Hobby Lobby and Michaels carries nonreflective glass also. It does cost more than the nonreflective glass.

Why would you need hundreds of photos to focus stack? I have an Olympus MK III and can focus stack in-camera with 8 images and get great results. The camera takes the 8 RAW files and after processing them (in camera) creates a JPG version. I have taken the 8 RAW and used both Photoshop and Helicon to post-process them -focus stacking.
I can't really see a great difference. I would say that Helicon did do a little better.

I have the original camera batteries, and I have bought 3rd party batteries. My experience is that the original camera batteries last much longer than the 3rd part batteries. It was disappointing. So if I need another battery I will get OEM batteries.

What decision lets you sleep at night?

The Lensbaby lenses are completely different than regular lenses. They are intended for creative photography. They are not electronically connected to your camera. You do not get metadata. But they are a lot of fun to use. Check out the Lensbaby webpage for great videos on how to use each lens.

That is a very detailed video on how to grease the ball head. Not so sure I would want to try that myself.

I was born in Wisconsin- lived there for 22 years. Then spent 17 years in Anchorage, Alaska. I did not know you could see Northern Lights in Wisconsin.

Here is a good book on Composition:
The Understanding Composition Photography Guide
Posted: 05/14/2022

So many new photographers think the key to great images is going to beautiful places and pressing the shutter button. But how you compose a shot is actually one of the most important parts of the equation. This in-depth guide is designed to give you a complete understanding of composition fundamentals, taught through 81 easy-to-follow pages of training, illustrations, and assignments. It is currently 62% off today if you want to check it out. Deal found here: The Understanding Composition eBook at 62% Off

understanding composition
Understanding Composition

The author of this brilliant composition guide is Kent DuFault. Kent has been involved in photography since 1974, so he brings decades of experience right into your home. His images have won numerous awards, they’ve been published in magazines around the world, and he even operated his own commercial photography studio for three decades.

“You can have the most beautiful model, or the most gorgeous landscape, but if your composition is crap—so is your image.”

Truer words couldn’t be spoken.

Some of the Many Topics Covered:
The key elements of composition so you’ll be on your way to taking award winning shots in no time
How you can avoid the embarrassing composition mistakes many (especially newer) photographers make
Exactly what composition is & how to use this to really turn your photos around so you’re proud to share them with your friends
How to spot great composition in a scene quickly, so you don’t miss out on those ‘once off’ shots again
How to use light & pointing elements to improve the strength of your compositions
How to avoid ‘composition element overload’, so that you always produce simple, beautiful photographs
How to determine the flow of a scene so that ‘setting up’ the perfect shot seems almost effortless
How to command your viewers attention by creating balance in your photographs
What POV even is and why you need to understand it so you can really ‘get’ composition
The background story of where composition principles actually came from, so that you have a clear understanding of this fundamental skill
Why controlling composition is the best way to improve your photographs and start shooting more creatively
And so much more!

I think that where you placed the moon is a much better photo. If the moon is the main actor in this photo having it mostly in the center does not do it justice. Just MHO

Even Canon makes mirrorless cameras!

Photography is an art form. Instead of a canvas and paint, you are using a camera and post-processing tools. You are the photo artist. If you stood at that spot long enough I'm sure you would see a similar sky. Unless you are entering it in a photography contest where that type of alterations are not allowed you don't have to disclose anything to anyone. I'd bet many paintings have things added or left out from the scene when the artist does a painting. It's composition and lighting. You're the master of your creation. What I always say " What other people think of my work is none of my business". I'm "making" photos for myself, the way I like them. End of story. Have a great day and keep shooting and post-processing.

That is true. I have Allstate and add all my camera equipment on a rider and provided receipts for proof of cost.
I think my policy covers lost or damaged?

Yes- There are a lot of good books on Amazon and the USED prices are good.

I AGREE with you. I am a member of some photography clubs. Members post images on FaceBook and other members say "great shot" or something like that. And some of the members expressing this comment are really good photograpers. And how they see "said" image as great is beyond me. Being a nice guy all the time-especially when it comes to commenting on someones photography is not especially helpful. Be an AA when it comes to commenting on others' work.

I believe he was talking about Graduated ND filters. The built-in ND filter in the Olympus is a full (electronic)
ND filter not Graduated ND filter. I have the MK III.

The landscape he is showing with the jagged skyline will not work well with a graduated ND filter so as suggested do it on post processing. No filter cost.