james_smith11

<p>Larry:<br>

From Taos, you could travel the "Enchanted Circle" Taos-Angel Fire-Eagle Nest-Red River and back to Taos, which would take you through the mountains. The aspens should be very nice in early October. Also, you might plan to spend more time around Taos and shoot some of the classics (church at Ranchos de Taos, the high bridge, etc). A really great B&B in Taos is the Mabel Dodge Luhan house. Also, if you are willing to put up with the crowds, the Balloon Festival is a photographic treat. Also, between ABQ and Santa Fe is a relatively unknown National Monument, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, which are definitely worth a visit. Have a great visit- you are going to be there at a great time of the year!</p>

<p>Larry:<br>

From Taos, you could travel the "Enchanted Circle" Taos-Angel Fire-Eagle Nest-Red River and back to Taos, which would take you through the mountains. The aspens should be very nice in early October. Also, you might plan to spend more time around Taos and shoot some of the classics (church at Ranchos de Taos, the high bridge, etc). A really great B&B in Taos is the Mabel Dodge Luhan house. Also, if you are willing to put up with the crowds, the Balloon Festival is a photographic treat. Also, between ABQ and Santa Fe is a relatively unknown National Monument, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, which are definitely worth a visit. Have a great visit- you are going to be there at a great time of the year!</p>

<p>A vote for the 50mm cron. It's fun to go back to the "normal" focal length lens and see just how versatile it can be.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>A vote for the 50mm cron. It's fun to go back to the "normal" focal length lens and see just how versatile it can be.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>It appears that you are using a DX system. If that is the case, I would suggest a 12-24 or 10-24 zoom. Either would be fun shooting the "bean" at Millennium Park, the buildings on Michigan Ave, the Water Tower, etc. If you are by chance using a full frame (FX) system, I would second the recommendation to try the 14-24 zoom. Enjoy Chicago! You can have a lot of fun with a superwide downtown.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>If you want something that does not scream "camera bag" but fits your bill, look at Osprey bags, especially the Astro. ALthough it is marketed as a messenger bag with a nice laptop area, it also serves as a great camera bag.<br>

<a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=112&colorCode=618&tab=description">http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=112&colorCode=618&tab=description</a> <br>

Jim</p>

<p>Take a look at the Osprey Transit (or Torque). They might satisfy what you are looking for. I have both and am very happy with the bags. <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/TravelCouriers/Transit/">http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/TravelCouriers/Transit/</a><br>

Jim</p>

Although you may use your wide angles primarily, I would take along the 70-200 as there will be opportunities to isolate subjects

and I think something longer than 35mm would come in handy (for example, on the square in SF, you might appreciate the longer

zoom). Unless you want to go with only one lens, I think the 12-24 and 35 combo, along with the 70-200 would be a much better

alternative than the 16-85. St. Francis at Ranchos de Taos is a natural for your wides, but there are many opportunities in SF and

Taos for your longer zoom. Enjoy the great NM light!

I bought a lens from Tony and was very pleased with him and his service. I would not

hesitate to deal with him again. Many of his items are grey market, but this is no different

from the grey market items you can buy from the big NY stores. I have bought both grey

and US lenses and have never had a problem with either. You must decide if grey is

acceptable or if you require the US warranty and if the cost differential is justified.

Northern NM has some excellent photo possibilities. Suggestions for Taos,including the

church at Ranchos de Taos, are good. The Enchanted Circle (Taos, AF, Eagle Nest, Red

River) has many possibilities. If you want to venture a little further (about 2-2.5 hours

north), there is Great Sand Dunes NP in southern CO. AF will offer some nice "aspens in

the snow" photos. Wildlife has been a little scarce with all of the recent snow (ususally you

can find elk and deer- you might ask locals if they have seen animals, if you are

interested).