s_wan

Just wondering if I'm alone in receiving advertisements from

Commflash for domain setup and webspace when I'm expecting something

else from Photo.net to be downloaded. There doesn't appear to be any

particular pattern, it seemingly occurs at random and I've had about

3 or four over the last few months, the last one occuring when I

tried to access Phillips page on filters...

Does this have something to do with Photo.nets ISP? Is Photo.net

being targetted with what is effectively spam? Is there anything

that Photo.net can do to prevent it?<div></div>

Regarding tripods - as mentioned, the locking mechanisms of each particular tripod are a matter of personal taste. In my experience Gitzo locking collars are initially more tricky to use (ask every new owner who overtightens one...), but with practice will not take up significantly more time than Bogen/Manfrotto flick-locks - Gitzos must be set up and taken down in a particular order but with time this becomes second nature. In practice the factor which will cause most inconvenience are the number of leg sections of the particular tripod in question - this being the case I would echo Ellis's comment regarding the 3 section Gitzo 1227 (which is the same size as the G2220 you also listed) unless you have a particular requirement regarding closed size, which would suggest the 1228/2228 and simultaneously remove the 2220 and 2227 from consideration.

I use a (4 section) 1228 which I can setup to full extension in 20 seconds (if in a hurry) and close down in 25 seconds... even it were possible for somebody to set up a three section Manfrotto in 5 seconds I doubt that 15-20 seconds difference will bother many people compared to the actual technique required to actually do it.

As far as stability is concerned, my experience with the Manfrotto 440, 441, 444, 190 and 055(?) indicates that the flick-locks are less good than the Gitzo collars because they apply a fixed amount of force over a small portion of each extended leg section. The Gitzo collars grip a larger surface area and the force applied can be increased in order to maximize stability with heavier equipment. If you set up a Manfrotto next to a Gitzo you should be able to observe a greater degree of leg flex in the Manfrottos.

As for the Explorers, I find them practical if you have a requirement for a lateral arm to hold your equipment out to one side from the legset, but in other cases I personally see no advantage over a more conventional tripod which can be moved into most positions with a bit of thought/effort. An Explorer may prove to be a disadvantage in terms of stability if using a 400mm lens with 2x extender since the centre of gravity of the main column is not vertical with the legset apex and may accentuate vibrations compared to a conventional design.

Regarding build, fit and finish - It's already been mention that the Manfrottos flick-locks are more likely to catch on something. The fact that they are made out of plastic and dependent on a lever action on fewer points of compression also makes them less durable than the metal collars of the Gitzos which are smaller in profile and compress from all sides.

Personally I would only recommend a Manfrotto on basis of preference for flick-locks or being cheaper than a Gitzo. In all instances I've found Gitzos to be better than their Manfrotto equivalents in terms of stability.

I have no actual experience with an ASB1 but have owned a Gitzo 1377 which operates in a similar manner and weighs about as much. Ellis mentioned that the ASB1 is "too large" for the tripods mentioned - Though I cannot imagine it being much bigger than a 1377, I would also hesitate to recommend it based solely upon it's weight. When fully set up with the head on the tripod, it's not a problem (each tripod mentioned will easily support it), but when it comes to carrying the combination you'll find that it will cause instability if strapped to a backback (ie top heavy centre of gravity), and will have a tendency to droop downwards if carried with a shoulder strap.

I use the Acratech Ultimate (which Ellis also[!] mentioned), weighs about half as much and rectifies the carrying problem without sacrificing support ability, though it is somewhat more quirky in operation - the range of movement is slightly different to conventional ballhead designs and may or may not be a dis/advantage depending on what sort of photography you do.

Owners of the original 1228 (not geared) should stop reading here since the geared version is evidently constructed differently - the column lock on the original sits above the tripod apex, not below as with the 1228G. It isn't possible to perform this mod without cutting into the metal of the 1228 (voiding warranty) or replacing the entire apex section with the one designed for the 1228G.

<P>

I hope one of our moderators considers this thread worthy of archiving...

<P>

<I>By default, threads in this Forum are automatically archived. -- SC</I>

New York.

Without spending hours checking I'd guess it's the cheapest there, plus the plane flight is cheaper too... and one assumes there may be a language barrier in HK or Japan (correct me if I'm wrong).

Only thing I'd make sure of is to contact the place you intend to buy it from and make sure they hold one for you otherwise your effort is for nothing.

Whilst buying from the UK may have merits in terms of "dealer support", I find it objectionable that we pay through the nose for just about everything, and it cannot be accounted for in tax and transportation costs. Simply looking at the comparative cost of humble items like a 50/1.4 (half the cost) is enough to keep me from buying any 35mm gear in the UK ever again.

A hike to Abrams Falls is possible from the Cades Cove area. Takes about 45 minutes each way if I recall... Elevation change isn't too severe. A pretty waterfall in a nice setting. Possible to walk right up to the base. Wouldn't be too adventurous in trying to capture the water with a slow shutter speed, all you'll get is a big white splotch on your film...

Another good hike is to Chimney Tops from a trail which starts from Newfound Gap Road (about halfway into the park). About 1h45-2h each way if memory hasn't completely deserted me! Major elevation change but a good view from the top. Beware if it's been raining prior to the hike; Much of the trail at the top is on a narrow mud path, and unless they've carried out repairs in the last year I advise extreme caution, one slip and you take the quick way down...<div></div>

More info here:

http://www.shenandoah.national-park.com/

Seem to recall that most waterfalls are in the South section (South of Thornton Gap)

Luray Caverns is a worthwile diversion and not too far, as is Charlottesville/Monticello and Ash Lawn.

>Just because there is abuse within the framework of the rating

>system doesn�t make the system inherently flawed. People need to

>grow up and use the critique forum with intelligence and compassion

>-- Markus Arike

I think the evidence shows that there is abuse within the framework because people are not using the system with intelligence and compassion, which renders the framework inherently flawed.

...

Think the elves need to evaluate whether the intrinsic value of the rating system is greater than the effort required to minimise it's abuses to acceptable levels. As it stands, the current system is being undermined by a small minority who seem intent on "damage"

The elves should also consider that nothing requiring an opinion is foolproof because fools are so ingenious when it comes to finding ways of cheesing off others. If you enforce the requirement of email addys prior to rating, fools will create additional aliases. If you track IP addresses to cut down additional email addys, fools will log in elsewhere. If you restrict the use of extreme values in calculating a rating, fools will adapt to it. If you introduce a complicated algorithm to limit the effect of foolish intervention, fools find a way to circumvent it. If you create a panel to rate pics you get Big Brother Fool and his elitist, foolish opinion. If Big Brother Fool says your carefully silhouetted pic is under exposed, his foolish opinion becomes gospel...

Fools are everywhere, but even a fool has to admit that 1+1=2 ... unless they're a moron which is something else entirely ;)

>Whatever is done, with all the fraud that's been exposed, all

>current ratings will have to be deleted in order to ensure a level

>playing field, so why not take that necessary first step

>immediately?

>

>-- Vuk Vuksanovic

Seconded! Seems futile, counter-productive, and a waste of time to carry on with the existing system whilst we are debating it's flaws and value to this community.

Deleting all current ratings and freezing the rating system would provide an opportunity to observe the effectiveness of the "comment only" suggestion whilst carrying on an effective debate about what should be done in future.

On a purely technical level, for beginners who are still developing their skills I feel there is a need to retain something which can demonstrate a "measure of excellence" to which we can aspire. How about changing POW to "Technical POW" to highlight and critically appraise a particular photographic technique used to produce a particular image? I like to see a "nice" pic as much as the next person, but doing so doesn't assist my own photographic development unless there is discussion of precisely how it was achieved with specific details concerning use of aperture, metering, exposure, filtering, Photoshopping and such.

At the end of the day, aesthetic opinions are like assholes, everybody has one however useful or relevant it may be... at least when discussion gets technical, aesthetics are put to one side and we can usually get a gut feeling for whether or not the person who posted a reply is talking complete s*** or not...