paul_ferrante

Thanks Bruce, I had already read the linked article, but his "low end" suggestions were still $1000 that is more than I spent for the D80 and a 70-300 Nikon kit lens. I really don't want to spend much more than half that. But he makes a lot of sense, I already have a cheap-ass Targus and now the Slik 700 and I am still looking. I am the poster boy for his article. But if you don't have the jing, whatchagonnadoo?

I recently bought a Slik 700 tripod and it is a very good, solid tripod, but

pretty heavy for the outdoor photography that I like to do. I thinking about a

carbon fiber unit that is light but sturdy enough for a D80 and my largest lens,

a Sigma 170-500mm. I've read some about the Benro, good & bad. Can anyone that

has one tell me what you think. Money is definitely a consideration or I would

go out and get a Gitzo, but I can't really afford $800-$1000 for a tripod and

good ball head mount. Is the Benro worth it? If not, what is a good, light,

sturdy pod and what type of ball head would you suggest. Thank you.

P.S. yes, I have done a search and have read for more than an hr. but never seem

get quite the answer to the specifics I am looking for. That is how I ended up

with the Slik. Although told it was "a little heavy" you don't realize how much

a few lbs. mean until you carry it a mile into the woods. So, please don't yell

at me ;>)

I recently bought one and use it on my D80. It is surpisingly good and sharp. A little soft on 500mm but with software you can get some very good images. It completely blows away my Tokina 100-400mm (even at 500mm)which I will be selling soon. For the price it is a very nice lens. Autofocus and metering works fine.

Should work manually, but there are no contacts for metering or autofocus.

AB, can you explain what you mean by "At ISO 100 there is no comparison" a little better? From that comment I can't really tell if you are saying there is no difference or a huge difference. I'm not being facetious, I'm fairly new at this and am not sure of the relationship between pixels and ISO settings.

It does make a difference how much you can crop an image before printing, to get the same image quality.

I have a D8O with a standard 70-300mm lens and it fits with an inch to spare. The camera with lens is 7 1/2" so an 8 1/2" combo should be OK.

Check this out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130094828864&fromMakeTrack=true

Let us see the results when you have a few pictures. I am interested to see the picture quality with a spotting scope.

Nice photo for a first try. I recently purchased a D80 and would likt to try a few panos, what software did you use to stitch it?

Thanks, it is what I expected, but a couple of the ads weren't clear and didn't give you a place to choose.

I have run across several ads for lenses that say for Canon or Nikon. I have a

D80. Are the mounts the same on Canon and Nikon cameras or are they giving you a

choice of either mount?

don't bother with the short column, it is not that much shorter and only cuts the weight by a few ounces. Unless you want to take macro shots 1' from the ground, I don't see the point. Save the $20.

Well, if you decide to sell, give me a (good) price, buddy. ;>)

You can't take pictures without a memory card, so start there. A UV and circular polarizing filter are useful and protect your lens. Then, like the man said, a nice case or backpack that you can grow into. That's about it on your 100. ;>)

Unfortunately, PTGUI is not freeware, it is payware or a limited function trialware (you can not save or export projects and it has a water mark on any product made with it).

Yes as Edward said, make sure you are set to the smallest aperture opening. I had ERR problems with a large zoom lens and it worked fine after locking on f22. The contacts don't work otherwise. It also can be a bad or loose lens mount.

Quantary lenses are supposedly made by Sigma, is there a difference? The

Quantarys are considerably cheaper, why should I buy the Sigma?

I would write Nikon a nasty letter, then buy a new SB 600 from BH Photo for $180 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=F3p3ZGp52h!-80186440!1173823159454?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=sb+600+flash&image.x=6&image.y=8

No sense having a refurbished flash for $130 when you can have a new one with a warranty for $180 IMHO. An SB 800 costs almost $400, I rather use the extra money towards a new lens.

Very nice Curtis!

In general extended warranties are a bad idea. Most consumer groups agree that if your equipment is defective it will show up within the original warranty. If it's OK, it should last for years without a problem. Most people never get to use their extended warranty, it is just a way for companies to make extra money for doing nothing. The only extended warranty I would buy is for a large screen TV if it has in-home service.

What kind of lens and settings did you use?

I have the Slingshot 300. I don't think you can fit all the equipment you mentioned in it (3 cameras, 4 lenses +). And there is no strapping to carry a tripod. I like it alot, it is really a backpack and comfortable to wear, but it won't hold all my stuff (D80 w/ 30-300 attached and 4 other smaller lenses is about the limit) flash and a few filters will fit in the pockets.

this should answer your question: http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=broadway+photo&Search=Search

it is slow loading so be patient. B'way photo is one of many New York, New Jersey rip-off companies using multiple names and bait & switch tactics. They will take your order then send you an email saying that you have to phone them to confirm your order. They will then try to sell you a bunch of crap you don't need at extremely inflated prices. If you say no, your item will "be on back order" forever.

I'm facing the same problem now myself. Got a D80 at Christmas and am thinking about selling my old, trusty (and in great condition) OM2S with 4-5 lenses. I can't see selling such a good camera for $50, I'd rather give it to a photography student or someone. But, if I can get $300 or so for the whole shebang, that's an SB600 flash and cash towards another lense. Hmmm, whatever shall I do....?