Anyone had chance to compare it to the Sigma 17-70 yet, I find mine excellent & wonder if the Pentax version could be considered a further upgrade ?

thanks

Simon

Just revisiting a few old shots & had a go at converting this one to B&W, all C&C appreciated

Simon


[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/menai-bridge-winter.jpg[/IMG]

It's been a while since I've taken any shots, for one reason & another...the weather been one....

Had a drive to Conway hoping for a sunset shot of the castle & managed a couple, one with foreground & one without...welcome all C&C on both

thanks

Simon

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/Conway_1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/Conway_2.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks for the suggestions....this one has been recommended from another forum, cheaper again than Asda & apparently quality is excellent....they also have a much better size choice

http://www.mycanvasprints.co.uk

I'm increasingly having enquiries about Canvas prints & wondered if anyone could recommend a company ?

thanks

simon

For anyone looking to get into the K20D/GX20 just had an email from 7 Day Shop who currently have the GX20 twin lens kit on clearance at a very decent £539 incl free delivery - maybe a new model on the way as a few shops seem to be clearing out K20Ds & GX20s ?

Anyway here's the link

link to GX20 Twin lens kit @ 7 day shop

Not too sure which reviews you mean or what exactly "functionality" refers to, unless its the AF speed mentioned here in POPPHOTOS review, if so this applies to all the consumer zooms, I haven't noticed any difference between the 55-300/tamron or sigma

Here's a couple of review links just incase you haven't seen them...the main point for me was the IQ of the lens (mentioned in the reviews), very good even wide open

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/5469/pentax-da-55-300mm-f4-58.html

http://www.photozone.de/pentax/396-pentax_55300_458

Verdict from the Photozone review...

"The Pentax SMC DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED is a viable choice when it comes to an affordable long range tele lens. The resolution figures are pretty decent and in field conditions it shines with a snappy contrast characteristic. The secondary characteristics (vignetting, distortions, CAs) are about average for a lens in this class. All-in-all it is optically superior compared to its smaller cousin, the SMC DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED. The build quality of the lens is fine and the AF is fast enough for most applications. A sound offer relative to its pricing."

Ron,

I know it's always a bit of a nightmare choosing a new lens but as already mentioned by me & others the 55-300 is definitely the best of the consumers lenses, not simply due to sharpness but also its colour/contrast rendition & the quick-shift function is also very useful...

The Sigma 28-300 can't compete with the Tamron or 55-300 for sharpness. The Sigma 70-300 APO whilst quite good also suffers from poorer sharpness than the others after around 240mm

If you can afford it definitely get the Pentax 55-300, you won't regret it. If you're budget doesn't stretch to this then your next 2 choices are:

Sigma 70-300 APO & Tamron 70-300 DI LD......personally, even though the Tamron suffers obvious purple fringing sometimes, it would be my choice after the Pentax...I found the Sigma too soft beyond 240mm

simon

I've owned most of the "consumer" options & can honestly say that the new DA 55-300 is undoubtedly the best lens in the lower price range. Unfortunately it's still a bit above the budget you mention so personally I think the only other decent option is the Tamron 70-300 DI LD....it's very sharp but the copy I owned had quite strong purple fringing, if you are happy to live with this then the Tamron is a very good budget lens

Simon

Nice set John, particularly like the shot of Ripon Cathedral..lovely image...

On the 1st think I'd be tempted to try & clone out the 2 figures in the doorway, especially the one with the reflective jacket

simon