[Wired]

so I bought a Lensbaby Composer Pro w/Sweet 35 optic this past week. And try as I might I can't get along with it. I don't like the focal lenght, I don't really enjoy the effect, and I really don't like spending $400 on something that I "may" start to love later on when there are more useful tools to be had.

I'm 1 day past the full refund clause of their R&E policies, but they will let me exchange upto 14 days, so I want to take it back today/tomorrow to get something else. I don't really have much for extra cash at this time... so here are some things on my list that are around the same price point.

Pentax A 50mm 1.4 lens
Pentax Q 02 Zoom lens
Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash (used)
Pentax BG4 Battery Grip & third battery

or a heavy duty tripod that is sub $300 (so I can also get an Xi-fi pro card)

Reasonings behind them, and why this isn't an easy straight ahead decision:

A 50mm 1.4. I really want the DA*55mm, but I'm shooting a bunch of live bands this month and could really use the faster speed and wider angle as I've been using only my 77mm 1.8 latley and could use something a tad wider. I'm also having issues focusing with the stock screen at this moment. (On that note, I'm not upgrading my focusing screen until after September depending on what gets announced)

The Q 02 is probably second lowest on the list, but something I've been wanting to have for a while. Pretty self explanitory, I just would like more flexibility from the camera.

The AF-540FGZ Is a stupidly good deal. I have not seen it, so I cannot comment on the condition, but the price is awesome, almost half of new. I got an old 220 series flash, so this would be a massive improvement.

The battery grip would be a nice addition, something I've been longing for, but not really needed. I already got a spare battery that stays in my strap pocket. But I do shoot verticle enough to warrant the grip.

A better tripod wouldn't be a bad idea, but I know crud about tripods.

I'm leaning towards the flash or the pod as they will have the most immediate performance increases for me.

[VictorDA]

Considering you already have a M 50 1.4, I don't really see the point in getting the A...
You don't seem to be excited about either the Q zoom or the grip, so I say - go with your instinct! IMO a great flash or a good tripod will matter much more than any other option. But of course, if you want to use the flash in PTTL then you'll need the A lens... Back to square one
Have fun!

[AOShep]

Get the battery grip.

[Wired]

Considering you already have a M 50 1.4, I don't really see the point in getting the A...
You don't seem to be excited about either the Q zoom or the grip, so I say - go with your instinct! IMO a great flash or a good tripod will matter much more than any other option. But of course, if you want to use the flash in PTTL then you'll need the A lens... Back to square one
Have fun!

The flash is in the box with all the goodies and the shop kerp reporta no visble scratches. Its like he never used it... So i think thats the way to go.

I will have $150 left over... Any good pods for that money?

I plan on getting a DA*55mm as soon as onr shows up used locally.