[Chewy734]

does anyone here use Really Right Stuff ballheads?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

does anyone here use Really Right Stuff ballheads?

Not me, but I have messed around with one that had a Wimberley Sidekick mounted, just like my Arca-Swiss. They're very comparable, based on a very casual comparison.

I chose the A-S based on a review by a guy that owned both the A-S and the RRS. He slightly preferred the A-S. They're both good.

Get an A-S quick release plate or one of the L-plates and you're really set up for scenic landscapes.

Dave

[MaximusJ]

I'm really amazed by the D800 so far. The pics are razor sharp either from full frame to 100% crop. Macro shots are drooling.

I'll try to post some pics tonight. Its overcast here for the last two days so its not really photo-friendly for outside macro.

[dcstep]

Looking forward to your pix Max.

[Chewy734]

I wonder where Reed (The1) is? Haven't heard from him in a while. Hopefully he's alright...

[gary88]

[UdubBadger]

you fucker I knew you would.

[Chewy734]

nice! may the stalking begin...

[UdubBadger]

too bad you'll be shooting f/8-f/11 all day long

[gary88]

I can tell you right now lugging this around for four hours will take some effort and planning

[Chewy734]

not impressed... you gotta work those muscles, like Dave

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by gary88

I can tell you right now lugging this around for four hours will take some effort and planning

which is why I opted for 70-200 2.8 IS + 1.4xTC

[gary88]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

not impressed... you gotta work those muscles, like Dave

Off to the gym in 30 minutes

[gary88]

Quick snap outside

[Weebl]

Gary,
please let me know how deathly sharp this lens is with your 50D @ 2.8 and ~8. The F4 isn't doing much for me and I could use the nice suitcase too.
Enjoy your lens.

[gary88]

Sure, I want to check the microadjustment tomorrow so I'll do it some time then.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by gary88

Quick snap outside

I can imagine a bird sitting on that branch.

Without seeing the original size, the focus looks great to me and the bokeh is sweet. Put the 1.4X TC on and your ready for most anything.

Dave

[MaximusJ]

Nice; thats the next thing on my list.

But it'll have to wait until next year I'll probably just grab a TC for now and have plenty of fun with my 70-200.

Just to compare with Nikon, how much is that lens worth? I saw good reviews about the sigma too; for a fraction of the price. I'm gonna have to try it out at the store.

[gary88]

Seems to go for around $4100 now.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by MaximusJ

...

Just to compare with Nikon, how much is that lens worth? I saw good reviews about the sigma too; for a fraction of the price. I'm gonna have to try it out at the store.

I couldn't find a Sigma 300mm prime, but their zoom is even in the same league as Canon's 300/f2.8 II:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...mp=5&APIComp=0

Sigma give great value, but they're not top performers optically. I wonder why they don't come out with a few primes, now that both Canon and Nikon's super-teles are in the stratosphere.

Dave

[MaximusJ]

Exactly. I was looking into the 150-300 lens. Still worth 2300 tho. I will need to try it on before pulling the trigger. I'm not too hot about third party lenses.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by MaximusJ

Exactly. I was looking into the 150-300 lens. Still worth 2300 tho. I will need to try it on before pulling the trigger. I'm not too hot about third party lenses.

Friend of mine just bought a Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. Super sharp lens and the VC (or IS) is very nice. At $1300, I think it's a better value than the new Canon 24-70 f2.8L II, which is nearly twice the price and has no IS. The one nitpick with the Tamron is that under certain lighting conditions, bokeh highlights can be onion-like in appearance, but it's not a common thing and easily fixable. It's about the only Tamron I'd consider buying. The other 3d party lens makers I would use are Rokinon (Samyang) for their 35mm f1.4 and, of course, Zeiss.