michael_watt1

<p>I find that most of the replies about this topic are from every individuals taste. And that is great. We all have our own likes and not so likes. But there is one that stood out to me and was quite disturbing. Yes I am veering away from the subject some here for just a moment. One individual made a down right degrating comment towards another persons work. Really. You think you are that much better than everyone else. Well I took a look at your photographs, I would rate them as average. I am not naming names, I think this person knows who they are. So word of advise. If you do not like another artists work, so be it. We all have our own style etc. If you go into photography with an open mind, you will appreciate art much more within itself. Mr Tessmer, I hope that these responses have given you a path to create, continue or stir upon somemore.</p>

<p>Let me inerate some more here. I have read of some people saying that if you can tell it is HDR it is over done. True to a point. I believe it all depends on what you are trying to do, your main subject, what character it has, etc. I have seen some that are just awful. Some of mine are over done, but, I have focused on one thing that I wanted to have happen in the photo. It is not just a landscape and turned into an HDR. I dont like that. Again it goes back to what the subject is, I firmly believe that. It is another tool and you have to know when where to use it. It is not good for all photos, I believe. Place, time, light, subject, emotion.</p>

<p>I myself do alot of HDR. I love it. I have found that it goes two ways and two ways only. I use abit of the extreme HDR at times and at times not. I have found out that when people look at an image that is HDR, either they like it or they dont, period. I mainly use HDR to pull out the more destintive characteristics in a subjet. Most of the people that run across my work like the aspect of fooling whith their eyes. Looks like a painting but looks like a picture. Then others come straight out and say "I dont like it" about the same photo that others like. It all depends on your taste and creativity and what you like. </p>

<p>LJ<br>

Hello, if I could put in my 2 cents worth. First off I live in West Yellowstone. West gate of Yellowstone Park. I have lived here for 10+ years now. So as for the elk in the Madison valley. Well believe it or not part of it or alot of it is because of wolf. People do not realize how much of an impact these wolves are having on all animals. They dont always kill for food. They also kill for sport. This is coming about slowly. They will take down an elk and take one bit and be done with it. Studies are still being completed. Also that herd of elk in the madison are dying off due to their teeth falling out and wearing down at an extremely fast rate. This is due to the large amount of flouride in the Madison River. They are basically starving to death. As for the moose in the Tetons, well, here is no expert opinion but, here I go. Weather patterns are showing that the summer season is starting later in the year and that fall is not starting till later in the year. So everything is being pushed back a month or so. They usually do go to higher elevation in the warmer season. So at the time that us humans are use to seeing them is not happening due to PARTIALLY becuase of weather. And they are shy animals. Hunters around here are not filling their tags till late season. Their has not been the snow levels to push them down till late. So some of this is fact and some is my opinon and others from living here. The fall colors were great for me this year. I was there last weekend. I finally timed it just right. WOOHOO. As far as the rangers, well, I dont know what to tell you from that. Most of the rangers in the area (doesnt matter if it is Tetons, Yellowstone or Glacier) are year round residents and know what is going on. But there is another hand to that as well. If you want to screw up a national forest or park, let the government control it. This whole wolf thing, yeah, the government wont actually come out and say it, but, they have mumbled under their breath things like, the wolf thing was a mistake. What do we do know? etc. etc. They didnt think it was going to go this far. Dont get me wrong, I love the parks and the national forests and love that they are there for our enjoyment. No I am not, a so called "Tree Huger". I just happen to see and witness both sides. I see and hear more here than any person coming to visit would. There is so much controversy here it is pathetic. So on a good note, Cheers.</p>

<p>Tara D<br>

Before anything, inspect the inside of the camera body very closely. If anything seems out of the norm take it in to a professional. If there is something broken or snapped in the mirror area, more damage to the camera could result by opertating it and maybe this is far stretched but damage to the back side of a different lens as well (scratching the glass with the mirror or other fragments, depends on the lens). As far as for your nifty fifty, just keep your eyes out for a new one. Lesson learned as you know by now. I always have my gear in a padded bag and when going to take it out, neck strap is around my neck first. And when Im done neck strap is the last to come off. I busted an old Minolta film camera (no comments please on the Minolta please) years ago, just taking it out of my vehicle and fell out of my hands. Busted lens and camera. Anywho this is my opinon.</p>

<p>Great statement Chris. And Geoff, I do see your issue to a point. Yes Canon lenses are much more expensive, and this sucks. As far as rotating the barrel in and out for soothness, I have never had a problem. Could be you had a dud, I dont know, who knows. But from my experience, you buy for what you pay for. And for some reason this has proven a fact to me over and over again. I dont know. I do know that YES Canon and Nikon are in a competitive market and they better step it up some. And that does not include price. Before I end, the USM on my 70 - 300mm, I have had no problem with. Maybe on the slow side a touch. But for what I am shooting with it, it doesnt matter. Happy Times all.</p>

<p>Damian<br>

I would take the Canon 70 -300mm (not the 75-300mm) My 70-300 does have IS onit. Quite frankly I am a tripod shooter most of the time as well. There are many articles out there saying that even on a tripod to shoot with IS on. I go either way. It is a nice smooth lens and I have never had a problem with mine. I myself have used Tamron and Sigma in the past. Needless to say all I have in my bag now is Canon. Other brands to me just dont add up, in either construction or quality of photo. Of course, this is just my opinion and experience.</p>

<p>Ok so I have been using this old Bogen 3001 Aluminum for many years and am ready to upgrade to a CF. After looking around for some time I have narrowed it down to this. I would appreciate any responses on this. I am looking at Giottos, models MT 8270, 8271 and 8360. If anyone has had experience with these or knows any info that would be helpful, pass it my way. I shoot anything from landscapes to macro and so forth where a tripod may be needed.<br>

Thanks<br>

Mike</p>

<p>I am currently using a Bogen 3001 aluminum tripod that I have had for years. Why? The stability is great. BUT I am now looking for a upgrade to a carbon fiber. I have looked at some new Bogen / Manfrotto and am not too incredibly impressed. So now I am looking at Giottos. The models are MT 8360, 8270 and 8271. Is there anyone out there that has used these and give me your input please. GOOD and BAD.<br>

Thank you<br>

Michael</p>

<p>This might sound odd and such, but, you can also if it is still wet, get a buch of isopropyl alchol. The higher the alcohol percent the better. Then you can submerge the equipment (sounds weird, i know) BUT the theory behind it is that the alcohol diplaces the water and also dries up water. Granted the equipment will still have to be sent in more than likely. I learned a hard lesson myself. I took my camera out of my vehicle and it feel to the ground like slow motion and busted the body and the lens. (I was up for a upgrade anyway). Now I wear my neck strap like my underwear. The camera never leaves my neck and it is around my neck before I take it out of the vehicle and on and on. Good luck.</p>

<p>Yellowstone Moose are not the same as Alaska Moose. Yellowstone moose are a little smaller and their spoons dont not get near the size of Alaska moose. They can not see at all so be careful around them. If you are around them and their ears go back and their main is standing up, time to change plans. He is getting ready to charge you. I was fortunate that 2 wks ago I saw a cow with 2 calfs, which I have never seen before. They were only 50 feet from me off the road. Not in the park. This was down by Island Park, Idaho which is another good area for Moose</p>

<p>Marc<br>

The wolfs are a hit and miss. Usually the best place to spot them is in and around Hayden and Lamar Valley. If you have a spotting scope, bring it as well. Most of the time that people usually spot them in these valleys is in the evening. Its a big waiting game. Go to the ranger station and ask them and they will give you a more precise location and time (if you get a ranger that knows them) Look for the vehicles that have a couple of antennas on them as well. These are private citizens that are trackers and they have tracking devices, and they keep close eye on the wolves locations and know them by packs and which packs are traveling where. The bears like any bear is a wild animal and they are pretty melow if not bothered. The ones with cubs are a little more timid. Rule is you have to stay 100 yards form all bears. You will know when you get to a bear jam, lots of people. There have been warnings this year about the bears being a little more aggresive. Of course this goes for every year especially since they are trying to get ready for winter. Guess they are tired and getting grumpy. We have Cinnamon, Black, Silvertips. I got word over the weekend that on the outside of the park there is white bear that I am going to be tracking down hopefully capture shots of them. Keep a eye and ear on Buffalo because they should be just starting to get on the horney side. So of course as with all wild animals their attention is on one thing and everything either sets them off or they love it.</p>

<p>Marc<br>

I live in West Yellowstone. The only major road construction is between Norris and Madison as they are building a new bridge and rerouting a road. Delays are only at they say 30 min. I was in there on Sunday and waited the most of 10 min. If you go up to Mt. Washburn on either side you have a good chance to see bear. Bear right now are on the move getting ready for winter. Keep bear spray with you. Regular pepper spray will not work. Moose mainly hang out in the willows. Best chance is down in the Tetons. The best times to really see bears, moose wolf is early morning before it gets warm. Bison are best in Lamar or Hayden valley. Elk are pretty much everywhere. Bulls have a fairly large rack still in velvet currently. Give yourself time to walk around the geyser basins. Seeing geysers going off say Beehive is a hit and miss, but is fasinating. Norris is another good spot for geysers. Mammoth is dying and there is not much activity but still interesting to look at and study. Definately visit Canyon and see the Lower Falls. Or as people mistakenly call it "Yellowstone Falls". There is a whole loop in Yellowstone that will take you from West thumb to Old Faithful, Madison, Norris, Canyon, Artist Point, Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge and back to West Thumb. That will take pretty much all day. There is alot to see. From Salt Lake you are looking at a 4 - 5 hour drive (that is to get to West Yellowstone). In Jackson before you get to Teton Valley (I believe) you can get to the old barn that everyone shoots with the Tetons in the background. Give yourself all day in the Tetons as well if you really want to see it (hint, hint). Bring clothing for all types of weather. This morning we had a low of 26 F. Thunderstorms are possible still or just rain as it did last weekend. At this time of year there are very large temp fluctuations. Anywhere from 40 - 60 degrees in flucuations in one day. So there is two full days gone. Mammoth is a interesting area since the terrain is so vast. You will be in the high desert to woodlands to grasslands. You may also see some big horn sheep by Mammoth as well. Oh and I guarantee you will see elk at Mammoth, If you dont Ill buy you dinner. Any other questions feel free to email me. The spectacular places in the park are off trail and in the back country but you dont have time for that. Have a safe trip.</p>

<p>Does the tent come included or is that extra?</p>

<p>You have to be very careful when buying from Walmart. Alot of their items that are on the shelf is made strictley to Walmart specs. And no alot of the time it is not better than what you would buy at another store. It is more cheaply built and less quality. That is one of the ways they sell it cheaper. I really dont think that Canon would stoop to this level, but still you have to be careful. There was a coffe pot that a friend bought from Walmart. Two weeks later the dang thing blew up. Simple fix. Called the company that makes the coffee pot and she ran the numbers on it and she stated "you bought this from Walmart, sorry there is no replacement parts for this. This is made specifically for Walmart and their standards". Needless to say after a little talking. That maker sent their top of the line coffee maker and a full warranty. Just some buyer beware for you people. Goes back to the saying, you get what you pay for.</p>

<p>I see people talking about heat from the radiation. I believe that you are talking about from the radar in the nose cone. This cannot be true. The radar is turned off as soon as the plane lands. Upon start up it is not on till taxing. There is no heat that they put off. The aircraft has been shut down for a while, hence the staircase is down and a vehicle around the aircraft. They are to far back to be affected by the radar. The radar is 90 degree side to side and about 50 to 100 foot out depending on the aircraft. But I can assure you that the radar is in no way shape or form running.</p>

<p>Here is the really interesting thing. The grey plane in the background is NOT a C-141. It is a C-5. Second there is No Air Force 1 or 2 unless the President is on board and it is up in the air. It does not matter what aircraft he is in, could be a cessna and still be called Air Force 1 if it is an Air Force cessna. Until then it is a ordinary plane. Just a little gee wizz info. As far as the lines it does seem awkward for me to think that this was taken at the same time. Especially with the way the shadows are represented. As far as the concrete continuing in the heel the the shoe. That is the reflection from the shoe polish.</p>

<p>Roger<br>

I myself went rounds about if I wanted a Sigma, Tamron etc lens. Then I finally woke up one day and have a Canon lenses now. In MY opinion I would use nothing else. I have a 100 f/2.8 I absolutetly love this lens. You can not beat the 1:1 ratio on it. Superb build and photo quality. This is just my 2cents worth.</p>

<p>I have used Canon, Sigma and Tamron lenses. Hands down Canon takes the cake. As they and a couple people here have stated. You get what you pay for. And that my friend is the truth. I use nothing but all Canon lenses and have never had problem one. I have been shooting for 20 yrs. I have had a Tamron last a good while and it was alright, but then it stopped focusing. Sigma I have had malfunction right off the bat. Was under warranty. Sigma wanted my Canon body shipped with the lens so that they could calibrate the body to the lens. I told them HELL no, they will not get or touch my camera body. I received the lens back and it still didnt work like it was suppose to. I also contacted Canon on this matter and told me DO NOT send in the camera body. Sigma has lost all my respect there let alone their non performing lens. Needless to say after battling Sigma I literally threw the lens away. I guess I could of had a $300+ paper weight.</p>

<p>There is one thing that everyone is over looking. If you use anything else besides Canon batteries and Grip and your camera breaks down or has a malfunction. One of the first things they want to know is all the equipment genuine Canon. And if your equipment is still under warranty and you do not use Canon grip and or batteries. Your warranty now is null and void. They will not cover you on the warranty.</p>

<p>There is one thing here that I do not see. Any and I mean any of the companys information. No name no nothing. People protect yourselves. Everyday scam artists are trying to come up with new ways to finagle you and no not just for money. (Tayna not saying that you are, I have no proof of that).</p>

<p>Fi Rondo<br>

Could you go into more detail please. I have been wondering about all this for a long period of time and am getting much useful information now. Thanks to everyone who has shared.</p>

<p>I have bought a few lenses off of Ebay and they were used. You have to be careful who you buy from. If I see one and they have like that power seller thing, such as they have sold 12130 items or 1023 items. I do run away. This tells me that they are like a pawn shop online. Have really no experience with or in the camera, lens what have you field. So you really dont know what you are getting and I dont think they do either. I have bought lenses for about $200 below street price. I usaully ask lots of questions and if I can call the person. You can get a good idea. I was going to buy a Canon 70-300mm USM IS f/3.5-5.6 and ask the guy the history and he stated that he was selling it for his mother to go on a trip. WHAT? Run, run very fast. Not the answer I was looking for. If it is too good of a deal. Your going end up wasting your money. I have never had a problem buying a used lens off the internet. Oh and another thing. If they can not answer all my questions. I turn the page.</p>

<p>Interesting to read all the responeses here. Lets get down to one thing here. Out of all the responses it still all opinions, period. The equipment, lighting, etc, etc. Well you know what, I believe it is all how you take the image. I have seen some amazing photos and they were done with a cheapy, point and shoot, what have you. Just because you have a expensive camera does not make you get fantastic photos. It is all what you see and how creative you are. I have been taking images for almost 20 yrs now. I do not consider myself a pro. Yes I make money off of what I do. Lets put it this way, "the day you stop learning, is the day you should retire your camera."</p>