Just fix the color cast and these will be great.

I would have gone closer to the main subject, thus eliminating most distracting elements. Also, with a 100 mm lens I would go with a wider aperture, which would also eliminate some background distractions.

Hi!

There is great free software available, and I can't recommend enough Gimp and Paint.net. Gimp is Photoshop like and can be made even more like it by using the GIMPshop modification/addon.

Best regards

Tobio

Hi!

As nobody yet answered I guess I could try give some
hints, though I'm hardly an expert.

As these are specifically butterfly photos, I'd prefer tighter
cropping so the butterflies would clearly be the 'lead stars'.
Also I usually prefer the backgroud to be blurry to eliminate
any distracting elements, which usually is possible by getting
real close to target or using a long lens or by using a wide
aperture (I usually, when butterfly shooting, use my da 55-
300mm at about 300mm, which helps make the background blurry,
but is harder to get well focused and sharp shots without
tripod or other support).
Number 7 has a blurry background and is tight cropped. Number
7 is also composition wise pretty good in my opinion,
utilizing the good old 'rule of thirds' and the butterfly also
is more face to the camera, which is something I usually try
to achieve (sorry my bad english).

I hope these tips help.

Tobio

Me four. Though I rarely post I read the topics in this forum frequently and I feel that John has done his job more than well! Even answered my bit simple questions about lens protectors.

Tobio

Here is a link for a price development graph for K20d:s in Finland in some places. Some of these are internet shops, but at least Topshot is not one.
http://hintaseuranta.fi/tuote.aspx/77543?tabi=hintakehitys

It might be a good idea to put one's cellular phone onto voice record mode if one gets into a situation like this. If a stranger calls you names and poses threats or whatever it's nice to have something as evidence.

Thanks again for the info.

Best regards,

Tobio

Thanks for the swift answer to my question. I didn't come to think of that the filter might also damage the lens if destroyed. Should try and see if the performance and or IQ is better without the protector. Luckily the da 55-300 isn't very expensive lens if it would get damaged. Is there any protection from dust with protective filters and how risky it is in general to use a non WR-lens in dusty places?

Best regards,

Tobio

Hi!
I'm using primarily my Pentax da 55-300. Very nice picture quality. At least mine is sometimes a bit hunty lens, but manual focus first before autofocus and that problem mostly solved. I'm using a protective Hoya Digital Pro filter, which might affect performance, haven't tried it without yet. Btw, do people here use a protective filter and do they find it affects performance or IQ?