jim bridges

I use 35mm equipment and 24 to 300 mm lenses work fine for me.

We've found that anytime beginning the second week in April the wildflowers are superb in central Texas. I usually head over that way the 15th of April. We stay in Kerrville and roam about a hundred mile radius. Willow City loop was the best I've seen in several years last season. As Mr. Fleming stated weather usually helps, but I've never been disappointed anytime I've been over there. I always find good patches, but some years are really good and some are just good. Good luck.

I use an old Nikkor AF 75-300/4.5-5.6 as a lightweight hiking telephoto lens. I don't care about the slow speed because I use a CF tripod 100% of the time. If I think I'll need speed I'll use an AF 80-200/2.8, but the old 75-300 has been a favorite for over ten years and get as much use as any of my prime lenses.

I've been using the Gitzo 1227 CF for about year and a half. I bought it because I wanted to decrease the weight I was carrying in the field. With the Kirk BH-3 ballhead and short column it is ideal for my style of photography. I do landscape and closeup. The maximum weight I mount on it is approximately seven pounds so I'm nowhere near the weight limit of the ballhead or tripod. After using a Bogen 3021 and 3047 pan head for over ten years I have to say that the new setup is a pleasure to use, and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to use a lightweight setup for the field.

I've used Velvia since 1994. In fact, it's the only film I use. Some love it, some hate it. I say use whatever makes you happy, and Velvia makes me happy.

I've used a Nikkor AF 105/2.8 micro, 27.5 extension tube (PK-13), and TC 201 for closeup photography for over ten years and have never desired anything more for working in the field. Anytime you start getting over 1:1 in the field your technique becomes extremely important to get high-quality results. I would suggest starting with a 105/2.8 that will get you to 1:1 and work up from that point.

If you're not going to put a lot of weight on it, the 1227 CF or 1228 CF will be an excellent choice. I use a 1227 CF with a Kirk BH-3 as a lightweight system and highly recommend it. The maximum weight I put on mine is a F4s with a AF 80-200/2.8 and it is more than enough tripod and head for that arrangement.

I use my center column a great deal to make minute height adjustments. And you're right, it's much easier/quicker than making adjustment with the legs.

Have a look at http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg

I use a Gitzo 1227 CF with Kirk BH-3 for all of my macro photo's. I use a F4s and a 105 micro with tubes and/or TC's the majority of the time. It's extremely light weight and very simple to setup. I still haven't found the need for the short post so I can get tripod flat on the ground, but I'll surely get one if I see the requirement.