Rhino, sorry ... same difference ....

That's what I was wondering. Tikva ... hey - it's a hippo ... what do we know?

Thanks, Nikonman .... it is good to see some unbiased commentary from another Nikon user. The last one I read said something about - "if you're going to use a Tamron lens - buy a Tamron camera" which is what I thought to be the height of the arrogance exemplified by the Nikon users on here. BTW, I am a Nikon user, but I also use Canons, Sonys and even a Pentax. Just with everything else - I find cameras as tools, not dedications. And, I am always looking for the best deals on lenses. I am partial, though, to Tamrons (used mostly on my Canons) Sigmas and Tokinas - used primarily on Nikons, but I also have a few for my Canons, and one special 105 Macro for Sony.

Tommy - Tokina, unfortunately, no longer is in the medium to long zoom lens market. Their 50-135 was one of the best lenses, around - but, you can no longer buy it new. Their 80-400 was less than perfect, but it had a good reach, and could be bought for less than $300. There might still be some around - try Abe's of Maine. The Tamron SP 70-300 VC USD is probably the best medium zoom you can buy for $500. The Tamron 16-300 has also gotten some good reviews - also available now for about the same price. The 18-400 is a little more - around $650. Check out the Sigma 50-500. You might be able to find one refurbished for around $300. None of these are f2.8, though.

Tenba makes some TALL (single camera with long lens attached) bags. They are not that expensive - around $40 - go to their site, and look for the MIXX series. They come two-tone: black/red, black/blue, black/gold. The MIXX series also extends to some kit bags (in the same color combinations.) The kit bags will hold two cameras on the top with medium zooms attached, and 4-5 lenses, underneath. There is a trough down the middle, in which you can lay a long lens. They are quite well built, and have dual straps on the top - one for carrying, the other for flipping onto your shoulder. The kit bags are a little more - somewhere in the $50-60 range. AMAZON may still have a few. They are in the process of being phased out, though. But, lots of places still have them. Google it!

Oh, I see, Bill ... your LAWN - got it ...

I wondered about that.

Thanks for clarifying ....

kpmac - hummingspeak, huh?

Just curious ... could you HEAR them?

Or, were you too far away?

That's okay, Run ... about the stick ... it's a real neat pic, anyway ....

So, the guides told you he'd just been born five days before you shot him, huh?

Have you been back, since - to see how much he's grown, since?

CO - I do realize that, looking back on it. Sometimes, when I comment, I use the established norm when I answer e-mail. It works, properly, in that venue, but, I do see it is not an appropriate usage, here. I shall attempt to reign in on future commentary. Thanks. Also, I do appreciate the support sentiment. Thanks, Co ....

Nothing soft about those, Bill ....

Green background? ... Is that natural, or did you post-process?

Ah, yes - but what were they humming, Mac?

What a NEAT pic, Run ....

Of course - you can't see much of the stick, but, still ....

Five days old, huh? .... Sign at Kruger?

Of course, Canon USA sells the T6 for $599 ... whereas you can get it, just about everywhere for $100 less ....

Considering Canon USA sells it for $549 - it sounds like a steal ....

Too good to be true ....

There must be a hitch, eluchansky ....

Interesting pics, Rich .... thanks for sharing ....