Great clouds in nos. 1, 2 & 4 - they always help. Like Horst, I also like the building.

I am increasingly using a range of focal lengths for landscapes, from 10mm up to 300mm, and it all depends on what I an after, and what is in front of me. However, I tend to use the UWA more for urban settings, but even that is a generalisation!

Phil

I use Dfine (one of the Nik plug-ins) to reduce noise, and, while I haven't tried it on this image and only use in on Raw images, I don't think it removes as much detail as in this example. (I don't use Lightroom at all)

Phil

I've decided to give it a go - expect much annoyance while I get used to it! However, I can immediately see the advantages.

Phil

Welcome back.

A friend of mine has a D7100 and it's a fine camera which is extremely capable; but it's nothing like as nice in the hand as my K-5iis.

Phil

Mine's very good - once I took the protective filter off the end! You haven't said whether or not you have a protector/UV filter on it, if you have - take it off and try again.

On my example, I was pretty dissatisfied with the sharpness until I took the filter off - for then on it has been extremely good, especially when you consider the price.

Phil

Michael

Thanks for the head-up - very useful

Phil

Very interesting. Love the almost Victorian look of #1 - very atmospheric; but overall #2 is my pick, I think it's super and I love the treatment. Is it Silver Efex Pro?

Phil

I'd like to see a B&W version of #3, but overall personally I prefer the other set shot with the FA50 F1.7.

Phil

#3 for me, lovely colours in the lichen, but suspect that it could lend itself well to a B&W conversion.

Phil

I also agree about the 'average' quality. There have always been some really excellent images posted mixed in with some less good ones, but now there do seem to be a higher proportion of good ones. The international spread of both contributors and 'exotic' locations also helps as Andrew noted.

However, I'm less interested in the reason than the result. The more high quality images that are posted, the more they may inspire others (well it does me!); and the more good photographers will be encouraged to put up some of their images -that benefits all of us.

Phil