The ones *I* own, they're about the same. The 70-200 f2.8, the 105 f2.8 are almost exactly the same (actually the 105 is less long and a bit thicker)..the 24-70 f4 nor 14-30 f4 I have no comparison, but they are fairly light and manageable. The newer 40 f2 is thinner than my olde 50's (which I've kept). But, really, it's the optics...right? <shrug> I'd imagine the Z mount
requires some new engineering, eh?

Nice work, Bill. I'm a cabinet maker by trade, so making frames is pretty much second nature, but I truly appreciate those woodworker/nonprofessionals who've solved the problems involved with creating
quality frames, 'cuz it ain't easy, lolol...

...I bought a 200-500 f5.6 a few years back and, ugh, the collar was terrible and I replaced it with the Kirk offering...not bad at all (and I flip between portrait and landscape alot, so it had to be good). In the meantime I transitioned to mirrorless so had to (I know...I don't *really*) get Z mount glass. As soon as it came out I got the 100-400 "S" lens...smooth as silk. Same with the 70-200 f2/8. Of course, we who "bird" waited for the 180-600 and I got one as soon as NPS could wangle it. Nice price, great glass and again, not being an "S" lens, not-so-great collar. Sigh. I can *almost*make it work (which puts it ahead of the 200-500 experience) but yesterday I checked with Kirk and, indeed, they have one...haha, although it's sold out until February! I'll betcha, tho', that Kirk makes one for your lens and they design well.

Haha, FIF! Great shots!

...I started with LR when it came out. Had my 1st DSLR for maybe a year. Since then I've tried most of the independent offerings (and actually use ON! to give me options for IR work). Don't be intimidated, jeeze it's just software...learn it!

...your quote shows where you're at. This is "panning" right, or is it a super slow shutter? I try panning at airshows lately to get the props to blur and the machine itself to be in focus...lots of tries! Haha, great effort man!

I meet younger photogs seemingly every time I go out (which is at least 2 or 3 times a week). I see high schoolers at football games when I'm there with my band kids...where I'm also trying to get some football-shooting chops or just shoot the band when they perform. It's not hard to strike up a conversation, and most of the time I'm approached by them...maybe cuz I have nice equipment and am doing the same activity *they* are. I go to the pier often here in Huntington Beach and, again, no problems conversing about mutual passions. With the younger kids there's certainly a bit of mentoring going on, and even adults, too...lots of times it's a peer thing and that's never boring, haha. It's all in staying active and open, as opposed to "stay off my lawn." I personally would welcome younger members, I don't think they'd be out to *change* anything per se (assuming a thirst for knowledge is there)...AFA the antagonism around here, I'm positive young folks are far hipper than we are, with social media and all, and would maybe even join in the fray, lol...<shrug> hell, why not!

Jerry, I can tell you haven't been around musicians much...ijs...

...my VA experience must be in the minority, then. Recent cataract surgery, hernia, and just got a new shoulder installed...regular appts at various clinics, rehab, treatment for PTSD, etc., etc. I have plenty of friends that have difficulties with their various health plans...<shrug> not me. Oh, as far as the sleep thing, I'm so active with no "habits" that it's not that much of an issue...

I've been enjoying your work since you started messing with AI...you're getting better every project, so enjoy, and continue to produce art!

...and I <shrug> totally agree with his assessment. I went from my D5 to the Z9 *almost* without a hiccup, mostly because I was very familiar with Nikon's menu system. In fact, all my upgrades since buying my D70s in '06, have been fairly easy because of said familiarity. Sure, there were aspects of each upgrade that needed to be mastered and me, being in the same place as our
OP, never really got into the esoteric nature of Nikon's literature. We all learn differently and I gravitate to trusted sources that have served me well for years...most of them on YouTube. Visual learners in general approach getting a working knowledge of something this way...through *seeing* how it's done, or really good written tracts that lay it out in an understandable manner. This is nothing against those who choose to dig in to the manual, not at all, but only to bring it forward that there are other ways of doing things. The Z9 to me was initially difficult to set up, so I found both Steve Perry and Hudson Henry to be super helpful...but I was out shooting with it hours after unpacking it, because I *could*! I'm now very intuitive operating the camera, but even so, with firmware updates and such, I tend to watch alot of vids...some not so helpful, some with a nugget or two, and some just badass. So, to each his or her own...and shoot 'til you can't do it anymore!

I'm enjoying life more than ever...you couldn't pay me enough money to go back there. LOL!

I learned not to trust the printer, as I have more than one. I print out of Photoshop exclusively and let it handle color. <shrug> I think, though, that this aspect is at the root of the problem.

The Flag Code is The Flag Code. Respect it...or not. It is a "guidline" and as such is in place for those who respect the colors and want to display them correctly. If you're military, active or inactive, it's just the rules. I started learning Flag Code in Boy Scouting and then later when competing in Legion and VFW sanctioned events.

Here's the flag code. I've been involved with marching groups through the years and there are definitely rights and wrongs in display.

https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/flagcode.pdf