Thanks for the advice, I'll be going back to think for a bit.

I already have some Metz 58s for portable away from power situations with various gels, diffusers, umbrellas, reflectors, etc.

I was looking at the Pro Line ones as the parts are user replaceable, fairly light and not too expensive. I really wish I could go somewhere and have a go with a variety of lights to decide but that is a bit difficult.

I didn't know how good a 50W modelling light would be, really only need it to aid focusing on top of ambient lighting. Considering I'll have 2-4 lights at a time that is 100-200W of modelling lights.

I had not really considered battery powered lights as I didn't think they'd last that long.

I will consider more powerful lights as well, some of the Bowens or Lastolite ones look good but a fair bit more expensive.

It is very difficult to test colour consistency without actually having the lights for a fair while. Tough decision to make.

I am looking to augment my set-up with some new portable studio lights.

I am looking for something that is not too powerful so I can get a shallow DoF and control light output.

The Pro Line 180s have a GN of 35 and go down to 1/32. They also have a fairly wide range of accessories and come with a roller case.

Anyone got any experience with them?

Simply, Wow!

what an amazing device for astrophotography.

If LR4 has: content aware/clone healing brushes, HDR and panorama stitching I will be very happy.

Really well done. Obviously a lot of interest for this at the moment. Hope it continues.

If only I had that money to spare.

Problem with the Sigma is the edges, I'd like something with a flat plane of focus and even sharpness across the frame. This is because I use the whole frame not just the centre for studio shoots.

28mm is perfect for that kind of shot but I only have the A28 which is a pain to focus and recompose. With an AF lens I'd just use the far edge focusing points.

I can't use my DA*16-50 at the moment though as it needs repairing.

I'd love a 28mm prime of f/2.8 or faster. A perfect normal lens for all occasions. I find 35mm a bit too long sometimes.

Pentax service centre in the UK is run by a 3rd party. There is no real Pentax to contact here.

It is my most used lens. Not my favourite, that falls to the 50-135, but still used all the time.

EDIT: Actually just realized, shouldn't I have posted this in Troubleshooter Forum?

I am having some trouble with my DA*16-50. It is now out of warranty and seems to have developedg a really bad decentring problem but only from 20-40mm. At the extremes where I use it most of the time it seems to be fine.

I have done a lot of testing and it is definitely quite bad. About 1/4th of the frame is out of focus. The AF cannot compensate for the decentred section. It has caused me a huge headache tonight as I was going to do some shooting.

Anyone know where the best place to get the lens realigned is (UK)? Any idea if the sealing will still be fine after such a repair?