Zoo Pics

[dr4gon]

Went to the zoo yesterday and it was quite an experience! I don't think I've ever had so much fun at a zoo in a long time!

Felt like a kid again.

There's way too many to post, so please check my flickr set here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/sets/72157607544951069/).



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2893717514_aaac84ae06.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2893717514/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2892875895_6572447e52.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892875895/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2892875613_9c78aa1562.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892875613/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2893716370_4fb72052f5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2893716370/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2892875031_e907ed913e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892875031/)
Tamron 90/2.8 (closest I could get to don's awesome parrot picture with his 135/1.8 ZA)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2893714522_acd33437f2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2893714522/)
Large: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2893714522_c280ce1b7d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2892874211_c48b1cf767.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892874211/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2892873681_93f1595e1a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892873681/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2892873541_d48f9643cd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892873541/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2892831293_88b2dbe921.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2892831293/)

[dr4gon]

The competition: canikonians :D what else?


40389
40390

One other lady with a monopod/big lens combo in the back.

I was tempted to ask if I could stick my camera on their tripod since I had the RC2 plate in, but the lady with the bogen ball head seemed to have a different mount, so I decided to stick with SSS anyways.

This eagle was also really cool!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2893714364_616c854232.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dr4gon/2893714364/)



I was pleasantly surprised how well the 70-300 did even without a tripod and for it's quality/price. I really want a better zoom lens though now. I'm thinking a 70-200/2.8 eventually ... :D

How much better would the 18-250/3.5-6.3 be over the 70-300 at similar ranges? (70/90/135/180/200mm etc....?)

[sparkie1263]

You did a great job I like all of them. You gotta love that 70-300 for the price. I think you should try to move your copyright to the other side of some of the pictures. Like the the Eagle and the lizard you should move to the left side.
Frank

[Rooz]

You did a great job I like all of them.
Frank

+1. very nice set. i really like the leopard and gorilla.
i think you may be forcing Don to pull out all the stops here. lol

[dr4gon]

You did a great job I like all of them. You gotta love that 70-300 for the price. I think you should try to move your copyright to the other side of some of the pictures. Like the the Eagle and the lizard you should move to the left side.
Frank

Ah, it's automated sorry lol.


+1. very nice set. i really like the leopard and gorilla.
i think you may be forcing Don to pull out all the stops here. lol

I want his lens (70-200/2.8)! :D I felt so inadequate .... but still confident :D compared to those ladies. Everyone had either a 200/2.8 or a 70-200. One of these days...

[DonSchap]

Don't make me go out and buy a CZ 24-70mm f/2.8 on ya! LOL :D

@ 'Rooz': I think the SONY crew is shaping up really well. These guys are workin' the camera with glass that is not suppose to deliver this kind of quality. I guess there is hope, eh?

Good job, dudes! :D

[dr4gon]

Don't make me go out and buy a CZ 24-70mm f/2.8 on ya! LOL :D

@ 'Rooz': I think the SONY crew is shaping up really well. These guys are workin' the camera with glass that is not suppose to deliver this kind of quality. I guess there is hope, eh?

Good job, dudes! :D

noooo, lol


Hey don, how much better would the 18-250 be over my 70-300 in terms of IQ. That and the 70-200 are make next "to-buy" lenses.

[DonSchap]

The 18-250 is a different class lens. In the utility class, I would say it is without peer ... but, there are others might disagree with different manufacturers. On the SONY DSLR ... it holds its own.

The mission of the 70-300 versus the 18-250 is just different. The 70-300 is usually an inexpensive telephoto. It is not particularly fast to focus, but for $150 ... what can you expect? Those SSM motors cost some money. The SONY 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G SSM costs nearly eight bills! SONY is an exception, there, as normally, you go to a 70-200 lens to improve on it, to get faster aperture and focus speed.

The 18-250 is a lens for all seasons ... where it is the only lens you have with you, such as on a vacation, or a jaunt out with the kids, where carrying a lens bag is impractical. I call it a "mom lens", because of its practical and utilitarian nature. Like I said, it is currently the best one in the utilitarian class (IQ-wise) out there, in my opinion. A lot of people are very impressed by this "Grab & Go"

I hope this is helpful.

[dr4gon]

The 18-250 is a different class lens. In the utility class, I would say it is without peer ... but, there are others might disagree with different manufacturers. On the SONY DSLR ... it holds its own.

The mission of the 70-300 versus the 18-250 is just different. The 70-300 is usually an inexpensive telephoto. It is not particularly fast to focus, but for $150 ... what can you expect? Those SSM motors cost some money. The SONY 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G SSM costs nearly eight bills! SONY is an exception, there, as normally, you go to a 70-200 lens to improve on it, to get faster aperture and focus speed.

The 18-250 is a lens for all seasons ... where it is the only lens you have with you, such as on a vacation, or a jaunt out with the kids, where carrying a lens bag is impractical. I call it a "mom lens", because of its practical and utilitarian nature. Like I said, it is currently the best one in the utilitarian class (IQ-wise) out there, in my opinion. A lot of people are very impressed by this "Grab & Go"

I hope this is helpful.

It is sort of. I was thinking of selling the 70-300 off to fund a 17-250mm and get a 70-200/2.8 by Christmas. Seems like at 300mm the Tamron just isn't sharp at all so I see no point in keeping it around if I would be shooting at the ~200mm length. That's my reasoning anyway. And when I do use the 70-300, it's always outdoors with decent lighting so the 18-250mm shouldn't have a problem keeping up. And then with the 70-200/2.8, I got low light and nice sharpness covered. The 18-250 would also be for vacations (going up to Toronto, Canada for Christmas).

I was also considering the Sony hvl-f42am flash. Perhaps I should put that off till later until I can get the lenses I want (two I mentioned). After all I rarely do indoor shots or things requiring flash (although I did use the pop-up flash at the zoo to help a bit with shadows). And for indoor/lowlight, I have my 17-50/2.8 and 50/1.7 prime.

Decisions, decisions....

[DonSchap]

I guess I just never considered selling lenses as a part of the plan. Weird, huh? Selling my 70-300 just doesn't seem to be worth the effort. Frank's already got one ... along with darn near everyone else on here. It's probably the one lens we all have in common.

I may have already suggested a standard lens outfit ... I know I did on the Dynax Digital forum ... which was met with great accolade.

Here is the bulk of the list from that posting:

"My personal short list of available glass or "upcoming relases" goes like this:

Reasonable alternatives:
"Single lens" solutions (not necessarily by price)
1) TAMRON AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
1a) SONY DT 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
2) SONY SAL-24105 - 24-105mm f/3.5-4.5

"Twin lens" solutions (medium cost)
1) SONY SAL-1680Z - Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 & SAL-70300G 70-300mm f4.5-5.6
2) TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) & TAMRON SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO

The pricier ideas (termed "professional"):
"Twin lens" solution:
SONY SAL-2470Z 24-70mm f2.8 & SAL-70200G - 70-200mm f/2.8 G

The medium cost "Ultra lens bag" - Four lenses
1) TAMRON SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD (IF) or SONY DT 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 (when available)
2) SONY SAL-1680Z - Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5
2a) TAMRON SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO
2b) TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
3) TAMRON SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO
4) TAMRON SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD (IF)

I'm not even going to recommend the lesser lenses ... because, I cannot see why anyone would want to buy a new lens to shoot inferior images, if they can avoid it. Sure you can use them ... then complain about results. My feeling is: Spend the extra couple of hundred and "shoot happy." It's a long road ... and just MY opinion. You are eagerly encouraged to have one of your very own. "

Remember, the idea behind this is to get good glass in your bag ("good glass" lacks little in resolving good images). We all know that the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is not the "be-all-end-all" lens! LOL It works, sometimes ... but, you have to have daylight for the most part. Well, the sun might have something to say about that, after 5PM. It's usually non-negotiable.


For knockin' around ... when you just cannot be bothered, the 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 just makes life easier (and yes, you can make due with the pop-up for short stuff).

[dr4gon]

hmmm thanks for your opinions don, much appreciated as always. maybe I should just put up with changing lenses for the time being and not even bother getting the 18-250. That would allow me to get the Sony 42 flash and a nice backpack. But with the 70-200mm, I see no point in keeping/using the 70-300 since beyond 200mm, it's pretty poor (soft and too much CA) IMO. It just can't seem to resolve enough detail.

My four lens solution will likely be the

1) TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
2) Minolta Minolta AF 50mm F/1.7
3) TAMRON SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (some day)
4) TAMRON SP AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) (some day)

And on reserve for special occasions:
Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro
Perhaps the 18-250 (again, some day whenever I go on a good vacation).

[DonSchap]

Believe me when I say the 18-250 is very handy as a primary lens on your second camera body. If you decide to upgrade to whatever comes next, you will see how this comes into play.

And if you can find a home for that 70-300 ... all the better.

[dr4gon]

Believe me when I say the 18-250 is very handy as a primary lens on your second camera body. If you decide to upgrade to whatever comes next, you will see how this comes into play.

And if you can find a home for that 70-300 ... all the better.

Yeah I can see how it's really handy on the spot when you want to zoom in (beyond 50mm) at that very second and don't have time to switch lenses. Since I don't have a second body, I don't have that luxury and thus I have to think carefully about where I go next.

In your opinion, how much more useful would the 42 flash be? I don't hear about you using a flash too often (besides studio work which I don't do). Maybe the flash is just something for later and I should get lenses first? I actually rarely do portraits.

[seanhoxx]

Again I just have to say that for the price the Tamron 70-300 is a great lens, it is handy, pretty solid, and again consider the price and the IQ, not bad at all. For walking around in a thick crowd, or events where there is lots of dust and dirt and things in the air {concerts- cups, plastic bottles, beer,shoes,etc.} it is the lens to risk if you have it. I have thought about buying another one and setting it back in case Sony decides it's "to good" for the price and like other Tamron glass starts to "go away" any way just my input. Oh and those are some very cool zoo shots!

[dr4gon]

Again I just have to say that for the price the Tamron 70-300 is a great lens, it is handy, pretty solid, and again consider the price and the IQ, not bad at all. For walking around in a thick crowd, or events where there is lots of dust and dirt and things in the air {concerts- cups, plastic bottles, beer,shoes,etc.} it is the lens to risk if you have it. I have thought about buying another one and setting it back in case Sony decides it's "to good" for the price and like other Tamron glass starts to "go away" any way just my input. Oh and those are some very cool zoo shots!

Thank you! Yeah, it's definitely a trooper and great for the money.

[DonSchap]

In your opinion, how much more useful would the 42 flash be? I don't hear about you using a flash too often (besides studio work which I don't do). Maybe the flash is just something for later and I should get lenses first? I actually rarely do portraits.

Well, you have t know I'm using the flash units for the equipment shots you guys view in a lot of my postings. Flash has always been my enemy in photography. I suspect it is for a lot of people, but when the sun hits the deck for the night ... or you are trapped indoors ... you are kind of screwed. The flash has to come out.

Personally, since you are deciding on your FIRST flash ... I'd spend the extra cash for the HVL-F58AM, instead of the cheaper '42.

40437

You really need to practice with the big horse for a while, plus it will offer positional control that you just cannot get from the '42. I would willingly trade in my HVL-F56AM & my HVL-F36AM flashes for that one flash, it is so flexible and powerful. :cool:

[dr4gon]

Well, you have t know I'm using the flash units for the equipment shots you guys view in a lot of my postings. Flash has always been my enemy in photography. I suspect it is for a lot of people, but when the sun hits the deck for the night ... or you are trapped indoors ... you are kind of screwed. The flash has to come out.

Personally, since you are deciding on your FIRST flash ... I'd spend the extra cash for the HVL-F58AM, instead of the cheaper '42.

40437

You really need to practice with the big horse for a while, plus it will offer positional control that you just cannot get from the '42. I would willingly trade in my HVL-F56AM & my HVL-F36AM flashes for that one flash, it is so flexible and powerful. :cool:

Yeah I knew you used the pop up flash for the test shots, but didn't know you used a hot shoe flash for it.

I'd love to get it. But, at $500..... I could get 2 and a half '42s ($200 new shipped) and play light the house all day. Guess I could always wait for flash price to go down in price. How long do they usually last? I know you picked up a 36 at a good price (~$100) a little while back. I know next to nothing about hot shoe flashes other than a few bounce tricks (but never done anything myself). I have a lot to learn particularly in this area. :eek: With the 56, it should cover a lot till you get a chance to upgrade though!

[seanhoxx]

I was at Best Buy AGAIN today, my ongoing saga of corrupt OS and data backup, but thats a whole other long story! So wandering around I checked out the Sony flat screens.....NICE!! and in the camera area, are you ready? one A300 with kit lens, yes one the display model, can get one in the box in about 3 - 5 days!! and 2 HVL-58AM's and that was it, nothing else Sony! man that is a chunk of change for the 58, to much for me right now, but it does seem to be THE ONE FLASH you will ever need.

[dr4gon]

I was at Best Buy AGAIN today, my ongoing saga of corrupt OS and data backup, but thats a whole other long story! So wandering around I checked out the Sony flat screens.....NICE!! and in the camera area, are you ready? one A300 with kit lens, yes one the display model, can get one in the box in about 3 - 5 days!! and 2 HVL-58AM's and that was it, nothing else Sony! man that is a chunk of change for the 58, to much for me right now, but it does seem to be THE ONE FLASH you will ever need.

Till the next gen, argh.... the wrath of technology sucks, all admit though it's a bit slower than chasing computer hardware. :cool:

Sounds like your hard drive is dying Sean, I'm not really sure if best buy is the best way to fix it :p.

[DonSchap]

Well, to be honest, you really do need to understand exactly what the '58 brings to the party, otherwise ... it is unappreciated. It does what they now call "flash groups", which is a coordinated combination of future flash heads.

The '56 will work quite well as it stands ... and it is just as bright. The '58's rotating head is definitely an asset for a hot-shoe flash. Photographers usually have to mount their flashes on a flash bracket assembly with flash sync tether cord. This adds weight, awkwardness and a number other undesireable problems, especially if you use a vertical grip.

I could pictorially demonstrate these annoying add-on issues, but trust me on this ... you could stand to save a lot of accessory costs by just buying the NEW '58 flash. Where was it three years ago? Yeah ... in the "mind of Minolta." :rolleyes:

Well, you can avoid the eventual expense by just laying out the extra cost and not bypassing this eventual growth, anyway. This is the flash. It works and offers the best results of ANY of them!

[dr4gon]

Well, to be honest, you really do need to understand exactly what the '58 brings to the party, otherwise ... it is unappreciated. It does what they now call "flash groups", which is a coordinated combination of future flash heads.

The '56 will work quite well as it stands ... and it is just as bright. The '58's rotating head is definitely an asset for a hot-shoe flash. Photographers usually have to mount their flashes on a flash bracket assembly with flash sync tether cord. This adds weight, awkwardness and a number other undesireable problems, especially if you use a vertical grip.

I could pictorially demonstrate these annoying add-on issues, but trust me on this ... you could stand to save a lot of accessory costs by just buying the NEW '58 flash. Where was it three years ago? Yeah ... in the "mind of Minolta." :rolleyes:

Well, you can avoid the eventual expense by just laying out the extra cost and not bypassing this eventual growth, anyway. This is the flash. It works and offers the best results of ANY of them!

Yup, definitely don't doubt that. Why now I wonder too? Seems like a relatively easy concept that could easily be thought of...

I also love the bounce and rotation features. It's the king of flashes for sure. Also as such, commends a high (the highest) price at the moment. So how long do flashes generally last, if I did happen to get one used a year from now or whatever? (I know it depends on usage, but an estimate if you have any idea would be appreciated).

[DonSchap]

Let me put it to you this way ... if you look at my gear list (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1510229&postcount=103) ... the flashes on those film bodies are 20+ years old. I still have them and they still operate as they did, then. Just remember to remove the batteries if you are not using them for extended periods of time.

Who wants to live forever?

[dr4gon]

Let me put it to you this way ... if you look at my gear list (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1510229&postcount=103) ... the flashes on those film bodies are 20+ years old. I still have them and they still operate as they did, then. Just remember to remove the batteries if you are not using them for extended periods of time.

Who wants to live forever?

Gotcha! That's so true,duh. I got an old Canon manual 35mm SLR and the flash's batteries were left in it:eek:. I don't think it works anymore, lol.

[seanhoxx]

Best Buy is NOT the best answer for computer diagnostics. With our multiple power failures from awhile back, and then what I think really did me in was several brown outs, and a couple of dark brown outs! anyway OS got corrupted, worked on it, was on phone with tech support for like 3 hours etc. Could not recover or restore, so tech support was to the wipe it clean and reload. I took it to best buy to do a data backup on my hard drive. Brought it home and checked the backup disc.... it wasn't my data! Took it back in, The geek squad cleaned and deleted the data off all there service computers during the night! So now I have a loner hard drive, and mine is on the way for a forensic data recovery, at there cost. what did we learn from this? external hard drive back up! And don't work on original confidental intel. reports on home computer. LOL. 320 gig passport drive sitting on desk beside me right now!

[dr4gon]

wow... that sucks..... someone else's data while your stuff got trashed. Hopefully, you'll get something back. Looks like you need a RAID1, hard drive mirroring array!

[seanhoxx]

Yea big time sucks, The data back up I got was from a guy in the county to the North of me, who is a high school girls volley ball coach, had a bunch of team pics, all his coaching notes, drills, practice and fitness plans! So I bet he was glad to get his disc back. They are "highly positive' that my recovery will be a success. wait for it......
We shall see.... we shall see.