Looking at the range you mention the 16-45 seems near perfect, other than this as zooms go the Pentax DA 17-70 is excellent, the Sigma equivalant is as sharp but lacks the colour/contrast of the Pentax

Simon

As you sold your WR I'm guessing that other than this trip you don't see yourself needing WR much - in which case save yourself a fortune and take a few of these instead

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-optech-rainsleeve/p1017072

Simon

You've probably done it already but perhaps its a blocked nozzle, maybe try a new set of catridges?

Simon

Having already ventured into the world of UWA lenses 18months or so ago with the Sigma 10-20 I found myself a bit disappointed - whilst the lens has many fans I really couldn't get on with it. I wasn't at all keen on the distortion and I found that the corners were very soft, the colour rendering wasn't 100% to my taste either.

Anyway, I've now picked up a Samsung 12-24 (same as the Pentax) from a forum member and thought I would share my initial impressions - which are definitely positive.

It's immediately clear to me that the colour/contrast produced by this lens is excellent, very much like my DA 17-70 which I'm also a fan of. Perhaps more importantly for me though is the lack of distortion and sharp corners - it far surpasses my old Sigma in both respects.

One slight negative, as mentioned in most reviews, is that the lens does produce some CA althoug nothing too bad.

Overall I'm very pleased with the 12-24, much moreso than the Sigma. Here are my first 2 photographs, taken at South Stack Lighthouse on Anglesey last night (the 1st at 14mm, 2nd at 15mm, unfortunately the cloud ended the chance of a decent sunset.

Togsprint are very good quality - I've used them for 36x24inch prints a few times - I must admit though customer service seems to have dropped off a little lately.

The other option I'd recommend is Loxley, very good quality, not the cheapest though

Simon

Thanks everyone for the feedback although for once I'm planning to ignore most of it, no offence I just think the blown sky adds some drama, without it I don't think the shot has enough impact

simon

With landscape shots I'm normally in the "correct exposure/wide angle" camp - this is one of those times though where I think its best to ignore such things.

I just glimpsed out of our bedroom window to see this over Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clywdian range - I quickly grabbed the DA 55-300 and took a few shots and this was the result, this is at 98mm

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/IMGP2399.jpg[/IMG]

Well I've just taken Jon up on the Marumi - looking forward to some decent weather to give the lens & filter a good tryout

Thanks for the replies....

I use one regularly with my DA 17-70 with no detrimental effects at any focal length but as mentioned here I've heard that banding is likely at wider focal lengths.

Think I'll give the Hoya Pro 1 D a try anyway, use one with my 17-70. I guess if I don't like the effects I can sell it on ebay !!

Simon

After initially dipping my toe in the UWA world with the Sigma 10-20 and being somewhat disappointed I'm now giving it another go with the Samsung 12-24. My initial impressions (only received it today) are very positive - it's already clear that it doesn't exhibit the same distortion as the Sigma and that the corners are much sharper.

What I'm now trying to decide on is whether to invest in a polariser, 77mm ones aren't cheap. I'm thinking that it may well be useful between 24/16mm but any wider and it will produce too much uneven polarisation

Does anyone use a polariser on the lens at 12mm and if so how do you find it?

thanks

Simon