The difference is that 1.2 volts from a 1.5 volt alkaline cell (which I am supposing is what you are referencing) represents a fairly depleted cell, especially if it is a no-load open circuit voltage. Once you put that cell under load, the voltage is going to drop quite a bit further, I'd expect. And even if it is not supplying any power to the flash, its increased internal resistance (one characteristic of a depleted cell) could be causing further problems.

I have and use two SB-800 Speedlights, but do not have experience with the SB-900. It would not surprise me if its newer, presumably more sophisticated design and circuitry just behaves differently from the SB-800.

Two things that continually amaze me when teaching photography is how badly clients have their cameras set up. So I am wondering how many here are taking advantage of some simple camera settings to help them shoot photos. First, I have no idea why this is so, but it seems all the cameras I look at require the user to active the cameras highlight alert to show blinkies in an image that is shot during playback. Why would you not want to have the highlight alert active? It seems to me the factory default should have the highlight alert on, and not have to be turned on by the user. I have been using the highlight alert exclusively for about four years now - more than a million shots - and I don't have any exposure problems. It is quick and easy and I can actually see the "blinkies" a lot easier than a little bit of rightmost data on the histogram. Second, for some reason cameras are set up to require the user to turn the shutter or aperture dial to the left (if using the top of the dial) to add light and move the histogram data to the right. It doesn't seem logical to have to turn dials left to move histogram data right. A client physicist pointed out this to me about 15 years ago and then I knew why I would use one of the custom settings on my cameras called "Reverse dial direction TV/AV." But it also works on manual. On all of my cameras, turning the exposure dials to the right adds light and moves the histogram data more right too. It is so logical to do it that way. I do have clients who insist they have learned to turn their dials left, to add light and move the histogram data right. But, when I observe them, I notice they are just as likely to turn the dial the wrong way as the right way, so I would point out that perhaps they should switch because it is not as intuitive as they assume it is for them.

Hi all, hope you can help me with some suggestions and/or opinions.

I have the opportunity to buy the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens, used, at a very good price from what I understand (asking USD 500, probably can get it by less) at least around my country.
I have thought of this lens to give macro a try and that may also be useful as a portrait lens.

It will be used on a D7200, so not sure if the crop factor would make it too long for portraits and I have read it has some breath issues for macro.
Could you let me know what your opinions are on this lens for these uses?
For portraits should I just stick to the 50mm 1.8?
For macros should I look for another one?

I have read very good reviews from Tokina's equivalent (if you can find it in stock), and I guess that there wouldn't be much difference in cost between new Tokina and used Nikon. I could wait until June/July when I may have the chance to buy a lens on the USA. Would you suggest this?

And finally, if I go for the used Nikon lens, is there something specific I could check/try with the lens to be sure there are no issues with it? (I think that is a little cheaper than I expected and that makes me doubt).

TIA as always!

Rich1939 I recall Tandy/Radio Shack in Nashville, it was spectacular. It had a central area which was entertaining... and 8 arms for different specialties... one for Software, one for children, an Audio, a TV, Computer and so on.

If ever I was bored, it was the place to go... it was mind exciting refreshing... each month new computers, new whatevers

Let us take a moment of silence and remember the loved Trash 80 ... "The TRS-80 Micro Computer System is a desktop microcomputer launched in 1977"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80

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Largobob ... wow, such excitement when the box from Heathkit was delivered. I recall sitting and working and not eating all day... building and picture wiring was a passion.

ok- -here's the real deal
!. we are i***ts, politically. most americans cannot name their congressman and their senators.
2. we are i***ts. most of my daughters' contemporaries cannot explain how a bill becomes law.
3. we are i***ts. the few of us who bother to get off our collective dead duff and v**e go into the booth, hold the nose, and pull the lever.
4. we are i***ts. we allow the power elite to promise us the sun and moon, and then make a bunch of lame-o excuses when they just use their power to fill their own coffers and trample what few right we have remaining.
we are i***ts. if you have a degree from Harvard (or, for that matter, any Ivy League or other elite university), it appears that you're smart enough to run things, even though you have no experience in running anything... other than your mouth.
5. we are i***ts. If I don't v**e for the black or the woman, i'm a misogynist bigot r****t from hell exploited of the masses... if I don't v**e from some 'protestant fundamentalist,' then i'm a bomb throwing pinko anarchist.
6. we are i***ts. and we elect i***ts, and we deserve what we get.




ok - the rant is over … it's safe to come out now, but next time you see a car with state senate plates on it, go ahead and wave - using all of your fingers is optional.