Dropped my K20 attached to my Pentax DA* 60-250mm on to the stone floor. Talk about a heart in mouth moment, was prepared to replace the body but the lens would be a very different matter.

Looked and checked the body first as the idea of looking at the lens scared me to death. Removed the lens and set it aside and the first thing I noticed was something small and clear plastic sculling around on the mirror. Removed it and found it was the focus screen, replaced it in the carrier and put the trusted Sigma 105 Macro on the body and took it out to test – there is nothing wrong with the body at all, a tiny scuff on the bottom plate but otherwise it has survived almost unscathed and any problems with the shots I took are due to a problem with the photographer and nothing to do with the body.

Have just put the 60-250 lens back on and gatherecd enough courage to try it out –

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/Thordell/Wildlife/Test-Woody.jpg[/IMG]

Think I have got away with it, I'm amazed, though the body might come through without harm but not the lens, I am very lucky. Please take a good look and tell me what you think, the image is enlarged.

I agree and prefer the third shot think it is because the sky is obviously the sky and not just a blue background.

Love the first and like the second but the last two are not so pleasing for me.

1/ the composition is great and I do not have a problem wit the green it looks fine on my monitor.

2/ like this less than 1 because the lack of detail in the white feather is more noticeable and not counteracted as it is in one with the tree detail.

3/ I find the white light spots distracting and also the lack of tail.

4/ just find the attitude of the bird very unhelpful in this one although this has the best detail in the feathers - so well taken but not so appealing to view.

No hesitation from me either - number two

Think a stable tripod is a must but that does not mean you have to spend a fortune there are reasonable priced tripods available but it does depend on what sort of use you wish to put it to - strong winds and mountain sides may require something stronger that available in the local Dixons. Try to find a shop that will advise you as to your needs, I don't know the tripod you mention but if it is stable enough for the work you wish to do then that is ideal equipment for you.

No good having a tripod that is so heavy you do no take it with you even the very best is no good if you left it at home.

Love the first shot and agree about the post in 2, would have a go at removing that as otherwise it is a good shot. 3 does not appeal so much to me, think the 'step' across the water cuts the image up and spoils it for me.

Have enjoyed looking at your shots of Amsterdam - you certainly have an eye for an appealing image. There are one or two technical points that need correcting as already mentioned but they can be learnt or corrected by the use of a tripod, the eye for an image can't so well done and do please try again concentrating on trying to get the shots sharper and the area of focus in the place you decide you want it, for instance on the face of the statue and not on the signs of the buildings.

PS If you are uploading more than a couple of images it would be easier to comment if you number the shots otherwise it is easy to make a comment on the wrong image.

Sorry John, I chew over everything and still give foolish answers. My gut feeling is I would have wished to have started sooner in my youth but in my youth it was not affordable and for everything I get to grips with there and two more that takes it's place, how does anyone one know they are really well informed or is it a case that when you are you know it.

Can't help but in the UK there are places where you can be pointed in the right direction and introduced to the sort of people who can help.

Good luck with your idea and I agree let nothing out till you have cover - think in the UK there are two sorts of registration one is for the idea with details and drawings and the other is for the actual manufactured item, guess you need the equivalent of the first till you have the time and in order to get the financial help you need.

Bearing in mind that there is a difference between your current level of photo knowledge and the level of your photographic ability I have answered but not sure correctly. Without a high level of knowledge it may be difficult to answer correctly as until you have leaned most there is to know you are not sure what it is you do know and how much there is to learn.

My skills are basic but I am learning so should I have voted beginner or moderate?