simon

Just to throw something into the mix....

I spent 3 weeks in China last October and beforehand had very much the same thoughts as yourself. In the end a friend who had been advised me that more than anything an UWA would be useful - I took his advice even though I wasn't 100% convinced.

Guess what - 75% of my photos were taken with the Pentax 12-24 & without it I would have missed so many opportunities. I've heard that Thailand has similiar historic architecture to China (lots of temples etc) & the UWA really does become essential, especially in a city environment.

Just my thoughts anyway !!

Simon

It depends how much of a hurry you're in but personally I wouldn't worry about this...once this finishes and sales slow the normal retail price will inevitably fall - just depends how long you want to wait though

Simon

Very nice compositions although the processing isn't quite to my taste, nice series just the same...

Crabsters way off the mark, Anglesey has some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, best not judged on one week

Simon

Nice reminder of our visit last October - great place for night Skline shots too !!

Simon

Definitely heading downwards - hope so as I'm looking to get one in a month or two.

I always look at cashback deals as a hint that it's overpriced in the first place !!

Simon

I must admit that the K7 doesn't really have enough for me to see it as a significant upgrade from my K20D - the K5 however has improved Dynamic range, faster focus,improved Live View, improved FPS and better noise handling, a no-brainer for me despite the price difference. The only thing that's stopped me upgrading is the sensor problem, I'm keeping a close eye on developments

Simon