bipin_gupta

<p>India’s leading newspaper Times of India and travel company Yatra.com organised a one day safari to the Turahalli Forest Reserve near Bangalore – US $ 13.50 inclusive of Guide, breakfast, lunch and fruit juices.<br>

The group of 21 identified the different bird, butterfly and camouflaged reptile species, and learnt how to photograph them.<br>

Some interesting take homes from the safari: a) most said the quality of photos depended on the price of the cameras and lenses used; b) it was a one day fun escapade from the humdrum of life and a glimpse into natures beauty, the hills and exotic wildlife; c) learnt 70 to 90 % of wild life photographic skills from the guide Mr. VS. Bayar; d) the group comprised of retirees, professors, techies, doctors, corporate employees and few wild life photogs – aged between 70 & 26.<br>

Unfortunately I missed the event, being tasked to meet a prospective groom for my niece.</p>

<p>Sigma is doing yeoman service for the advancement of photography.<br>

I remember buying my first Sigma, a Nikon AF 28-70 f2.8 in Muscat, Oman. And today I own some (4) Sigma lenses, a bit old, but never the less excellent value for money.</p><div></div>

<p>It is sad to note there is absolutely no response from this Sanchez guy, when so many people have pitched in to help him.</p>

<p>I buy the cheapest Chinese batteries for my K20D and K-5 cameras from eBay or Amazon - between $ 5 & 8 shipped. The (4) nos K20D batteries are going as strong as the Pentax original. The K-5 batteries are still too early to comment on (bought in January 2013).<br>

The same is true for the 3rd Party batteries for my Sony Camcorder.<br>

Maybe I am lucky, but please note that Pentax-Ricoh do not manufacture batteries, rather they farm them out.<br>

But I know of guys who are absolutely paranoid of 3rd Party batteries and prefer to spend $ 40 to 50 rather than just $ 5 to 8. I should know a little better, as I am a master mechanic, a DIY and a Graduate Engineer, and have researched a lot on batteries, even opening them up to have a look see.</p>

<p>I buy the cheapest Chinese batteries for my K20D and K-5 cameras from eBay or Amazon - between $ 5 & 8 shipped. The (4) nos K20D batteries are going as strong as the Pentax original. The K-5 batteries are still too early to comment on (bought in January 2013).<br>

The same is true for the 3rd Party batteries for my Sony Camcorder.<br>

Maybe I am lucky, but please note that Pentax-Ricoh do not manufacture batteries, rather they farm them out.<br>

But I know of guys who are absolutely paranoid of 3rd Party batteries and prefer to spend $ 40 to 50 rather than just $ 5 to 8. I should know a little better, as I am a master mechanic, a DIY and a Graduate Engineer, and have researched a lot on batteries, even opening them up to have a look see.</p>