Fair points. I had a GAS attack two years ago and was deciding between a D850 and a Z7ii. I opted for the Z, partly because of the weight, and also bought the FTZ. Oh…I was using a D810 (which I still own), but had only been buying full frame glass since 2004, when I didn’t even know the difference. Lucky move on my part.

When I found out my D glass wasn’t as compatible as I’d like, I started buying Z glass. Yes…I have not replaced my 200-500, and being a newer lens, it works just fine on the Z. I’m currently debating a Z100-400, mostly for weight reasons for a trip I’m planning and don’t want to carry the beast. The counter-argument is that I doubt I’ll get the use out of it anyway.

My point: if you think you want the Z, buy it. You’ll wean into Z glass as you find a need.

C…I own a monopod with feet (as well as a few tripods). Works well on the few occasions I’ve had to use it. Mine has a ball head at the base so it will tilt.

The only other issue might be with autofocus compatibility. AF-S lenses, for instance, should be fine. D glass won’t autofocus, but exposure is ok.

Kenrockwell.com has a good compatibility chart.

On the other hand, my experience with Z glass has been excellent.

Roger that about Kirk L-brackets.

I have a Sirui W-2204, very sturdy, opens to almost 6 feet. My concern with the ST124 for you is the specs say it only opens to a little over 5 feet, guessing that’s with the center post fully up. Of course, still add about 6 inches for the ball head.

I also own a K-30X ball head, a bit beefier than the -10, but also appears to be a lower cost the -10 at BH. Together, a very sturdy combo, and I’m very pleased with Sirui build quality.

It appears that the price of the Benro geared head has climbed, but I’m smitten with mine…to the point of owning two for astrophotography.

Not on your radar, but I bought an iFootage Cobra monopod. Take a look to see if that might work for you as well.

I tried this years ago. A few things to buy:

Small tie-wraps to bundle wires of like signal (power separate from video separate from USB)

Tie wraps with a screw hole at the head to fasten to something sturdy

Corrugated wire bundling tubing in two or three diameters

Place the bundled wires into the tube, cut tube to length, attach to back of furniture with larger tie wraps and screws; you might just attach a few of these and then tie off the tubing with the smaller tie wraps

There’s a snip from Gavin Newsom’s zoom staff meeting where he tells about seeing someone walking out of Target without paying. He asks the cashier about it and she says ‘well, the governor…’

Eventually she realizes he’s the governor, but he has yet to realize what’s going on in his state.

I usually upload wirelessly to my iPad for editing, but plug directly into the camera for downloading to the computer. The cables live in the same pouch as my backup drives, so easy to find.

I use the SD slot on the computer when updating the firmware.

Yes…I have a card reader, I know it’s somewhere with the rest of my gear…

I think Tillamook comes in larger sizes than a pint, and I was paying about $6 for a quart or more.

Yes…a bit more expensive, but really good.

I gave it up to lose weight.

Tillamook Tillamook

Will you do the fandango?

There are basically three parts to an aircraft: fuselage, avionics, mechanical equipment

The fuselage is the obvious part we all recognize, but also the least technically challenging (ok…composites…but put that aside).

Most mechanical stuff (fuel system, engines, control actuators, pumps, generators) is bought, as is the avionics as an integrated package. Cost breakdown is approximately 20/40/40.

My company has been outsourcing fuselage work for decades, sometimes overseas. It just makes no sense to use high priced labor to do low skilled work. I remember watching a Taiwan nose get joined flawlessly to a Japanese cabin for the first time almost 30 years ago.

Yes…it is up to the engineers to design a supply chain that minimizes risks from noncompliance, and implement a quality control system that transcends borders and distances.

I did a site inspection for our wetlands commission a few months back, and the project engineer had one. Then, I was chatting with my new neighbor up the street, and he also had one. Gave him the name of my electrician so he can get a charging station installed.

When I win the big lottery, I’ll get one for the gardener to drive. I’ll also get built-in storage for my photo gear.

The guy looks frighteningly like my veterinarian.

Exactly. Sadly, this will be a lost art. I still shoot as if every shutter release is special, rarely blast and pray.

My mileage is different, and it’s worked out to be a net positive. We were making about 100% of our need (new addition, so things have changed a bit), and net cost is about 50% of the regulated utility. We went from $120 per month year round (pretty consistent) to $60 per month (varies between $30 and 90, higher in the summer when we make more and that’s our lease). That leaves about $13 month connect charge, that we have to pay to the grid 5 to 7 months a year. It’s a lease, so no out of pocket. It’s also a small system, so we don’t get the most favorable rate.

Also, we had a tree taken down, so are looking to more than double the installed system size at a flat rate of $90/month, cash back at the end of the year.