Thanks for your thoughts and comments - much appreciated

Phil

What a lovely set - #8 for me, although #6 runs it close, but just loses out due to the reeds lying on the water in the foreground which I find distracts a tad.

I've tried a double border on this one using the white to hold the image in and the black outer line to make the outer edge distinct. Any comments/suggestions on the approach?

Incidentally, the image is of the Maritime Museum in Dubrovnik at F11 and 2.5 sec exposure; no flash allowed inside because of the paintings.

Further to my comment above, I forgot to say that I also have a pair of Bushnell Powerview 8x25 which used to belong to my mother. They are well made, light, small and clear - they're just not quite as good as the Pentax pair, which are "brighter" and just a bit sharper.

On the other hand the Bushnell's were quite a bit cheaper. Mine are over 10 years old and show no sign of wear & tear.

As Stuart said - it all depends what you want them for!

As a general use "carrying around" pair, I have a pair of Pentax UCF G 8x24 that I have had for years. They are great - light weight, small, bright and very clear.


I don't think that they still make the UCF G but they do turn up on EBay. They have a new version, the UCF WP, and if they're anything like as good as the UCF G I'd recommend them for general use.

I really like your three B&W underground shots, and the M&Ms perspective. All in all a lovely set(s).

Phil

Ramon Sinkeldam (Argos Shimano)& Clinton Avery (Champion Systems)having a chat as they lead the breakaway early on in yesterday's London-Surrey Classic race.

Thank you for your helpful comments.

Phil

I'm looking to upgrade my 18-55 kit lens. I know that this subject has arguably been "done to death" but I reckon that individual requirements (and budget) are key factors to consider, so here we go again! My main photographic interests are landscape (urban & rural), macro/close-up and still life, but I'm also looking for something to use as my principal "walk-around" lens. Currently I have a K-r, but I'll probably be upgrading in the next 6-12 months.

I have in the frame at present the following:- Pentax 17-70 F4, Tamron 17-50 F2.8, the new Sigma 17-70 F 2.8-4 Contemporary. The other possibility that I'd welcome views/advice on is the Pentax 18-135 f3.5-5.6 WR. Anything else missing that I should consider (and is within my budget)?

I have a strong preference to new rather than second hand (no logical reason for this, just emotion), and my budget can just about stretch to £400. If it helps to steer advice, my other lenses are the Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6; Tamron SP90; Tamron 70-300 LD Di; Pentax SMC A 50 F1.7; and an elderly but still excellent Vivitar 28 F2.8.

Thanks in advance
Phil

This looks like the K02 model by Komine. I have the KA mount version A03 which I have owned for years - I brought it for my Pentax ME, I think in the early 1980s, but it's so long ago I can't be sure. It's a cracker and I won't be parting with it.

For what I believe to be a full listing have a look at the Great Vivitar 28mm Bestiary : http://photografica.robinparmar.com/vivitar28detail.html.