Thanks Allen. The longest lens I have ever used is a 300mm - can't imagine how much practice is needed for anything longer, especially a 500. Will we see a new avatar? Not that there's anything lacking in your current one.

Truly beautiful, Allen. What gear were you using?

[quote=Allen Hirsch]I can't remember ever seeing a GBH in this park before, and I go there quite often. It was stalking prey, though I never saw it catch anything while I watched. It gave me some nice poses, though:

Thanks rp2s. I visited the website and just finished reading thru the entire list of 136 reviews rated @ "9.1 out of 10". But even here the deception can be effective IF you don't actually read the reviews - either 5 stars or the minimum 1 star. There are only 16 1's but they are enlightening, detailed, articulate, intelligent and painful to read. The 5's are one or two lines full of bad grammar and repetitiveness. Looks like this company thinks it knows how to game all the systems.
Thanks for the tip - I'd say it's must-read stuff if you want to learn first-hand how a scam works.
Everyone's sure helped me, I hope others pay attention.

I've used Nikon's site for some time but never to verify a seller. Thanks for the resource.

To all: thanks, especially for the detailed info and the reminder of what Buckwheat said.

An online company called Closeout Digital has some fantastic deals, i.e.; a D800 for $1,900!!! and claim that they are authorized dealers for all the major manufacturers. Anyone have anything to say about them?

Good on you Toolking.

You must have been reading my mind - I'm watching and thinking the same thing. But as a lifelong Nikon shooter, I can't think of any reasonable, rational, intelligent answer to that dilemma. Besides, I've always wondered what the attractions for those white (beige) lenses were. Must be "look at me!"