don_myers1

<p>You all misinterpreted - I said almost worth it. The weight is a deterent, plus I ask how often I would use it? However, Dorus, the idea of the 150-450 lens is ideal for what I need, as I shoot primarily with my 70-300 Sigma, typically at the higher end.<br> Thank you all for your input.</p> <p>Don M</p>

<p>This looks super tempting: <a href="http://www.adorama.com/px560.html">http://www.adorama.com/px560.html</a> . typically $5000, can get it for $3700!<br> I'm going to Rocky Mountain Natl. Park in two weeks and Iceland next spring, and the longest lens I have is a 300 f5.6 with a 2X converter: Not good for distance. Does anyone have this lens and do you think it is worth the cost?</p>

<p>Matt;<br> As always, we will be looking for great photos from you: I figured you would have upgraded to the 645Z not the K-1 (Is that an upgrade?) The major issue I have with the K-1 is lack of lenses: sure, there are plenty of third party lenses, but is the quality of Sigma or Tamron the same as Pentax? I am not sure what I am going to replace my K-5 with, but at least the K-3. Keep us all informed how the K-1 works for you so we can get an actual owner's review.<br> Don</p>

<p>Justin;<br> Have you considered Photoshop Elements? I know it does not have all the bells and whistles, but it is a pretty good program. I don't think it works with Bridge or Lightroom, but I can import the pictures into from my memory card, then process them. (Why do they sell separate programs to import pictures? Shouldn't the ap come with the software?)<br> Anyway, it's only $100 for a full version -- check it out.</p> <p>Don</p>

<p>I agree with Tim; why so many apps/programs? I have found one program that does all that I need it to: Photoshop Elements. With it I can...<br> Organize<br> Process<br> Creative processing/special effects<br> Share on web<br> Create videos/slideshows<br> Order prints online<br> And several others I did not mention or know of. And all for $80 -- And that will last 4-6 years. And I am still using PE12, so with 14 coming out probably gives you more bells and whistles.</p>

<p>I've noticed some here shoot using "Limited" edition lenses, and have wondered regarding the quality... I was told that the DA* lenses were Pentax's top-of-the-line models, but what is everyone else's opinion on that? Currently I own one star lens, the 16-50mm, which I think is an excellent lens, although I use it half as much as my Sigma 70-300 (which needs to be replaced.) I was pondering the 60-250mm f2.8 DA*, but if a longer Limited lens would be a better quality, then I will go that way.<br> Thank you all for your opinion.</p>

<p>Honestly, I'm not too sure-- 36 MP full frame vs 40MP medium format... Granted, a full frame will be somewhere around $1500, but since the release of the 645Z the 645D has dropped to $3700, and may even go down more over Christmas. Besides, my K-5 is holding up well...<br> As far as new cameras go, I will avoid getting a new one till I can sell some photos to pay for it, then I will go to medium format. I had a Mamiya a long time ago, and would love to get back into the format: That 645D looks sweeter every time I see it...</p>

<p>I can't speak for the 200, but I do have the 16-50 DA* lens and the SDM is fantastic - and extremely quiet! I would suspect the same drive is used in each SDM lens, so although not the same focal length, I can't say enough regarding the speed and quietness of my lens. When I first bought it I actually thought it was broken because I couldn't hear the motor! <br> As for length, my primary lens is a Sigma 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 : Nearly half of my photos were taken with that lens, with my 16-50 second and my 100mm macro, third. I know that if I were to replace the Sigma, it would most likely be with the DA* 60-250mm f4.0, though the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 is a good choice as well. (With a 2X converter the Tamron would be just as fast as the 250 but a full 150mm longer.) It's really what you want and need.<br> Hope this helps.</p>

<p>And third...</p><div></div>

<p>Oro Valley...</p><div></div>

<p>In preparation for winter, I thought I might prime things up a bit...<br /> All from Tucson, AZ, shot with K-5.</p><div></div>

<p>I think a lot of us have the same question... so I asked them.<br> I sent an email to customer service today regarding their lack of advertisement and absence at photo exhibits. I doubt they will answer, but if they do I will post it here. I did see a number of press releases, but unless you go online to their website you will never see them. Even $500k in advertisement could be offset by the increase in sales, especially if placed in the right locations.</p>

<p>Dorus;<br> One last note: Apogee Photo Magazine ( <a href="http://www.apogeephoto.com/">http://www.apogeephoto.com/</a> ) helped me learn and improve my pictures immeasurably. Go to "Techniques" and read every article by Micheal Fulks and Noella Ballenger, especially their articles "Elements of Design.</p> <p>As a close to this week I am including one of my personal favorites so you can compare to my previous pictures...<br> Don</p><div></div>

<p>Third...</p><div></div>

<p>And third...</p>