A very nice set indeed, Simon. But where was the snow you mentioned. To us from more northern parts. These look practically tropical...

Better than the first outing I had with mine... As Alan says, It does take a little getting used to. Your brave to hand hold a large lens like this one. Of this set No2 is my choice.

Im afraid the answer is simple. For sport and wildlife. At present, Change Brands. Though it pains me to say it. The Pentax systems dont focus anywhere near fast enough. Hopefully this will be rectified in the future.

Well said Mike. I totally agree. Another point to mention is that the older long standing members have had to reinvent themselves, If possible in the digital world. This is not always easy, and frustration creeps in as they now have in some cases, more limited processing skills to the ones they once posessed. Clubs will never be all things to all men, or women. They have their place as a gathering of like minded people.

Didnt know you could use AA batteries with the K5ii...

I would like to pass on my thanks to the many sellers on this forum I have purchased items from. I have bought camera's, lenses and bags. Every single transaction arrived the very next day, in perfect order, well packaged and in my opinion better than described. Totally stress free, in my experience a better service than that from our suppliers..

Stan...You are the man,,, Congratulations on your sucess.

In my opinion non of the old lenses you suggest, will have a better image quality than the kit lens you already own. Dont be to hasty to discard it. If you learn with it. It will repay you.

I found only a slight improvement over the 18 - 55 WR. Though If I had known this when I bought it. Personally, I wouldn't have.

From the limited useage you say you require. It is difficult to understand why you want to move on from Picasa. As this program will perform the tasks you require. If your looking to stretch yourself. Without spending money. You could try downloading Gimp. Which is a free program to enhance images. For me the logical step would be to spend a little cash, and move to elements. Try and go for one of the later versions if you can. There are always offers on Amazon. Try downloading the free 30 day, evaluation copy first. This will also include camera raw. In itself a similar program to lightroom. but without the image catalogue processes. This opens up the world of the layer process and several other items not available in lightroom. e.g. Cloning.

Just my thoughts.