When you pack that tripod, remember that the airlines usually have a 50 pound limit. I generally take a very compact tripod thing in my carryone. I have found that there is generally something to put it on.
I have seem some beautiful shots of toilet bowls. As they say, "what ever works"
I am sure that the advancement in cameras will eventually slow. As an ex-aerospace engineer, I know that the technology on the drawing boards, won't be public for years. We had things that weren't available to the public for 20-25 years. Each milestone will be more difficult than the last. But there will always some new innovation to encourage us all to lust for the latest new thing.
Interesting question. I think a person that buys a camera is about as much of a photographer as the person that buys an airplane is immediately a pilot or buying a hammer and a chisel make you a sculpture. Buy a can of paint and suddenly becomes an artist. No, we are not all photographers. As in any trade, there is a learning curve, To some, it is easy, to others it will never happen. I do believe that there are as many good amateurs as there are not so good professionals. Or to put is another way. If you are an amateur it doesn't mean you that you shoot mediocre pictures just as being a pro doesn't mean you very good. And just because you own a camera does not make you a Photographer. What you do with your pictures is your own business and what you call yourself is up to you.
Although the short zooms are very good, I have always noticed that I miss shots because there was no time or no ambition to change lenses. The wife and I took the New England/Canada FALL COLOR cruise last year. I took my SONY A77 and my trusty SIGMA 18-250mm lens. At f3.5, I found it to be fast enough and wide enough for 99.5% for anything requiring wide angle. The 250mm end gave me plenty of telephoto for the distant lighthouses and shore to ship shots. The crop sensor actually means I was shooting 27-375mm(35mm equiv) It is only about 4" long and is macro capable, weights 1 pound. It is priced for Sony at $499 at B&H. Probably less if you shop around. Have fun.
If you find a 5oz, 700mm, F1.8 lens for under $300, grab it and run. It has never been made. The front element on an F1.8 700mm alone, would weight more than 5 oz. Go to E-BAY.com. They have a great selection and pricing is closer to what you are hoping for.
If you find a 5oz, 700mm, F1.8 lens for under $300, grab it and run. It has never been made. The front element on an F1.8 700mm alone, would weight more than 5 oz. Go to E-BAY.com. They have a great selection and pricing is closer to what you are hoping for.
The only thing that I see different on my batteries is that mine does not say Europe only and half of mine say 7.2V the other half say 7.4 volts. They all have worked fine for years. I say use yours and don't worry about it.
I also would suggest a 50mm for a starter lens, it's small and can be purchased for less money. A F1.4 to F2 will still be handy later as he advances. If he loses interest, you don't have a great investment and you could even use it yourself. Try E-BAY or even your local pawn shop. many people dump their 50mm lenses as soon as they get a zoom lens. There are a lot on the market.
Does it really matter who uses what. The best pro out there may have habits the would be clumsy to the rest of us. Over the years you will fall into the groove that is the most comfortable for you. Trying what someone else does is experimental. If it works fine, but it is rather dumb to continue using it only if so-and-so uses it.
Read the reply from mizzee. The wife and I are taking river cruise # 4 or 5 in September. Not a lot to shoot from the ship. The shore tours are great. I take a Sony APS-C, a 18-250, a 10-20 and a fast 50mm. My bag is a backpack. This leaves both hands free. Maybe throw in a fast to open monopod. Tripods are not allowed in a lot of places and get kicked in a crowd. Have fun.
I also agree with dpullum. RAW allows you to tweek or even modify a picture that you couldn't do in the camera. Going auto anything in post processing seems to make shooting RAW pointless. There is a lot you can do in JPEG with out the hassle.
There is a small arca swiss clamp out there that has dual bubbles built-in. Its small and cheap plus it will accept all SA plates. I love my setup.
Manfrotto 3232 costs very little and you can go from horizontal to vertical with a twist of the little knob. Add a Arca Swiss quick release and your out about $30. Mine is on my monopod and works great. Everything is available on EBAY.