Take a look at the video of the guy who uses a screwdriver to scratch the surface of a lens of a bare unprotected lens. This has been discussed on UHH more than once. I do not want to start people agreeing to disagreeing about the protection of another glass element in front of one's lens. Make up your own mind.

What a loss.

If you want the best advice, look on this forum for Gene51. He has excellent specifications and suggestions.

Listen to Gene51. I did and have both of the recommended Feisol tripods due to Gene51's opinion. he . They are worth it. (I have a few tripods staying in the closet. I am not selling them because I don't want to deceive someone.) It is not weight that is important, it is vibration.

Search Gene51 in UHH. He has the most accurate tripod recommendations.

What a great gentleman you are. In a day and age where apologies are almost nonexistent, I really respect your opinions. What an example for all of us.

[quote=alexol]Backblaze and Acronis here - the former for offline backups, the latter for local backups to a NAS.

Recently I needed to recover a file - easily done through Acronis but a failure through Backblaze.

I have used Acronis for several years. I have never had the good service as in Acronis from any other software. FYI I do not use it for the Cloud Service option.

I need opinions on the value of an Olympus 30 mm MACRO LENS and opinions on FLASH for macro.I would like opinions with positive or negative advice.
I am moving from my Nikons (I have a 100mm macro I have been happy with.) to an Olympus OM D E M1 ii. I have pretty good lenses for the Olympus including the 60 mm macro. I have been very happy with the 60mm. My favorite shooting is macro. I spend most of my time on macro photography indoors and outdoors, indoors more than outdoors. I do like 1 to 1. I am looking at the Olympus 30mm macro. Would you please tell me your opinions or thoughts about purchasing this lens?
I need thoughts and opinions macro flashes. I have used a Yongnuo with my Nikons. I never have used flashes attached to the camera hot shoe. Usually hold or place the Flash on a mount. I also use a small diode light.
I am switching from my Nikons to Olympus OM D E M1ii. (It is due to weight; otherwise, I would stay with my Nikon D500.) What recommendations and opinions do you have, if I used more than my Olympus FL 600R such as another flash? What are the advantages and disadvantages to ring flash, dedicated duel macro flash, a more powerful single flash, or should I just stay with my FL 600R.
Once again I thank you for your consistently valued advice and opinions.
Terry Sandlin

I use my macro lenses mostly for macro and universal. This is about macro.

I need your wisdom, opinion, and advice, either positive or negative.
I am moving from my Nikon's (I have a 100mm Tokina macro I have been happy with.) to an Olympus OM D E M1 ii. I have good lenses for the Olympus including the 60 mm Tokina macro. I have been very happy with the 60mm. My favorite shooting is macro. I spend most of my time on macro photography indoors and outdoors, indoors more than outdoors. I do like 1 to 1. I am looking at the Olympus 30mm macro. Would you please tell me your opinions or thoughts about my purchasing the 30mm macro? I know it is very close to target.

Once again, that you for your valued advice.

Terry Sandlin

The Pixel is outstanding. I leave it on my D500 ALL THE TIME. It attaches to the side of the front side of the D500. It is small and does not take up essential space. Virtually weightless. I love it.

If you are interested, I have one that is almost identical for $100. I bought it this summer at a workshop camp because I left it at home. I hardly used it, maybe a few times. I had some medical problems.

I have some Feisol tripods and have no need to it. It is actually to heavy for me.
I will send pictures tomorrow if someone is interested. I live in Topeka, Kansas

Terry Sandlin "Latebloomer"
tsandlin@cox.net

Look up Gene51. He knows what he talks about.

This was great and made my day. Thanks. I needed that.

Great tripod! Look at some Gene51 tripod posts. He knows physics It is vibration instead that is more important than weight. Size of upper reg is also important.