I second all the positive things that have already been said and really can't add more. I've purchased a Canon 7Ti (used) and a Canon 300 mm f/4 IS lens. Both were in excellent condition when received and have worked perfectly ever since.

Hope that helps.

Love, love, love the shot. Thanks for sharing.

We did Colorado, Wyoming and Utah last August seeing the eclipse in Glendo, WY. We flew into Denver a few nights before the eclipse and made our way to Alamosa, CO to go to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which I saw mentioned here a couple of times. That was awesome although I think you could do better for dark skies because of the light dome from Alamosa. We then drove to Montrose, CO to go to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is spectacular. I scoped out a site to come back that night to do some astrophotography. When I got back to the spot, it was quite dark but the light dome from Montrose interfered with the Milky Way. The zenith and towards the east had good darkness but it was disappointing due to the light dome interference with the Mikly Way. The next day we drove to Gunnison, CO. I reserved 3 hours of time at the Gunnison Valley Observatory where they have a 31" telescope, which allowed us to see several nebula, star clusters and galaxies. Unfortunately, it was fairly cloudy that night but still was something I never thought I'd get a chance to do. On the drive back to Montrose, I found a little pull off along Rt 50 that the docent from the observatory mentioned to me that had an incredible view to the south. I decided to pull over to see if the clouds had cleared off. Where I stopped and got out of the car, the only available ambient light was from the heavens above. SORRY, I HIT THE SEND BUTTON BY MISTAKE. I had never been witness to skies as dark as these. Its humbling to know there are billions of suns above my head who's light started its pathway to my retinas millions of years ago. I took out the tripod, 6D and 24 mm f1.4 Rokinon lens to try and captured what I was seeing. That turned out to be my first real astrophotograph, which I was pretty pleased with for a first real go. My point is, when your in that area of the country, you don't have to be at a NP or landmark to have the opportunity to see and photograph as I did. At night, just look up where ever you are. I'd love to show you the photo...I'M HAVING A REAL PROBLEM HITTING THE SUBMIT BUTTON... but I don't know how to do it but will learn and post it. OK NOW I'M DONE...NOW WHERE'S THAT SUBMIT BUTTON?

Absolutely stunning group of photos. You picked a very striking model; his colors are magnificent. Yet more photography for me to aspire. Thanks for sharing your work.

Extraordinary! A shot I aspire to take. Thanks so much for sharing.

I've got the Audi but can't afford the Gitzo...just about to head out to pick up the Audi from the tire store...32,500 miles starts my third set of new tires.

WOW! So 3-dimensonal and velvety. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for your very informative response. It helped me learn something new today.

Very helpful.

I think now that I know there may be lens distortion, I might could see it in the 1st and 3 rd photo but those that don't know better would think they're perfect.

If you don't mind and simply for my information, why do you think you'd do better with the 77D vs 6D and will a 2 mm difference in lens from 14 to 16 make that much difference?


Best,

Jay

I'm just learning astrophotography and think they are wonderful. Why don't you like them and what lens would you choose next time?

I've traveled to China and extensively to India. Two things that are staples in my pack are Imodium and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, 500 mg. Although I've never developed lower GI issues, invariably someone I'm traveling with done and its Godsend to have these meds with you. Start them at the first sign of distress and downtime will be minimal. As long as the food is cooked, you won't have problems but dont eat anything raw (including in the hotels). Be cautious against swallowing any water except bottled from cleaning your teeth or showering. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth, even in good hotels and ensure the seal is intact before drinking. As heartbreaking as beggars are, which include many children, resist the temptation to give them anything. If you do, you're likely to be swarmed by others in close proximity. The Chinese culture, history, architecture, art and people are stunningly amazing. Talk about talent, I had a bus driver who parallel parked a bus equivalent to a Greyhound in a space barely able to fit the bus. The food is amazing. Don't be afraid to eat anything as long as it's been cooked. I've had donkey and frog mucous (as it was described to me) that is highly prized for the gonadotropins it is believed to contain to enhance male virility. Malarkey? Maybe but it was said with sincerity and makes a good story if nothing else. The Chinese also snack on duck tongue...a little bit to much cartilage for my taste. Be careful when eating pieces of meat because they are likely to contain bones or pieces of gristle. Try to go to a dumpling dinner, you'll be blown away with the beauty and creativity. Finally, if you have the chance, visit Xian. The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses of the First Emperor Qin is one of the world's greatest discoveries that didn't happen until 1974.

Enjoy your trip and I hope you're able to take away at least one nugget of information.

My apology to everyone as well. This is my first post and not sure if I did it correctly.