Hi Alistair,

I have little experience of using manual focus, I only became interested in photography during the digital era.

I use the Pentax DA 17-70 for 95% of my landscapes and find it excellent, usually using F11/F16. I always use auto focus and to be honest only rarely have any issues achieve the focus/DOF I require. I experimented with Hyperfocal Distance but had little success, mainly I think for the reason you mention - lack of accurate scales - I may well try it out again now I have the Sigma

Simon

I've just purchased a used Sigma 14mm F2.8, as it's for full frame it also has a distance scale. I haven't had chance to use it yet but I'll post some thoughts when I do.

The 12-24 mentioned is very highly regarded, unfortunately prices of Pentax lenses have now become a little ridiculous so personally I couldn't justify the cost for a lens that I'm not likely to use that often, I think the 17-70 will still be the main lens I use

Simon

Thanks everyone for the feedback...I've printed the shot too and agree with the comments regarding the processing, it needs something a little more subtle. I'll have another go

Simon

Had a trip to Bolton Abbey at the weekend but the lighting wasn't great...just messed around with a mono conversion & would appreciate a few thoughts on it

thanks

Simon

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/ALL%20PHOTOS/IMGP1745.jpg[/IMG]

Awaiting delivery today so once I've had chance to take a few shots I'll report back..

I read a few user reviews before buying which were mostly positive, it's weakness seems to be flare due to the bulbous front element which I guess is a factor on a lot of UWA lenses to differing degrees.

Simon

Hi John,

I read the tests etc before buying it too, it may well have been due to sample variation but I was never really happy with my 10-20, the distortion seemed a little "strange" - difficult to explain how.

I'm not paying too much for the 14mm so it's worth a gamble, if I don't like it I'm guessing I can pretty much get back what I paid for it.

Simon

After selling my Sigma 10-20 some time ago I've thought about returning to wide angle. After some deliberation I've bought a used Sigma 14mm F2.8 as I just couldn't justify the DA12-24 costs, which was my initial preference.

Reading the reviews the Sigma seems to do pretty well, especially regarding distortion which was the main reason I sold my previous 10-20

Simon

Thanks for the useful tips..I'll be taking the 17-70.

As the main mountains around Snowdon are 3000ft+ I'm guessing that we'll not be too far above so I shouldn't need the 300mm. Think I'll give the flying club a call for a bit more info

Simon

I use the Dell 2209WA, I'm very impressed - it's far better than my previous TN panel. It can be a little tricky to calibrate the first time as it's quite bright by default, once you've got the hang of it though it's straightforward

Simon

I'm after a few pointers as I have a trial flight lesson over Snowdonia/Anglesey this weekend and would like to get a few shots at the same time.

The flight is in a Cessna...just wondered which lens would be best (choice is 17-70 or 50-300 or 50mm prime).

I'm intending using manual focus and obviously using the lens hood to try & minimise reflections

Any pointers appreciated

Simon