Aaron Christensen
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Thanks for all the great comments.
At the moment, I am torn between the Nikon 17-55 2.8 (DX only) and the Nikon 24-70 2.8 (compatible with full FX and cropped DX sensor).
I have a project sunfish sailboat in my backyard if you ever want to come to Charlotte. If you really want one to work on, I can tow it down your way while heading to the FFF conclave. (kidding of course, unless you are really that into it — any repair errors would not be held against you). I had enthusiasm but I have not started the work yet. Spring is for fishing and turkey hunting.
Hulls are usually free to really cheap. I have a friend that used to buy old whalers and fix them up. They were as good as new when he finished.
Those are some great boat projects on the site.
Thanks for everyone’s guidance. I passed it all along. I suspect he will end up with the 80-200 2.8, unless he determines that he can’t live without the VR feature. With 4 kids playing sports, the cost- per-kid ratio is not so steep (or at least that is how I would try to justify it).
Cheers,
Aaron
The 18 – 200 VR is a 3.5 to 5.6. Not bad at all for a consumer level lens with that broad range. I wish I had one. The step up might be whatever a pro would use to photograph that kind of sporting event.
Any strong feelings out there, pro or con, about any of these options? http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Camera-Lenses/Autofocus/High-Power-Zoom.page I have the 70-300 but I am not that impressed with it. It is slow to focus and in any event has the same aperture as the 18-200.
What about the 70-200 or 80-200, 2.8? Does anyone have one of these?
Beyond the Nikon page, would there be any aftermarket lenses worth considering for this application?
The photographer was Platon. http://www.mediabistro.com/articles/cache/a1169.asp
It is an impressive shot. I like the way it makes the viewer ask questions and have reactions on many levels.
The photographer’s request — “Mr. President, can you show me the love?”
H
For the record, a new Chev 4×4 converted from left to right hand drive is over $110,000 (about 65K US?). 😮
I don’t think they price them here converted for the wrong side of the road ;), but $65k is sure steep compared to what you would pay here. You probably know, but MSRP on most Chevy 4×4 3500s in the US is closer to $30k. www.edmunds.com. You can get in the $40s with all options. $20s for more spartan models. On top of that, with the economy in shambles, the dealers are giving very good pricing, too.
My SUV is a ’02 Durango. Not much to put in a photo but it keeps the sport and utility in SUV. I switched to a coupe for my daily driver so I can keep the truck reliable for at least another decade.
Nice Corvette above and David, I liked your website.
Twice, I’ve been pulled over while driving and lead to an ATM- since college. Both incidents, were Mexican Police.
A college friend is a Mexican national of comfortable means.
I assume that Neal is making reference to http://www.projecthealingwaters.org It does great work. One of my friends here in town is especially active in the program. He is also a veteran so it hits close to home for him. Send me a pm if you want to make a connection with him. If there is not a PHW chapter in your area, I suspect that they would welcome your involvement in getting one off the ground.
Just be careful though, grass rods are a slippery slope (as is fly tying, digital photography, etc., etc….)
As my Dad once said (slightly modified), new cane rods and new sports cars are always cheaper than new girlfriends, at least if you are married. Hope you enjoy it.
If I may, I would like to get everyone’s opinion on choice of personal watercraft but from a slightly different perspective. In stead of versatility, what about a craft I would use only for floating and fishing rivers here in North Carolina that are too small, shallow or rocky for a driftboat. I would want something that would be easy to drag over rocks and shoals, up and down banks and portage easily over dams or waterfalls. I think having to wear fins would be a PITA on shallow water and would have to be taken off to walk shoals or up banks. No concern over ease of paddling on flat water. I have a tandem canoe for flat water and driftboat for larger, deeper rivers. I was considering small rafts, pontoons, or maybe the best bet would be a solo whitewater canoe. What are your thoughts?
Allan, you are describing the Outcast I have.
Bob, nice comments and boats. Can you tell us more about your racks? That has become an area of interest to me recently.
The contractor that expanded my garage (to accommodate more toys) likes metal work. Here are a few links to what he built for me:
http://christensen123.smugmug.com/photos/460788464_7V7sy-L.jpg
http://christensen123.smugmug.com/photos/460776341_5JQ6s-M.jpg
http://christensen123.smugmug.com/photos/460782162_pvgmL-L.jpgI have outriggers. Might be a sissie but the boat stays stable and I stay dry.
To the original questions. The Native is very stable and it is easy to stand. I don’t know about the others. Generally, however, it takes pretty good balance (and maybe some practice) to stand on a kayak. Probably the fact that you are above the water level has something to do with it. Bob covered SOT v. SIT.
David, excellent post and examples.
I did a poor job in communicating my thoughts. I prefer natural or “real” settings for kid photos, as opposed to studio settings. I agree that studio lighting can be better than natural lighting, especially if the natural lighting conditions are poor.
Aaron, how do you like the Power Drifter? I have never seen that one before. It looks interesting. Seems like the floor is inflatable as well. Is that correct? Can you stand in it? Also, is it open behind the seat? Looks like maybe a mount for a trolling motor. You thoughts on it would be appreciated.
In all honesty, for my applications, a traditional pontoon would be better. In particular, I miss the ability to control my direction with fins.
The floor is foam — semi-rigid. I find it challenging to stand. I do it on flat water but in most such instances I am using my Hobie kayak. The back does zip open to accomodate a motor. (I have never tried using my trolling motor on it) On the plus side, it tracks a little faster than traditional toons and your feet are out of the water.
