I'm looking to get a prime at this focal length and am drawn to this one (especially as my new 2x converter will work the SDM, or so I'm told.) However, I'm not sure whether it's a good buy and, as I have a K10D (1.3 firmware), if the focus problem is still there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've just got a Tamron 2x and wondered about the effect on light. I understand that it reduces light by two stops, but I assume that the only effect is the camera simply increases the ISO and/or reduces shutter speed to compensate. In which case the dof and IQ characteristics should stay the same, i.e. f1.7 will still give me 1.7 dof, not f4 dof (at the new focal length.) Perhaps more importantly, if f8 is the sweet spot for sharpness, then it stays there and doesn't drop to f4. Could anyone confirm this or otherwise please?

Do these people get up in the morning and randomly pick something to lose money on? Anyway, there it is - shame I've got one already. Did consider buying a sackful and making some money on ebay, but can't be bothered! Tell you what though, I'm going to do my Jessops on-line "Pentax" search more regularly now...

Actually, I do have the Tamron 18-200, which I got off ebay to see whether I could live with the compromise. And yes, I was impressed enough to decide that from now I will take one superzoom when out with the family. However, the reach isn't quite far enough and I have read many reviews and user feedback that rate the 18-250 as a better performer (which of course it should be.) If I go ahead I'll be happy to do some comparison shots and post them.

(BTW - the children look lovely, but don't tell me you've got four girls!!! (Twins?) Heaven help you when they become teenagers!!)

Looks like a good price? I'm having to go for a superzoom to meet shooting needs (young kids - no time to changes lenses!) Any comments?

I would have a quick rummage through ebay T&Cs first (if only to make sure you follow their dispute procedure.) Otherwise, it's a contract for sale, which should include any services paid for around it. As the seller specifically said special delivery, then they have failed to meet their side of the deal. So I think you should be able to claim the difference between SD postal charge and the actual charge (not the mark-up though).

Of course they may have assumed that you just wouldn't bother for the relatively small amount - but there are principals at stake! (I see this, and I assume so do you, as quite different to excessive charges. If someone quotes £25 as delivery with no specified method, and the buyer is happy to pay, then it makes no difference if the postage is actually 75p!)

Tony

Very nice! I agree with impotentspider about dodging the faces on the second pic so some detail comes through. I would also crop some of the top and left to get the deer's faces in the sweet spot for the rule of thirds. This would also use the path to lead you to the deer and stop - at the moment it goes on leading the eyes away from the deer.

Tony

Martin - I bought the Samsung SEF54 from Amazon for £177 and it is EXACTLY the same as the Pentax AF540. I was tipped off by another thread on this forum and it's appeared since. The only downside is that shipping is 1 to 2 months, but Amazon stuck to the first date they gave me, which was 4 weeks. It really is an amazing price and there is no difference between the Samsung and Pentax (other than the name!) All the comms are the same (P-TTL, wireless, it even switches the flash backlight on when you operate the camera backlight!) It is a hefty beast, but makes indoor flash photography a pleasure. Here's the link:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SEF-54PZF-Flashgun-GX-SLRs/dp/B000OURPXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238185659&sr=8-1

I replaced the kit lens (mkII) on my K10d with the 16-45 and at first was dissapointed - the CA can be quite pronounced and the exposure was difficult to get right. But after getting used to it I never ceased to be amazed by how alive this lens is! The real-life experience is wonderful sharpness with dynamic colour and depth. And that extra 2mm on the wide end really does make a difference.

(BTW - I have a 3meg sony cameraphone which is always with me and takes wonderful snaps of the kids for those moments when you're not expecting to be taking a photo.) If I'm going to be taking pics, then the 16-45 is my walkaround lens and I've got a small Lowepro bag that the lens and body+grip just squeezes into. If you're used to an APS-C sensor, then a bridge simply won't do!

I bought one about a month ago and it works like a dream! (Delivery was about 3 weeks, but exactly when Amazon quoted). Talks to the camera (K10D) exactly the same as the Pentax model with all the wireless, P-TTL etc. functionality. I was tipped-off by another thread on the flashes section and I'm amazed that no-one else has gone for this!