Why you NEED a good local shop, and need to visit often

[tcadwall]

I haven't hit my local camera shop in over a month. It is a bit hard to walk out empty-handed, so I resist the urge to go in.:eek:

Yesterday I went in. They had just depleted stock on monopods (which I would like to have a decent one). But they did have this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=140&A=details&Q=&sku=5558&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) - and I gotta have one.

Now, while walking around, and drooling on myself, I found my rep, and asked if they had any consignment fast glass. I was informed that they had a used 70-200mm VR in last week but it only lasted 2 days. It sold for under $1300.

This is why I must go in there every day. - or is it why I must NOT go in there very often?!?!?

I am so confused.:confused:

[Daubs]

I agree...

It's hard enough to nose around the on-line stores drooling over lenses / accessories. I can't imagine going into my local store (which is less than a mile away...damn them), and actually holding stuff in my hands.

I try to avoid that place for fear that I might bankrupt myself and get the wife kicking my tail.

[Kellie]

I make sure to drag all 3 kids along every time I go. That way I am limited to how long I can hang out there since they get restless. Of course, they had to go and put in a play train table so now my kids actually ask to go to the camera store! :p

They have used goodies galore! www.natcam.com is where I go - check out the Nikon list under used cameras. Dangerous I tell you!

[tcadwall]

Kellie, Kellie, Kellie.... They put that train set in there to keep your kids hands off their displays... :eek: ...and to give you another setting to take pictures of your kids. I bet they didn't put any good lighting around it, so that you have to try out their light kits to get good shots, or purchase some really fast glass to get the shots...

Dagg... They GOT your number, a little investment in your kids, and now they have your wallet! - as if they didn't already:D

[rawpaw18]

T,
Did you buy the ball head, only supports 5.5lbs. Did it seem sturdy to you?
A monopods has been on my list as well. The one at my local camera store was over $300! It has been there since the last owner, and as far as I am concerned the next owner too. Sorry about loosing out on the 70-200vr, it is actually not all that great anyways,(just trying to make you feel better).

[jcon]

T,
Sorry about loosing out on the 70-200vr, it is actually not all that great anyways,(just trying to make you feel better).

OK, since its not that great, sell it to me for a huge discount(just tryin to make ME feel better!).:D :p

[tcadwall]

That is a good point.

I am not sure that I want to go with it... I did play with it, and it did feel very solid. It has a tensioner to allow you to vary the stiffness / grip level, but I guess it won't be as strong as cranking down on a lever.

So maybe you saved me a few bucks...

DANG!!! Maybe not... I might have to look at this one (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2319?livid=80|81&idx=83)... (I think it is twice the price)

[rawpaw18]

OK, since its not that great, sell it to me for a huge discount(just tryin to make ME feel better!).:D :p

Done, $599 plus shipping, handling, transfer fee, cheese wheel cutting state surcharge, processing, legal fees, tacks(how else are you going to mount it),
capitalist pig(that's me) profit, & my kids' college fund donation(tax deductible of course)

Brings the total to $2599, PM me with paypal info.:D

[jcon]

Tcad, youll love that grip head you linked too, as you can see, thats what I use, it works great, its got a little feature where you can tighten or loosen the tension, great for panning!


LMAO, Rich!! Sounds like a good deal..... for you:(

[rawpaw18]

The grip on that one seems awkward to me, sideways? Am I looking
at that wrong?

I like the grip upright like the one that was at your shop, but I Have never
tried any out before. Planning a trip to NY just to see a lot of the gear in person, maybe this summer. I would think a little overkill is the way to go. You know when you add your 70-200vr, it is a solid three pounds all by itself.

I was looking for a monopod that had a clutch trigger on it that when you squeeze it the legs would fall while the trigger was depressed. I do not even know if they make such a thing, but it sounds like a neat idea for sports when you need to set up in a hurry.

[jcon]

The grip on that one seems awkward to me, sideways? Am I looking
at that wrong?



You can attach the QRP to the top of the grip to make it upright. Although I use it the way its pictured and am very happy with it. It all comes down to what you like, you can always go back to that camera shop(:D ) and try it out there.

[tcadwall]

Do you have the shutter release mechanism mounted on it? That seems pretty kewl. Shutter release on the grip... Reminds me of video days...