I have a 24-240 R lens that I purchased for my R5. Although I haven't used it extensively yet the images I have shot have been as good as what I normally see from my 5D IV and 24-105L lens. I bought the lens primarily after reading Ken Rockwell's review of it and haven't been disappointed. I rarely enlarge anything past 8 1/2 by 11 and primarily do travel photography so it works perfectly for me. I already have an EF 16-35L lens and I plan to get a 100-500R next and then I'll have all the range I should ever need. You're correct, the reviews have been mixed, but by using either the in camera corrections or the corrections in Lightroom the problems that some reviewers have described go away.

It really depends on what you expect to be shooting. For flowers in the conservatory I usually use either a 150 or 180 macro, and a speed light with a large bounce (12x18) with a radio trigger. I use a longer lens outside, often with a reflector used as a shade if it is sunny.

But the Kusama exhibit is different. I would suggest that the macro and the 24-70 might be sufficient. I cannot think of a situation when you would need anything wider.

I used to live about 15 mins from the Botanical Gardens and visited the place at least once a week, except during bird migration season, when I would be there 5 days a week. Having a membership that allowed early morning access and free parking was a BIG plus. Right now there should be a irruption of hummingbirds - on the southeast side of the conservatory on the Ladies Border, and sucking up the nectar from the Jewelweed flowers, Cardinal Flowers and others in and around the Native Plant Garden, Mitsubishi Wild Wetland Trail and the Bridge Trail.

If you go there early, you should have pretty much unrestricted access to the outdoor portions of the Kusama exhibit, and for a short while inside the conservatory. But when it gets crowded, they could restrict photography, though I've never seen that done. They will more often restrict access to keep the crowds to a manageable level, like during the Christmas Train Show.

If you have these lenses then bring them all.
I still get confused if you spend that kind of money on equipment and are clueless as to how to use it or what it is used for.
Why did you buy it then except to show off you got it?
Have you ever used the lenses you have to see what they do?
It just amazes me this sort of question.
I would bring my 10-18, 24-105, 100-400, 8mm fisheye and leave the macro at home as the 100-400 in that situation would be most excellent for the close-up shots.

A link? You get your reality from a link? Man, it's all around us, if you actually get out and about. In the last couple weeks all sorts of things are experiencing labor shortfalls, hospitals that can't fully staff because of SICK personnel, trucking companies that have people out in quarantine, restaurants with few wait staff, fast food joints drive-in only, slow mail service, on and on. I know personally of numerous businesses and medical facilities that are approaching crisis levels of understaffing because their people are sick. Real observations. Prove it with a link indeed. Get your head out of the search engines and open your eyes.

Hello Folks;

A member of the wonderful KEH Sales Department just reached out to me in regard to an order that has been delayed because of shipping difficulties now being experienced at the FedEx Hub in Austell Georgia.

KEH has always provided stellar support and product over the past decade and the fact that they got back to me so quickly speaks well of their integrity. If you have purchased or sent equipment to KEH recently then there may be unexpected delays...

Below is the message I just received moments ago...

"Hello Thomas and thanks for your purchase.

Unfortunately with the new c***d outbreaks among non v******ted people is once again causing shipping disruptions and heavy delays.

We have been instructed by FedEx to ask that customers remain patience and the order will process through their system. Or the customer can have us reach out to FedEx for the item to be returned to us for a refund.

Current delays are running about 10-14 days out of the Austell hub..."

Hope this helps to bring clarity to those currently relying on KEH.
Please stay safe. Thanks!

Kobe, which is a Wagyu beef derives from four specific breeds of cattle from Japan. While Japanese Wagyu is much more expensive, the cuts in the OP are from a certified New Zealand ranch. There are American cattle ranches that are certified to raise one of the four breeds of this cattle, and it is slightly cheaper.

What makes them worth that price? Well, if one likes a well marbled steak, Wagyu steak has finer striations of fat dispersed throughout the meat which provides more flavor and tenderness. I find beef such as Tomahawk and Black Angus a little tougher and less flavorful than Wagyu.

If you ever get a chance to compare it side by side our typical american beef breeds, you can visibly see the difference.

Of course, it's not for everyone, and it's all subjective to one's taste, so if the prime cuts found in Fresh Market suite your tastes, then that is all that matters.