Intimidated: I would like to first start out by thanking everyone here that have posted so much great information. I have been reading a lot of posts and have picked up a lot of...

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Intimidated

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Mar 1, 2017 00:09:01 #

fullyexposed Loc: Illinois

I would like to first start out by thanking everyone here that have posted so much great information. I have been reading a lot of posts and have picked up a lot of information. Some of you have been very helpful with your information so I decided to actually join in on the conversation. I have been away from photography for a long time. I have been on point and shoot for 25 years now and have just decided to get back into the hobby on a more serious level. My wish list on B&H is getting longer and longer, but I have things in order. I currently have a Canon 80D with the 18-55 kit and 55-250 kit, as well as the 50 1.8. My next purchase for lens is a 70-200 2.8. Hopefully soon, but waiting on info for the new Tamron that is coming out. I am also looking for a tripod, was looking at the Zomei Z818C, but am having a lot of trouble finding good honest reviews on it, so if anyone knows about them I would greatly appreciate and information you can give me. I know that companies are out there that are great, but I can't really afford great, I am looking for really, pretty good at a great price.

I have a lot of different interests when it comes to photography, first is portraits. I'm a single father and the memories are the most important thing to me. Second would be a tie between wildlife and macro. I enjoy animals, but bugs freak me out, but I find them extremely interesting. This makes my second lens choice difficult, but it will probably be a macro lens or a 150-600 lens. I do a lot of research before I make any purchase and I'm by no means rich so every purchase for me is truly an investment.

I'm glad to be here and I hope that I can contribute to all the great discussions that I have read here so far. Again, thank you all for the help that you have given me already. And no, I do not plan on posting any of my photos just yet, some of your work on here is a bit intimidating.

Eliot

Mar 1, 2017 00:36:16 #

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

fullyexposed wrote:

I would like to first start out by thanking everyo... (show quote)

Welcome Eliot. I have a Zomei 818 that I use with a Movo Gimbal Head GH800, with a Sigma 150-600C on a Canon 7D MKII and it works wonderfully. I don't think you will be disappointed in that economically priced tri-pod. It comes with a very nice ball head that I use with my shorter lenses and it works superbly.
Michael

Mar 1, 2017 00:44:21 #

tramsey Loc: Texas

welcome to the forum. Post some of your works.

Mar 1, 2017 02:00:41 #

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

fullyexposed wrote:

I would like to first start out by thanking everyo... (show quote)

Welcome, yes get a tripod, and two heads, a gimbal for wildlife/birds and a pan tilt or ball for other stuff. I don't like ball heads and use my gimbal for everything except macro - pan & tilt geared head there.
As to lens - consider the 100-400L with 1.4 III extender it will get you up to 896 mm angle of view on your 80D, and you will have 27 f/8 focus points. I have that combo on my 7DII and a 150-600 for when I want maximum reach. I have and like the Nest Gimbal and a Nest Tripod. MT Shooter here on UHH is a nest dealer and distributor for the Nest Gimbal Head. Google "Carter's Camera Cottage".

You want to do macro and insects but don't like them. OK, I use a Tamron 180 macro, sometimes with a Kenko Pro 300 extender. That give lots of stand off room for the bugs and stuff plus it is a good telephoto for hummers at feeders and other birds you can get close to. On an APS-C sensor it has the AOV of a 403mm. My only complaint, the AF sometimes hunts the wrong way and is slow to lock on. I get around that by focusing on the feeders and waiting for the birds to get in the right place.

Mar 1, 2017 03:56:56 #

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Welcome to the HOG Eliot.
You will find an excellent macro section here.
Do not be intimidated, the best photograph you take is the you like.
Enjoy.

Mar 1, 2017 06:08:51 #

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Welcome to UHH

Mar 1, 2017 06:55:23 #

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the forum.

Mar 1, 2017 08:01:46 #

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

The Zomei is a good travel tripod but personally I would not put my Gimbal and my 150-600 Sigma sport on it. I use a Benro TMA48CL Long Series 4 Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod for that. It's solid and VERY stable in the field. Yes it's heavier but I generally don't do long track hiking with it I have a Koolehaoda Carbon Fiber Portable Tripod that I use for that an it works well with shorter/lighter lenses. The fact that the Benro has a max height of 69" and a max load weight of 44#'s is why I purchased it. I don't have to stoop over to look through my eyepiece Like I do with smaller tripods, something to consider on long days in the field. Good luck on your choice, for everyday use and lighter lenses the Zomei looks like a good choice. The Carbon Fiber unit shows a load weight of 39# which if that's real that's pretty good for a 3.3 lb tripod. Welcome to the forum!

Mar 1, 2017 16:57:09 #

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

fullyexposed wrote:

And no, I do not plan on posting any of my photos just yet, some of your work on here is a bit intimidating.

Eliot

Wrong idea.....Your photo's and Exif data(Tic to include) will help to explain why you are not getting better. Use the photo analysis and Macro sections and ASK for advice on your pictures. I can't say all advice will be great - but some will be helpful.(Buddy those!)

If this place was only for great photo's it would be a lot emptier.

Mar 1, 2017 22:17:57 #