[jnorth]

When a DS has an 18-55 kit lens on, set at 18mm and you are using the on-board flash is there a lens barrel shadow at 18mm? If so at what approx focal length does it disappear? I am curious 'cause with my K10D my DS is not used much, so I was going to leave it laying about for my wife to grab for snaps of the kids. With the 16-45 and the on board flash there is a considerable shadow at the wider focal lengths up to 20'ish, and I'd rather keep the 16-45 for myself anyhow?

Has anybody ever taken any pictures that require an exposure in the 25 second and longer range that is not astro photography requiring a huge $ investment??

[volosong]

When a DS has an 18-55 kit lens on, set at 18mm and you are using the on-board flash is there a lens barrel shadow at 18mm? If so at what approx focal length does it disappear? I am curious 'cause with my K10D my DS is not used much, so I was going to leave it laying about for my wife to grab for snaps of the kids. With the 16-45 and the on board flash there is a considerable shadow at the wider focal lengths up to 20'ish, and I'd rather keep the 16-45 for myself anyhow?

No flash shadows with the kit lens on the DS. However, there is a small amount of vignetting, with or without flash, at 18mm. It is gone pretty quickly (about 20mm or so). The flash shadow is a well know 'feature' of the 16-45 lens.

Has anybody ever taken any pictures that require an exposure in the 25 second and longer range that is not astro photography requiring a huge $ investment??

First attempt at nightime digital photography: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Just need a good, sturdy tripod. You're limited to a 30-second exposure, unless you go into B mode.

[Arpe]

Just don't leave the lens hood on, that definitely casts a shadow from the flash.