john_n._wall

Well the major difference of course is that the canopy of leaves will be mostly gone, which will affect the quality and intensity of light.

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This will mean that locales that were darker under the green canopy -- waterfalls and the like -- will be lighter because more light is getting through.

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Also, evergreens will show up stronger against the leafless trees than in the summer when they blend into the larger green world.

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At higher elevations there may be snow. there was snow in Boone last weekend, for example. The Blue Ridge Parkway and other roads through the higher places may be closed in stretches for snow or ice.

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The Blue Ridge are always wonderful -- just different each season.

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But the prices will be cheaper if you wait until after the leaves are down.

I'm going to continue to enjoy my 3021, at least until one of you guys hands down to me a 400, 500, or 600 mm Nikkor you don't happen to need any more. THEN I'll spring for the Gitzo.

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Until then, I can report that the two-section column on the 3021 can easily be separated into its two parts and put back into use as a one-section (shorter) column. The rubbery plug that covers the botton of the two-piece section comes off easily and will snap back on the top piece after you take off the lower piece.

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Makes the unit lighter by a bit, and no less stable.

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I'm 6' by the way, and with a tripod head and my camera body the 3021 is of a nice generous height. Of course, most of the shots I want to take are not with the tripod at full extension anyway.

I will second all the positive comments about the 105 Nikkor macro, and about John Shaw's book. There are also some very helpful discussions about macro photography in George Lepp's BEYOND THE BASICS that complement Shaw's presentation.

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There are other ways to get to the macro level, however, that are less than the $550 (B&H) price of the 105 macro lens.

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One is to use Nikon's 3T or 4T (for lenses that take 52 mm filters) or 5T and 6T (for lenses that take 62 mm filters) closeup lenses.

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These can convert other lenses into macro lenses with good results. My favorite pro wildflower photographer, for example, swears by the Nikkor 75-300 zoom and 5T and 6T lenses for closeup work.

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Another possibility is the use of extension tubes.

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As far as aftermarket lenses go, Vivitar (yes, Vivitar) has a 100 mm (or thereabouts) macro that many people think quite highly of.