A couple of days ago I came upon a You Tube video by The Angry Photographer A.K.A. Theoria Apophasis or simply Ken Wheeler.
The title of it is " Epic OMG Unbelievable Photography Hoax." It is 5 minutes and 12 seconds in duration. It concerns a conversation he had with a long time friend of his concerning an elderly lady who purchased a Nikon D750 from 42nd St. Photo. She paid about $ 2400.00 for the lens and camera which is about right, However they socked her about $2300.00 extra for such things as warranties for the lens and body, 500.00 for a card worth about $60.00, $500.00 for filters worth about $20.00 apiece etc. There is a link posted by Wheeler's friend on his video showing the itemized bill of sale. It is https://www.flickr.com/photos/1347461
He said he believes that it is authentic. I know some members occasionally inquire about this company. I have no personal vendetta against this outfit. I'm just passing this along. It may be or not useful information for some people.

Just returned to U.S. from Costa Rica bird shoot via LAX for connecting flight to Hawaii and was very surprised to have my bags singled out from the scanner by a TSA agent calling out "photography equipment"! I had 3 Nikon bodies and 4 lenses in my camera back pack and they took the pack to an inspection table and took all bodies and lenses out examining each one in detail. Even had to remove caps from both ends of the lenses so they could "see if they can see light through them". My question to traveling Hogs is has anyone else traveling recently through U.S. airports been subjected to this time consuming and detailed exam? Is it part of the new "getting tougher on security" policy announced late last year or have I just been lucky before not to have encountered such a probing inspection?

I thought the whole purpose of the group was to share and learn. That sometimes involves discussion and comparing methods and results. Does not have to be a "debate", per se. Oh, and that's why they have Subjects and you can always Unwatch a thread.

I don't see why you have to criticize others' opinions. It's a matter of choice.

Feel free to Unwatch but don't tell me or others what to do or not do, unless its constructive.

Can't believe I have to explain this to so called "adults".

I am looking to purchase equipment for the following types of pictures that I take. Up close shots of jewelry for my jewelry store (for posting online), landscape shots as I live next to Glacier National Park, indoor gymnasium shots as I have children that are active in sports. I have a budget of approx $6000. I do own a Nikon d300 with 18-200 nikon lens and 35mm 1.8 lens and a nice larger tripod. I have never really liked this camera body and not sure why so am considering trading/selling it. Thanks for any suggestions.