oregonfrank Loc: Astoria, Oregon

Hunters, anglers, hikers, wood workers, home remodelers, pot throwers, ham radio enthusiasts, and many other hobbyists all require equipment to enjoy their interests. That doesn’t make them (us) “really just gear heads.” But what if one does enjoy having and using the best tools one can afford? How is that a negative? I enjoy capturing interesting images, AND I like doing it with precise well made cameras and lenses. However, I am much more than a “gear head.” Frank

A. T.

Cool deal, I do understand, I'm 6'6" so I certainly can identify with you brother.

CapeScapesCoastal Loc: Cape Cod (for long time), now central NJ

Okay - You caught me –

I've been planning long (3 wks - longest we've ever done!) trip to west coast for over 6 months. Sonoma for few days w/family, and before & after (w/my wife) up along the coast from Big Sur to Oregon border. And just recently (really!) upgraded to D850 (from my D300) incl couple new VR 2.8 lenses (24-70, 70-200, 105micro). Still have most of my old stuff too – even to D200, F2, F3, (& older lenses) - if anyone interested let me know... Really wanted to see what I can get with my new gear!...

Hoping smoke won't be a problem -- everywhere... But already Pt Reyes, Sur area state parks & lighthouse, and parts of PCH are closed, as are state & nat'l forests... 😢 We just may cut short and try again in spring...

If I do get anything decent – I'll put a few pics up upon my return.

Cheers.

grcolts

I don't believe I will be going FF anytime soon as I don't want the extra weight of the bodies and lens. I might get a back-up to my micro-four thirds body, or I could add the new Pentax APS-C flagship if it meets my needs as I still have some Pentax gear.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

I just sold my 2 RB67's

mtbear

One that will mount the new Fujinon 50mm ƒ1.0

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

You do not want to be on the west coast now. I live near San Francisco and can’t even go outside for my daily walks. I can’t even open my windows in my house because the smell of smoke is so strong. Within an hour or two after wiping off my car, it’s covered with smoke ash again. Local news here says going outside for walks is the equivalent of smoking 20 packs of cigarettes a day. Oregon and Washington is worse.

Over 5 million acres have burned in California and Oregon alone and it keeps going. This is the LAST place I would want to vacation at right now. Oregon has the distinction right now of having the WORST air quality in the world.

Just saying ...

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

So sorry--It seems that this is the norm for California--climate change is for real. STAY SAFE

Craig Meyer Loc: Sparks, NV

After a while, no how big and strong we all used ta be, a load is a load. The worst part isn't the actual weight, which we're kinda built for, but that subconsciously we're discouraged carrying all that stuff. It gets in the way of our photos.

My solution was I have a light EOS 77D body--same sensor and DIGIC release as the 80 D, and a 24 mm pancake lens. f2.8, close focusing Macro for details. Sharp and pretty distortion free so that portraits work well for two reasons. The 24 MPIX gives cropping room and did I say it's sharp. All weighing under a pound and easily fits under a jacket. Not in a pocket, but pretty stealthy. You sure don't look like some threatening pro or photojournalist.

I use this combo as a walk around rig. No matter if I'm carrying the rest (3 more lenses) or if it's locked up under the socks and skivvies. If I sneak out in Golden Hour(s), I'll take it all to a place I've already scouted, usually, with my 24mm (FF equiv. 39mm) wide normal lens. When I'm only that jerk with the BIG camera on my own and don't interfere with my wife or any group I'm with. Folks still ask for me to send them some of my captures even ones without them included. Most of us started with a similarly capable rig in the film daze. It still works.

At 6'4"and 76 years old, we practice the older we get the smarter we work. Life's too short not to enjoy it!
C

Craig Meyer Loc: Sparks, NV

I've lived in California for 35 years and in neighboring Nevada for 10. When the fires are burning, and because our climate sees NO rain--as in NONE between April and October in a GOOD year, i'd wait for a better time to visit. All of your photography will be impacted by the smoky sky--and smoky ground level haze. If your trip is for photography--wait. Pick another venue--especially for a trip from New jersey.

Just me too sayin'

Luft

I've commented on the RX10M4 here previously. No need to question the quality of the images from this camera. You will not be disappointed. The lens is incredible. I have a small crop from a 600mm equivalent photo that includes sharp, clear raindrops on a pasture fence about 150 from my porch. I have also shot a closeup of a snail from the same location from about 2 inches, equivalent focal length 54mm. I have numerous crops from 600mm shots of one-inch butterflies at about 15 feet same of birds in tree from porch. Many great birds in flight, on the water, senics, family in house Thanksgiving, etc. no problems, no feeling of limits. Low light amazing for small sensor. A feeling of power. Yes, a bit bigger and heaveir than I expected (mail order) but at 92 and rather weak, I still handle it. I don't " walk around" but do take a NEX-7 if color is in mind and no particular goal. No menu problems, great camera. Otherwise the Leica M10 Monochrom. The latter is heavy at my age but the advantage of that is it stays put on shutter press, no stabilization. That camera was slated to be a one 35mm lens, multiple filter deal and just do what it will do. Incredible high ISO, cropability and infra-red but I'm getting off topic. RX10M4 fan, not a Sony rep.

hrblaine

>Life's too short not to enjoy it!

At 90, I certainly agree with that. I think that I've had a pretty enjoyable run.

As an undergraduate, I fell in love with The Ohio State University, got a BA and an MA, went to Yale Law School and returned to OSU and was there for 30 years as a professor until I retired.
As a lifelong hunter, I got interested in bird dog field trials, won many championships, became a judge and judged National Championships etc. Now I'm 90 and life is really short but as I said, I've had a pretty good run, especially with pretty women! :-) These days I'm primarily a reader. At the age of 6 I was thrilled to learn to read, loved it all my life. Stood me in good stead although now I pretty much read what I call "trash": sci fi and mysteries. Marx, Plato, Hobbes, Michel and Freud are far behind me. <g> Harry

hrblaine

Oh, and since this is a photography forum - I shoot a Canon 5D with a variety of lens, all of 'em between 35 and 300. Started with a Voightlander 35mm in Korea switched to Nikon shortly after my return, then to Canon when I went digital. I have a dozen or so lens in a drawer in my home office, really only use a couple or three. When I'm riding at field trials I use mostly a 28-135 or a 28-300 as I don't like to change lens on a horse, too steep a drop plus then you have to stop and get off and go back 10 or 15 feet and hunt for the d*mn*d thing! Harry

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

Why would I want anything else except for perhaps a dedicated macro lens

Tiny Tim Loc: Forest of the Pacific Northwest

If you get to missing them, I have one and a couple of lenses in mint condition.